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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.
In modern times, seaweeds have become widely involved in several biotechnological applications due to the variety of their constituent bioactive compounds. The consumption of seaweeds dates to ancient times; however, only from the last few decades of research can we explain the mechanisms of action and the potential of seaweed-derived bioactive compounds, which has led to their involvement in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Macroalgae-derived bioactive compounds are of great importance as their properties enable them to be ideal candidates for the production of sustainable “green” packaging. Diverse studies demonstrate that seaweed polysaccharides (e.g., alginates and carrageenans) not only provide health benefits, but also contribute to the production of biopolymeric film and biodegradable packaging. The dispersion of plastics and microplastics in the oceans provoke serious environmental issues that influence ecosystems and aquatic organisms. Thus, the sustainable use of seaweed-derived biopolymers is now crucial to replace plasticizers with biodegradable materials, and thus preserve the environment. The present review aims to provide an overview on the potential of seaweeds in the production of bioplastics which might be involved in food or pharmaceutical packaging.
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This review examines seaweed-derived biopolymers—particularly alginates and carrageenans—as materials for sustainable food packaging, covering their properties, processing methods, and performance as barriers to moisture and gases. It evaluates their potential to replace petroleum-based plastics and their degradation profiles under real-world conditions.
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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 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.
The Development of Marine Polymers in Food Packaging Applications
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Researchers reviewed the development of marine-derived polymers — including algal, crustacean, and microbial biopolymers — as sustainable food packaging alternatives, evaluating their potential to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics that fragment into persistent ocean microplastics.
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.
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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.