{"id":117,"date":"2024-06-21T15:32:27","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T19:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=117"},"modified":"2024-06-25T15:28:33","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T19:28:33","slug":"algaes-remarkable-role-in-sustainable-packagings-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=117","title":{"rendered":"Algae\u2019s Remarkable Role in Sustainable Packaging\u2019s Future"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-module=\"content\">\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">Algae, once primarily associated with marine ecosystems, is emerging as a game-changer for sustainable packaging solutions. With the escalating global concern over plastic pollution and the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives, algae-based packaging has stepped into the limelight \u2014 and is not leaving anytime soon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">Below, we\u2019ll explore how this remarkable resource is transforming packaging, why startups are investing heavily in it, and the immense potential algae holds for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_h2 ContentText_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-text\" id=\"The science behind algae-based packaging\" style=\"scroll-margin-top:10rem;scroll-snap-margin-top:10rem\">The science behind algae-based packaging<\/h2>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">Algae refers to a diverse group of aquatic organisms possessing remarkable properties that make them an ideal candidate for sustainable packaging. They can be cultivated rapidly, requiring minimal nutrient input and obtaining energy from sunlight. Algae can thrive in saltwater and even wastewater, reducing the strain on freshwater resources. This adaptability makes them a cleaner alternative to traditional raw materials.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">At the heart of algae-based packaging lies its innate biodegradability and renewability. This edge makes it ideal for food packaging and a viable solution to the environmental woes caused by traditional plastics. Algae also absorb atmospheric carbon during growth, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Remarkably, they contribute to <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ugc.berkeley.edu\/background-content\/oxygen-levels\/\" rel=\"noopener\">approximately 70% of the oxygen<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"> in the Earth\u2019s atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-component=\"related-article\" class=\"RelatedArticle\"><span data-testid=\"related-article-title\" class=\"RelatedArticle-Title\">Related:<\/span><a class=\"RelatedArticle-RelatedContent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packagingdigest.com\/pharma-medical\/pla-a-prescription-for-sustainable-healthcare-packaging\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">PLA a Prescription for Sustainable Healthcare Packaging<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">As a packaging material, algae-based polymers offer comparable functionality to traditional plastics while presenting a sustainable end-of-life solution through compostability and biodegradability.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_h2 ContentText_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-text\" id=\"The rise of algae-based packaging\" style=\"scroll-margin-top:10rem;scroll-snap-margin-top:10rem\">The rise of algae-based packaging<\/h2>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">The global algae market is rapidly growing as new uses for algae are continually discovered, <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kemin.com\/na\/en-us\/blog\/human-nutrition\/sustainable-algae\" rel=\"noopener\">generating about $1 billion in sales<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"> each year. Here are various innovative applications for algae and seaweed as alternatives to plastic, showcasing their potential to revolutionize packaging and other industries:<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-component=\"basic-list\" class=\"BasicList BasicList_nestedLevel_0 BasicList_variant_unordered BasicList_limited\">\n<ul data-testid=\"basic-list-unordered\" class=\"BasicList-UnorderedList\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"BasicList-ListItem BasicList-ListItem_variant_unordered\"><span data-component=\"icon\" data-name=\"Circle\" class=\"BasicList-ListIcon BasicList-ListIcon_variant_unordered\" style=\"mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);-webkit-mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;-webkit-mask-size:contain\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"BasicList-Item\">\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><span class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_bold\">Notpla&#8217;s Ooho water pods: <\/span><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">Notpla&#8217;s Ooho is one of the most prominent examples of algae-based packaging. It\u2019s a seaweed-based edible and biodegradable water pod. It\u2019s a sustainable solution used in conjunction with reusable bottles and has gained significant attention at major events. Over <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theearthandi.org\/post\/is-edible-packaging-ready-to-replace-plastics\" rel=\"noopener\">30,000 Ooho pods were distributed<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"> to runners during the 2019 London Marathon, replacing thousands of plastic bottles and substantially reducing plastic waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"basic-list\" class=\"BasicList BasicList_nestedLevel_0 BasicList_variant_unordered BasicList_limited\">\n<ul data-testid=\"basic-list-unordered\" class=\"BasicList-UnorderedList\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"BasicList-ListItem BasicList-ListItem_variant_unordered\"><span data-component=\"icon\" data-name=\"Circle\" class=\"BasicList-ListIcon BasicList-ListIcon_variant_unordered\" style=\"mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);-webkit-mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;-webkit-mask-size:contain\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"BasicList-Item\">\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><span class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_bold\">Evoware&#8217;s biodegradable food wrappers: <\/span><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">Indonesian startup Evoware has developed biodegradable food wrappers made from seaweed. These wrappers are <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org\/circular-examples\/seaweed-based-packaging-to-eliminate-waste-evoware\" rel=\"noopener\">used for packaging various products<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">, from coffee to cookies to soap. The materials are edible, biodegradable, and home-compostable, ensuring they can safely return to nature without harming wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"basic-list\" class=\"BasicList BasicList_nestedLevel_0 BasicList_variant_unordered BasicList_limited\">\n<ul data-testid=\"basic-list-unordered\" class=\"BasicList-UnorderedList\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"BasicList-ListItem BasicList-ListItem_variant_unordered\"><span data-component=\"icon\" data-name=\"Circle\" class=\"BasicList-ListIcon BasicList-ListIcon_variant_unordered\" style=\"mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);-webkit-mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;-webkit-mask-size:contain\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"BasicList-Item\">\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><span class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_bold\">Loliware&#8217;s seaweed-based straws: <\/span><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">U.S.