Transforming seaweed into bioplastics: a review of cultivation, harvesting and processing methods

Abstract

Seaweed, once overlooked as a low-value resource, is emerging as a promising feedstock for bioplastic production. This review examines in seaweed cultivation, harvesting and processing techniques, highlighting innovative approaches to overcoming current challenges and emphasizing the seaweed’s potential to revolutionize the bioplastics industry. Seaweed offers numerous advantages over traditional bioplastic sources, including rapid growth in marine environments, no competition for arable land or freshwater and the ability to sequester carbon dioxide and absorb excess nutrients, contributing to climate change mitigation. The unique biochemical composition of seaweed, rich in hydrocolloids such as agar, carrageenan alginate and other biopolymers like ulvan and starch, enhances its suitability for bioplastic production. However, despite these benefits, seaweed-based bioplastics are still in their infancy, constrained by economic and logistical challenges, such as high production costs, technological limitations and supply chain integration issues. The findings underscore the significant potential of seaweed to contribute to sustainable development, emphasizing the need for continued innovation, collaborative efforts and investment to realize this potential fully.