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Ocean Plastics: Extraction, Characterization and Utilization of Macroalgae Biopolymers for Packaging Applications

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  • Evan Moore

    (PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland)

  • Declan Colbert

    (PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland)

Abstract

This review details the extraction, characterization and utilization of seaweed-derived biopolymers for future packaging applications. The review is contextualized within the broader scope of the challenge of plastic pollution and the current urgent need for more sustainable packaging materials. Macroalgae (or seaweed) has been highlighted as a promising source of biopolymers, most commonly sodium alginate, agar and carrageenan, for reasons such as a rapid growth rate and decreased environmental impact when compared with terrestrial plant life. Extraction methods detailed include traditional solvent-based extraction and more sustainable developments such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and bead milling. This review additionally presents the characterization techniques most pertinent in determining the applicability of these biopolymers in packaging applications. Properties of key importance to the development of sustainable packaging materials such as thermal properties, mechanical strength, barrier properties and biodegradability are highlighted in comparison to conventional petroleum-based plastics. This review concludes by realistically identifying the challenges faced by implementing seaweed-based biopolymers into packaging structures, such as cost-effectiveness, scalability and performance while suggesting future directions to mitigate these issues and improve the commercial viability of these materials for the packaging industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Evan Moore & Declan Colbert, 2024. "Ocean Plastics: Extraction, Characterization and Utilization of Macroalgae Biopolymers for Packaging Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-30, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7175-:d:1460806
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdul Khalil, H.P.S. & Saurabh, Chaturbhuj K. & Tye, Y.Y. & Lai, T.K. & Easa, A.M. & Rosamah, E. & Fazita, M.R.N. & Syakir, M.I. & Adnan, A.S. & Fizree, H.M. & Aprilia, N.A.S. & Banerjee, Aparajita, 2017. "Seaweed based sustainable films and composites for food and pharmaceutical applications: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 353-362.
    2. Paul Stegmann & Vassilis Daioglou & Marc Londo & Detlef P. Vuuren & Martin Junginger, 2022. "Plastic futures and their CO2 emissions," Nature, Nature, vol. 612(7939), pages 272-276, December.
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