Abstract

The increasing environmental burden of conventional plastic pollution 5 particularly from packaging waste has intensified the global pursuit of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Seaweeds, or marine macroalgae, have emerged as promising renewable biomass for bioplastic production due to their rapid growth, abundant polysaccharide content, and non-reliance on freshwater or arable land. This review critically examines the recent advancements (2010–2025) in the development of seaweed-derived bioplastics, focusing on the extraction of biopolymers such as alginate, agar, and carrageenan from brown and red algae.20 Key fabrication methods, including solution casting and extrusion, are explored alongside mechanical and biodegradation properties of the resulting materials. For instance, alginate-based films have demonstrated tensile strength values up to 38 MPa, while carrageenan films are noted for their transparency and potential for blending. Biodegradability tests have shown that certain seaweed bioplastics degrade within 30–60 days under natural conditions, offering significant environmental advantages.21 The review also highlights challenges such as water sensitivity, mechanical brittleness, and higher production costs, while identifying potential solutions in polymer blending, nanocomposites, and green extraction techniques. By synthesizing findings across multidisciplinary studies, this review underscores seaweed’s potential as a sustainable raw material for biodegradable plastics and its role in addressing the global plastic crisis.

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