Seacork Studio Awarded $306,000 from Natural Products Canada to Advance Manufacturing Innovation for Seaweed-Based Acoustic Panels

Vancouver, B.C., 2025-11-17 — Seacork Studio Inc., a Vancouver biobased material studio company creating carbon-storing acoustic panels from seaweed, has been awarded $306,000 in funding from Natural Products Canada (NPC) through its Proof of Concept program. The investment will support critical R&D to scale Seacork’s manufacturing process, specifically improving the efficiency of the dewatering process of its seaweed-based building materials.

Seacork develops 100% compostable, carbon-storing acoustic panels designed for commercial and institutional buildings such as offices, classrooms, hospitality spaces, and community facilities. Made from locally sourced seaweeds, the panels offer a sustainable alternative to conventional acoustic materials that rely on carbon-intensive plastics, polyester foams, and mineral fibers, which typically end up in landfills after 5–15 years.

Advancing Breakthrough Biobased Materials for the Built Environment

The NPC-funded project focuses on improving production efficiency and enhancing material consistency at scale. The research will enable Seacork to transition from lab-scale manufacturing to reliable pilot production, an essential step in preparing for commercial launch.

Over the coming months, the funding will support efforts such as:

• Refining material processing techniques to reduce water and energy use

• Improving panel formulation and performance consistency across batches

• Strengthening Seacork’s scalable seaweed supply chain with partners across the Pacific Northwest

• Preparing for commercial-scale manufacturing and upcoming pilot installations

“This support from Natural Products Canada is instrumental in helping us unlock the next phase of our manufacturing development,” said Annie Dahan, Founder and CEO of Seacork Studio. “Seaweed, when harvested and managed appropriately, offers an abundant, regenerative resource for the building industry. Funding from NPC enables us to refine our process, improve technical performance, and bring this regenerative material to market at scale.”

"Seacork Studio is an excellent example of Canadian innovation, said Shelley King, Founder and CEO of Natural Products Canada. "They are solving a big problem for the construction industry. Their seaweed-based panels will make buildings healthier and support a circular, ocean-positive bioeconomy. NPC is thrilled to provide this funding. It will help Seacork solve the technical challenges of scaling up and get their product to market faster."

Supporting a Circular, Ocean-Positive Bioeconomy

Seacork’s model transforms invasive species and residual seaweed streams into high-performing acoustic panels, creating incentives for coastal ecosystem restoration while contributing to Canada’s emerging biobased materials sector. The company’s work aligns strongly with NPC’s mandate to accelerate the commercialization of natural product innovations with global environmental and economic impact.

As part of its funding agreement, Seacork will participate in Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster, deepening collaboration with researchers, suppliers, and commercialization partners across the country.

About Seacork Studio Inc.: Seacork Studio is a Vancouver-based biobased material studio developing carbon-storing acoustic panels and regenerative building materials made from seaweed. By combining material science, circular design, and ocean stewardship, Seacork delivers high-performance products that reduce emissions, eliminate waste, and restore marine ecosystems. Learn more at www.seacorkstudio.com.

About Natural Products Canada: Natural Products Canada (NPC) is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster—a strategic and diverse community focused on the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies in health and life sciences, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, and sustainable bioproducts. As part of its role in the Cluster, NPC offers in-depth advice and a suite of commercialization programs to Canadian early-stage companies and research institutes; provides connections and innovation scouting services to corporations and investors; and leverages an investment fund (Nàdarra Ventures) to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities. NPC has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, administered by the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR) program, administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence.