Seaweed-Based Thin Films as Sustainable Alternatives to Conventional Plastics
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The unending production and irresponsible disposal of petroleum-based plastics have brought about an escalating environmental crisis. An astonishing 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced to date, with a meager 8% being recycled. This scale of plastic production leads to a financial toll of $13 billion annually for cleanup efforts, not to mention the colossal environmental cost, including the emission of 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases. As this crisis deepens, the importance of mitigating the environmental havoc caused by traditional plastics becomes increasingly apparent. Innovative solutions are emerging; among them, seaweed-based thin films are gaining attention as a promising and sustainable alternative that capitalizes on the unique properties of seaweed compounds. These films hold the potential to revolutionize the bioplastic market by utilizing green production methods and tapping into the viability of seaweed and cellulose as natural polymers, contributing to a more sustainable circular economy and addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution.
Seaweed and Its Compounds:
Seaweed, an abundant marine resource, harbors vast untapped potential for sustainable materials. Its appeal lies in its rich content of polysaccharides, including alginates and carrageenans. These biopolymers are abundant and biodegradable, making them a coveted resource for crafting sustainable plastics. Seaweed’s allure is rooted in its ability to sequester carbon dioxide during growth, reverse ocean acidification, and mitigate land-based resource exploitation. (Lim et al. 2021) Microalgae-based biopolymers have shown improved mechanical properties compared to petroleum-based polymers which underscores the significant potential of seaweed-derived compounds in addressing plastic pollution and advancing eco-friendly packaging solutions.
How Thin Film Plastic is Made from Seaweed:
The journey from seaweed to thin film plastics encompasses several pivotal stages starting with the collection and processing of seaweed biomass. Alginate-based edible coatings and films, derived primarily from brown algae species, hold great potential for enhancing the shelf life of fresh-cut fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, and cheese (Lomartire et al. 2022). The manufacturing process unfolds with precision — casting, compression molding, and extrusion are techniques employed to shape bioplastics into desired forms. Casting involves the methodical pouring of biopolymer solutions into molds, allowing them to solidify followed by compression molding and extrusion utilizing heat and pressure to craft these materials into specific shapes (Sudhakar et al. 2021). This comprehensive approach highlights the potential of seaweed-based thin film plastics as eco-friendly and efficient alternatives in various industries, including food packaging. (Sathishkumar 2023)
Manufacturing Process:
The manufacturing process of seaweed-based thin films necessitates unwavering attention to detail. After extracting seaweed compounds, they are deftly blended with plasticizers or additives to achieve the desired mechanical and chemical properties. The choice of processing method — casting, compression molding, or extrusion — wields an impact on the final characteristics of the thin film. (Parreidt et al. 2021) Alginate-based edible coatings have been used on individual pieces of whole products, such as fresh-cut melons, kiwis, strawberries, nuts, beans, and pears. Research and optimization of these processes are crucial for reducing implementation costs and encouraging widespread industrial adoption of seaweed-based bioplastics. (Khalil et al. 2016)
Applications:
The versatility of seaweed-based thin films spans across a myriad of industries. Their adaptability shines in eco-friendly packaging solutions, extending the shelf life of food products and paving the way for sustainable agriculture by developing eco-conscious agricultural films. Furthermore, these biodegradable thin films are instrumental in creating medical devices promising innovations in healthcare technology. Alginate-based edible coatings and films are actively used to reduce dehydration, control respiration, enhance product appearance, and improve mechanical properties in food products like fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, and cheese.
The future of seaweed-based thin films appears remarkably promising, poised for expansion and transformation. Alginate-based edible coatings and films have demonstrated their efficacy in enhancing the shelf life of various food products. Ongoing research endeavors are dedicated to bolstering the mechanical properties of these materials, slashing production costs, and expanding their scope of applications. In an era marked by heightened global awareness of environmental sustainability, seaweed-based thin films are primed to gain unprecedented traction as a compelling solution to the pervasive problem of plastic pollution. Seaweed-based thin films represent a beacon of hope in the face of the mounting plastic pollution crisis. Their intrinsic qualities, such as biodegradability, renewability, and adaptability, render them an attractive choice for supplanting conventional plastics (Sathishkumar 2022). As progress in production techniques continues to surge forward and societal consciousness regarding environmental stewardship deepens, seaweed-based thin films stand poised to assume a pivotal role in mitigating the environmental effects of plastic materials. They serve as a sustainable alternative and a testament to the boundless potential of nature-inspired solutions in confronting and ultimately resolving global environmental challenges.
Bibliography
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