Macroalgal (seaweed) derived bioplastic as a sustainable food packaging material - A critical review

Macroalgae, commonly known as seaweed, are renewable and abundant marine resources that have gained popularity over the past few years due to their potential to produce bioplastics with unique properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the development, processing, and application of seaweed-derived bioplastics, emphasizing their film-forming ability, renewable origin, and favourable physicochemical characteristics that position them as promising sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics in food packaging. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of their different extraction methods, including conventional and advanced techniques, is also summarized. Seaweed is a promising candidate owing to its abundance, low cost, and role in reducing environmental impact through biodegradability. Various processing methods, including solvent casting, extrusion, and compression molding, are also extensively discussed. This review further examines the application of seaweed-based bioplastics in the food packaging sector. The environmental impact and biodegradability analysis highlight their importance in reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the key challenges, possible solutions, and future prospects of these materials are also critically discussed. With emerging techno-economic development, macroalgae have the potential to replace non-renewable raw material-based synthetic plastics while promoting sustainability.