Harnessing the biodegradability and environmental potential of seaweed for greening packaging

Seaweeds, also known as macroalgae, are marine photosynthetic organisms that play an important role in aquatic ecosystems and hold great promise as raw materials for biodegradable packaging. This review investigates the biodegradability and toxicity of seaweed-based packaging materials, as well as their potential to lessen the environmental effect of traditional petroleum-derived plastics. Seaweed-based biopolymers are gaining popularity due to their renewability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, making them interesting options for sustainable packaging applications. The review emphasizes important safety factors, notably seaweeds’ tendency to absorb heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental toxins from nearby waterways. Effective monitoring, purification, and detoxification of seaweed biomass are thus required to assure the safe use of seaweed-derived materials in packaging applications. In addition to its environmental benefits, seaweed-based packaging materials help to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and reduce plastic waste accumulation in terrestrial and marine habitats. Overall, this review emphasizes the promise of seaweed-based packaging as an environmentally friendly option that also provides economic opportunities for coastal communities by creating jobs and diversifying resources. The findings highlight the necessity of incorporating biodegradability testing, toxicity testing, and sustainable cultivation procedures to promote the development and widespread use of seaweed-based packaging materials.