Deriving bioplastics from seaweed
The National Academy of Science and Technology-Philippines (NAST PHL) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), called for prioritizing national efforts and initiatives on research and development (R&D) of seaweed-derived bioplastics during the recent 48th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM).
Having identified a thousand local seaweed species, Filipino scientists eye algal polymer-based biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, to minimize the ballooning plastic pollution crisis. However, they emphasized the need to bridge gaps in their R&D.
“There should be more investments in the fundamental research to identify niche areas (of the Philippines bioplastic industry) as an opportunity for inclusive run and sustainable development,” Academician Marco Nemesio E. Montaño said during his plenary talk.
The experts defined bioplastic as plastic derived from biological sources such as seaweeds, and plastic that can be broken down into harmless materials through natural processes.
Academician Ernesto J. del Rosario said the Philippines should leverage the country’s open seas and inter-island marine territories to nest seaweed farming for a sustainable supply of seaweeds and their products, such as bioplastics.
World’s top producers
The Philippines ranks fourth among the world’s top seaweed producers, accounting for 4.2 percent of the global market, with Kappaphycus alvarezii contributing most of the country’s current production.
“We are only utilizing a very small fraction of our available ocean and sea resources for growing seaweeds. We have a (large) economic zone where we can grow seaweeds as a source of (biopolymers). So, that makes us a very potential producer of bioplastics,” said Del Rosario.
The experts reported that seaweeds are a rich source of various biopolymers that can be converted into bioplastics, including carrageenan from Kappaphycus and Eucheuma, alginates from Sargassum, agar-agar, and fucoidan.
However, Montaño emphasized the need to master the chemistry of these polymers, such as mixing them with bioadditives, like glycerol or sorbitol, to achieve the effective toughness and pliability of bioplastics.
Aside from this, Del Rosario urged universities and research agencies to focus on isolating long-chain biopolymers, evaluate their properties, and optimize preparation up to the production of bioplastics.
New varieties
Further R&D must be carried out to discover and cultivate new seaweed varieties that can resist climate change while lowering production costs, he added.
Once bioplastics are pushed as an industry, the two academicians believe it would provide a sustainable economy for coastal communities, particularly Sulu, Southern Mindanao, and other provinces that venture into seaweeds.
This, according to Del Rosario, would help the Philippines catch up and become a top producer of both seaweeds and various seaweed-based products, alongside Indonesia, China, and South Korea.
The Annual Scientific Meeting of NAST PHL is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. For more information, visit www.nast.dost.gov.ph
