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Seaweed Biopolymers in Packaging
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This review rounds up existing research on packaging made from seaweed instead of plastic—think edible water pods and coatings for takeout containers. Because these materials break down naturally and can even be eaten, they offer a promising way to cut down on plastic waste and the microplastics that end up in our food, water, and bodies. The catch: this is a summary of current science, not new lab results, so more work is needed before seaweed packaging replaces plastic on a large scale.
The rapid increase in plastic pollution has intensified the search for sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials. Seaweed-derived biopolymers have emerged as promising alternatives due to their biodegradability, renewability, film-forming ability, and functional properties. Polysaccharides extracted from marine macroalgae, including alginate, carrageenan, and agar, are widely explored for edible films and bio-packaging applications. Seaweed biofilms possess excellent oxygen barrier properties, antimicrobial potential, and compatibility with active packaging systems (Sudhakar et al., 2021). Furthermore, industrial innovations such as edible water pods and biodegradable takeaway coatings demonstrate the commercial viability of seaweed-based packaging technologies (InsightAce Analytic, 2026). This review summarizes the chemistry, production methods, applications, advantages, limitations, and prospects of seaweed-derived biofilms for sustainable food packaging.
More Papers Like This
Seaweed Biopolymers in Packaging
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This review rounds up existing research on using seaweed to make food packaging and edible films instead of plastic, since seaweed-based materials can naturally break down and even help keep food fresh longer by blocking oxygen and germs. Swapping out conventional plastic for seaweed alternatives could mean less plastic waste and fewer microplastics ending up in our food and water — though the technology is still being refined for wider commercial use.
An Overview of the Alternative Use of Seaweeds to Produce Safe and Sustainable Bio-Packaging
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This review explores how compounds derived from seaweed, particularly polysaccharides like alginates and carrageenans, can be used to create biodegradable packaging as an alternative to conventional plastics. Researchers found that seaweed-based biopolymers offer both functional packaging properties and potential health benefits, while avoiding the microplastic pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics. The approach represents a promising step toward reducing ocean plastic contamination by replacing single-use plastics with marine-sourced biodegradable materials.
Seaweed as a Valuable and Sustainable Resource for Food Packaging Materials
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This review examined seaweed-derived polysaccharides (alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan, agar, ulvan) as sustainable alternatives to plastic food packaging materials, surveying recent developments in biodegradable films, coatings, and wraps. Seaweed's fast growth, minimal resource requirements, and rich polysaccharide content make it a promising candidate for reducing persistent plastic packaging waste in food systems.
Seaweed Polysaccharide in Food Contact Materials (Active Packaging, Intelligent Packaging, Edible Films, and Coatings)
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This review examines how seaweed-based polysaccharides are being developed as alternatives to conventional plastics for food packaging applications, including active packaging, intelligent packaging, and edible coatings. Researchers found that these natural materials can extend food shelf life by providing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties while being biodegradable. The study highlights seaweed polysaccharides as a promising sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastic packaging in the food industry.
Reducing microplastic pollution by replacing plastic items with edible vegetable-based products: A review
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Everyday plastic items like straws, cups, and spoons break down into tiny microplastic particles that end up in our food, water, and bodies — and scientists are still learning how this affects our health. This review paper rounds up existing research on edible alternatives made from plant materials (like starch, seaweed, and vegetable scraps) that could replace single-use plastics entirely, since you can eat them instead of throwing them away. While promising, the authors note these products still need to become cheaper and longer-lasting before they can realistically replace plastic on a large scale.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.