A project conceived by an Aberdeen University academic to remove rubbish from the sea has made it to the semi-finals of a national entrepreneurial programme.
The Seaclean initiative, the brainchild of Charlie Wilson from Aberdeen University’s research and innovation team, aims to retrieve waste from seas and rivers and transform it into useful raw materials.
It grinds the items down and turns them into useful products such as bricks for the constriction industry.
Mr Wilson is now one of 32 entrepreneurs to progress into the next stage of the Converge Kick Start Challenge, a programme for university staff, students and graduates across Scotland.
He hopes to initially offer the service to local councils, and eventually major companies.
Mr Wilson said: “Both nationally and internationally, waste dumped at sea from oilfield, fishing, cruise ships and simple dumping is affecting beaches, coastlines and rivers.
“The effect is immeasurable, but Seaclean can make an impact by recycling all collected debris into useable plastic bricks for the construction industry, and cash in on the high scrap values for metal waste.”
If he makes it to the finals taking place in February, Mr Wilson could have the chance to win a £10,000 cash prize.
