Helen Banner holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and focuses on sustainable materials for applications in construction and packaging. She has led innovative projects in advanced manufacturing and technology development and has contributed to initiatives supporting tech and innovation ecosystems. With a multidisciplinary background in engineering and design, Helen applies her expertise to global sustainability challenges. She has received competitive fellowships and awards.
Represented Organization
ALGENOVAS
Key Innovation
This technology develops algae-based biocomposites using wastewater-grown algae combined with regionally sourced agricultural waste, producing sustainable, carbon-sequestering materials. The biocomposites demonstrate strong compressive mechanical performance, surpassing particleboard, MDF, and OSB, with tunable properties via fabrication pressure, fiber treatments, and algae pre-processing methods. Unlike many existing bio-derived materials that are partially polymer-based or non-biodegradable, these composites are fully biodegradable and locally manufacturable. Bench-scale proof of concept has been achieved, one patent granted with a provisional patent submitted, and a preliminary techno-economic analysis completed. Early commercialization is underway in the cosmetics packaging market, with future applications planned for furniture manufacturing and non-structural construction materials such as insulation.
Target Market
The technology addresses global demand for biodegradable, nontoxic, low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics and particleboards, supporting regulatory compliance with single-use plastic bans. It enables local material manufacturing and efficient repurposing of agricultural waste, while reducing reliance on freshwater and arable land.
Initial markets include consumer goods packaging, with long-term expansion into construction materials and furniture manufacturing. Key competitors in adjacent sustainable material markets include Ecovative (mycelium-based packaging), UBQ Materials (municipal solid waste composites), Notpla (seaweed-based packaging), Trex (recycled composite decking), and Biohm (mycelium insulation and panels).
ORNL Principal Investigator
- Kashif Nawaz - Section Head, Buildings and Transportation Science Division , Energy Science and Technology Directorate