Australian biotech company partners with Indonesia on seaweed supply

Australian biotechnology company Uluu has announced the expansion of its operations in Indonesia through the establishment of PT Uluu Solusi Indonesia. The company is partnering with local seaweed farmers and suppliers in South Sulawesi to develop seaweed-based materials as a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-based plastics. The initiative marks a significant step in the company's goal to replace traditional plastics with eco-friendly solutions derived from marine resources.

As the world's second-largest seaweed producer, Indonesia plays a vital role in Uluu's global mission. Dian Kurniawati, President Director of PT Uluu Solusi Indonesia, emphasized that the company's local presence will strengthen collaboration with farmers and partners, ensuring responsible and traceable cultivation practices from the source to the final market. This commitment to transparency is essential for building a robust supply chain that meets international quality and sustainability expectations.

The company has already completed its first shipment of fully traceable seaweed sourced from CV Persada Semesta in South Sulawesi. This achievement was made possible through a digital traceability system developed in collaboration with supply-chain technology firm Koltiva, which tracks the origin and movement of seaweed through every stage of processing and logistics. Such visibility helps the company optimize its supply chain and ensure that raw materials meet strict industrial requirements.

Furthermore, Uluu and its partners have launched an Aquaculture Improvement Program (AIP) in Luwu, South Sulawesi, under the Seafood Savers initiative by WWF-Indonesia. The program is designed to modernize farming management systems and align them with the prestigious ASC-MSC Seaweed Standard. By guiding local suppliers toward this certification, Uluu is working to create Indonesia's first independently certified and traceable seaweed supply chain, ensuring ethical and environmental compliance.

By securing a consistent, certified supply of raw materials, Uluu aims to accelerate the commercialization of its seaweed-based products. This partnership not only supports the global demand for sustainable materials but also empowers local Indonesian seaweed farmers by providing them with access to high-value international markets, ultimately promoting a more sustainable and economically viable future for the regional aquaculture sector.