A paper published by Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in the Algal Research journal has revealed that seaweed extracts can be turned into an alternative biodegradable plastic, suitable for future food packaging applications.
The Welsh university states that scientists have combined the seaweed extract alginate with other biological compounds to strengthen the new plastic and make it more elastic, for use as food wrappings. The extracts are made into a powder and mixed with water, then heated and cast into moulds to create film.
Apparently, the new plastics are being tested for properties including strength, antibacterial qualities and water resistance. The university adds that in 2022, plastic films accounted for just under a third of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced around the world, and 15 billion kgs of plastic waste enters the marine environment every year.
Dr Jessica Adams, from Aberystwyth University IBERS, commented:
“Seaweed has so many special and unique properties […] films produced from alginate are completely biodegradable, making this a completely circular product. It can be used to form thin, transparent plastic-like sheets that have many valuable traits, making them excellent candidates for replacing food wrapping.”
The research was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and food company Samworth Brothers.
In related news, cleaning brand Homethings has announced it is utilizing Kelpi’s seaweed-based coatings for the next generation of its refill sachets. Kelpi states that its bioplastic packaging is biodegradable and marine-safe, decomposing in less than a year after use without leaving toxins behind.
Earlier this month, noriware introduced its seaweed-based top seal film for fruit and vegetable packaging, intended to help retailers align with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s single-use plastic ban for fresh produce. The film is designed to be exempt from the legislative definition of plastic and compatible with existing machinery for easy implementation.
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