The sargassum phenomenon affects much of the Caribbean coastline. Thousands of floating clumps, each about a hectare in size, drift into the Caribbean Sea, washing up on the coast and wreaking havoc.

This particleboard made from 100% sargassum seaweed has been developed in the laboratory. The processes used release the polysaccharides present in the seaweed and act as a natural binder. Totally biodegradable, its structural strength is like that of conventional particleboard used in the furniture industry (chipboard, medium board, OSB), which is made from sawmill waste and bonded with glue, solvents and chemicals.