∣Exploring Nature-based Solution∣ Algae: A Solution to Plastic Pollution?

Algae is a photosynthetic organism; unlike plants, it does not have roots, stems, or leaves. It is both an oxygen producer and a food source for marine animals. Algae can be used for crude oil, food, and pharmaceuticals. One potential use of algae is making plastics; however, this alternative is still under research and development. This can be identified as a nature-based solution because it uses nature to make something more sustainable.

Algae Growth on Laomei Green Reef (老梅綠石槽) in Taiwan
(Photo taken by Patrick Chang)

Conventional plastics are harmful due to their non-biodegradable nature, leading to persistent pollution in ecosystems. Their production relies on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Improper disposal and inadequate recycling practices further exacerbate their environmental impact, endangering wildlife and contaminating waterways. Their entire life cycle poses numerous environmental threats. Additionally, the long-term effects of microplastics dispersed into the environment and their effects on human health are still unknown.

As plastic pollution begins to gain more awareness, a lot of research has been placed on finding alternative plastics. However, it is important to note that not all these alternatives can be considered environmentally friendly. There are many different types of plastic, and they must be clearly distinguished to understand its environmental impact. Conventional plastics are made from the carbon bonds in refined petroleum, while bioplastics are made from renewable sources, such as proteins or starches. Despite the positive connotation within the term "bioplastics," there are types that are nonbiodegradable as well as biodegradable. For the purpose of exploring the use of algae as a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic production, only biodegradable bioplastics will be discussed.

The 2 most commonly used bioplastics derived from algae are polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) because they can be naturally formed by certain algal cells. Their durability can be further enhanced by adding certain chemicals or adjusting the culture conditions. The properties of algae can make it an eligible material for the synthesis of bioplastics and can serve as a replacement for oil which is typically used for conventional plastics, or for bioplastic sources like sugarcane and corn. Algae's advantage over sugarcane and corn is that it does not require arable land for growth. Algae is also a very accessible resource due to the increase in the number of algae blooms due to eutrophication. Harvesting the algae can potentially help improve water quality. For example, the company, Origin by Ocean, collects microalgae off the coast of Finland, which can be collected for numerous applications, with biodegradable bioplastics being among one of them. This company also sells microalgae to be used in other applications such as food, textiles, cosmetics, agriculture, and packaging companies.

BLOOM is a company that has already created and distributed biodegradable algae-based plastics since 2007. They have created materials for footwear, thermoplastic rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers out of algae. Furthermore, they provide life cycle assessments for the products they make and have partnered with famous companies, including Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, and many others. Other companies that are also working on making algae-based plastics include AlgaeStraws, EKORU, Solaplast, and Algopack.

Algae-based materials made by BLOOM

Algae-based materials processed by BLOOM

Using algae biomass presents an alternative that is renewable and more degradable in natural environments. Furthermore, it has been tested that algal-based bioplastics can be used for more plastic-based materials due to their durability and rigidity. In addition to making bioplastics, algae biomass can also be used as feedstock for bacterial fermentation or bioplastic creation.

Algae-based alternatives are still under development and may require more technological advancements to improve their feasibility for real-life applications at a lower production cost. This is especially true of single-use plastics used for packaging. It is a nature-based solution as it utilizes renewable and biodegradable algae resources to create plastic-like materials, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental harm. By mimicking nature's processes, it offers a sustainable alternative that aligns with the circular principles of natural ecosystems. However, the environmental benefits of algae-based plastics from their production process and waste management still require further research.

Further Reading:
∣Exploring Nature-based Solution∣ Sustainable Buildings: Earthships
∣Exploring Nature-based Solution∣ Seawalls

Reference:
Introduction Source:
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/nature-based-solutions_en
Article 3 Sources:
https://www-britannica-com.ezproxy.library.wur.nl/science/algae
Current status and perspectives of algae-based bioplastics: A reviewed potential for sustainability (sciencedirectassets.com)
Turning problem sea algae into a replacement for plastic - BBC News
https://www.bloommaterials.com/brands/
https://www.bloommaterials.com/media/