-based Loliware has created seaweed-based straws designed to replace single-use plastic straws. Unlike paper alternatives, they <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cen.acs.org\/food\/food-science\/time-edible-packaging\/98\/i4\" rel=\"noopener\">maintain their structural integrity<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"> for up to 24 hours after getting wet. While edible, Loliware straws will naturally degrade in the environment within two months.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"basic-list\" class=\"BasicList BasicList_nestedLevel_0 BasicList_variant_unordered BasicList_limited\">\n<ul data-testid=\"basic-list-unordered\" class=\"BasicList-UnorderedList\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"BasicList-ListItem BasicList-ListItem_variant_unordered\"><span data-component=\"icon\" data-name=\"Circle\" class=\"BasicList-ListIcon BasicList-ListIcon_variant_unordered\" style=\"mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);-webkit-mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;-webkit-mask-size:contain\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"BasicList-Item\">\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><span class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_bold\">MarinaTex&#8217;s fish waste and algae packaging: <\/span><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">London-based<\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><span class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_bold\"> <\/span><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">startup MarinaTex has developed a bioplastic film made from fish waste and red algae. This innovative material is designed for use in packaging and has been awarded the James Dyson Award for its potential to reduce plastic pollution. This bioplastic is stronger than LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jamesdysonaward.org\/2019\/project\/marinatex\" rel=\"noopener\">decomposes in four to six weeks<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"> under home composting conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"basic-list\" class=\"BasicList BasicList_nestedLevel_0 BasicList_variant_unordered BasicList_limited\">\n<ul data-testid=\"basic-list-unordered\" class=\"BasicList-UnorderedList\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"BasicList-ListItem BasicList-ListItem_variant_unordered\"><span data-component=\"icon\" data-name=\"Circle\" class=\"BasicList-ListIcon BasicList-ListIcon_variant_unordered\" style=\"mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);-webkit-mask-image:url(\/build\/_assets\/Circle-MTZTA6VT.svg);mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;-webkit-mask-size:contain\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"BasicList-Item\">\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><span class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_bold\">Skipping Rocks Lab&#8217;s condiment sachets: <\/span><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">Skipping Rocks Lab \u2014 the creators of Ooho \u2014 has also developed an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic packets for condiments and sauces to reduce plastic waste in the food industry. These <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.raconteur.net\/climate-crisis\/sustainable-packaging-food-sector\" rel=\"noopener\">seaweed sachets biodegrade<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"> within six weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_h2 ContentText_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-text\" id=\"The potential for long-term impact\" style=\"scroll-margin-top:10rem;scroll-snap-margin-top:10rem\">The potential for long-term impact<\/h2>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">The potential for algae-based packaging to make a significant long-term impact is immense, driven by continuous advancements in research and technology. Ongoing improvements in extraction and processing enhance algae-derived biopolymers&#8217; properties, making them more viable for various applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">The role of algae in sustainable packaging is poised to expand exponentially as the urgency to combat plastic pollution intensifies. Packaging leaders can harness algae&#8217;s inherent properties to spearhead the transition toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">The global bioplastics market, <\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\"><a class=\"ContentText-BodyTextChunk ContentText-BodyTextChunk_link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/finance.yahoo.com\/news\/global-bioplastics-market-report-2023-105800948.html\" rel=\"noopener\">valued at $8.14 billion in 2021<\/a><\/span><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">, is projected to reach $18.05 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of around 14% from 2022 to 2027. Despite a slight decline in global plastic production, bioplastic demand is rising steadily, driven by technological advancements, increased research and development, and expanding applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">The rapid growth of the bioplastics market underscores the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable packaging solutions like algae-based materials. Algae require minimal resources to grow and significantly contribute to carbon sequestration. These advantages position algae-based packaging as a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, addressing environmental concerns and market demands.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_h2 ContentText_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-text\" id=\"Embracing a sustainable future\" style=\"scroll-margin-top:10rem;scroll-snap-margin-top:10rem\">Embracing a sustainable future<\/h2>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">By embracing algae-based packaging, companies can capitalize on bioplastic technology advancements while meeting consumer and regulatory sustainability demands. Integrating algae-based solutions promises a future where packaging is functional and environmentally responsible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentParagraph ContentParagraph_align_left\" data-testid=\"content-paragraph\"><span class=\"ContentText ContentText_variant_bodyNormal\" data-testid=\"content-text\">Incorporating algae-based packaging into your company\u2019s sustainability strategy reduces environmental footprint and positions your brand as a leader in responsible practices. Explore this cutting-edge technology to enhance your product offerings and contribute to a greener future. Your proactive steps today can set the standard for sustainable packaging in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.packagingdigest.com\/sustainability\/algae-could-revolutionize-sustainable-packaging\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Algae, once primarily associated with marine ecosystems, is emerging as a game-changer for sustainable packaging solutions. With the escalating global concern over plastic pollution and the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives, algae-based packaging has stepped into the limelight \u2014 and is not leaving anytime soon. Below, we\u2019ll explore how this remarkable resource is transforming packaging, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":118,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[165],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-packaging-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=117"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":236,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117\/revisions\/236"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/118"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}