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Bioplastics from Seaweed: Natural Solutions to Overcome the Plastic Waste Crisis

The problem of plastic waste in the ocean has become a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human life. However, innovations in the use of seaweed as a basic material  for bioplastics are now offering a more environmentally friendly solution

 

Every day, an estimated 8 million plastics are thrown into the ocean and have killed many marine animals (Condor Ferries UK).

 

This increasingly serious situation is exacerbated by the fact that the ocean is the ‘heart’ for the Earth to be able to stay ‘alive’ and support human life.

 

Thus, there is an accumulation of waste in the ocean, which then affects the food chain and even human health.

However, there is a glimmer of hope from the ocean itself—seaweed—that could be the answer to plastic waste.

 

As one of the abundant natural resources, seaweed is now being looked at as an alternative raw material to make more environmentally friendly plastics.

 

This innovation opens up new opportunities that Biopac finally took advantage of in 2019 to reduce plastic pollution while supporting environmental sustainability.

 

Environmental Benefits of Using Seaweed for Bioplastics

Seaweed is a part of algae that has existed for millions of years through various evolutions. The benefits themselves are very diverse, ranging from natural sources of nutrients, antioxidants, and raw materials for the manufacture of bioplastics

 

The use of seaweed as a base material for bioplastics has various environmental benefits.

 

First, seaweed is a renewable resource and grows quickly without the need for large land use or pesticides.

 

The seaweed cultivation process also helps to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

In addition, bioplastics from seaweed can decompose naturally, in contrast to conventional plastics that take hundreds of years to decompose.

 

This means that seaweed-based products will not leave harmful waste in the environment and reduce the risk of microplastic contamination in the ocean.

 

Processing Seaweed into Bioplastics

The process of making bioplastics from seaweed involves several stages with different tools and technologies.

 

First, the seaweed samples are cleaned of impurities and dried in the sun. Then, a refining process is carried out so that it becomes seaweed powder.

 

The powder is then weighed and then mixed with some additional ingredients and filtered to be able to obtain filtrates that are separate from the deposit.

 

After that, further processes are carried out through heating, printing, and drying methods until it becomes a bioplastic product that is ready to use.

 

The advantage of this seaweed bioplastic is the ability to create various types of products such as food packaging, straws, and shopping bags that can decompose quickly after use.

 

BIOPAC itself has produced various types of goods such as packaging, bags, ink, bags, pouches, and hanger tags which are all made of seaweed.

Seaweed has great potential to be key in reducing plastic pollution in the ocean.

 

With the continued development of technology and innovation, this material can replace conventional plastics that have polluted the environment for centuries.

 

We all have an important role to play in supporting this change by choosing products that use seaweed-based packaging.

 

Therefore, BIOPAC invites you to help take care of the Earth together by starting to utilize seaweed-based products.

 

Let’s work together to support eco-friendly products and contribute to efforts to save the ocean from the threat of plastic waste.

 

Any decision we make today will have a profound impact on the future of the planet and the generations to come.

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