A team of material scientists from Natural Edge Ltd, a Maltese start-up, has developed a seaweed-based cling film offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. The innovation is part of a wider effort to create biodegradable, compostable, and heat-sealable materials derived from organic sources.

From Kitchen Frustration to Scientific Breakthrough
The idea began when engineer Nicholas Zahra was dismayed by the waste of plastic cling film used to wrap fresh vegetables. Together with chemist Nicolien Buiting, the team set out to develop an environmentally friendly material using brown seaweed, known for its film-forming capabilities. The result is a transparent, biodegradable film that mimics the mechanical properties of conventional plastic cling film, without the associated environmental drawbacks.

High Oxygen Barrier & Functional Properties
The seaweed-based material has shown impressive results in laboratory tests. One test involved wrapping an apple with the new film, which significantly reduced browning compared to the unwrapped half. This demonstrates the material’s excellent oxygen barrier properties, which help extend shelf life and preserve food quality—an essential feature in packaging applications.

Additionally, the film is heat-sealable and behaves similarly to conventional plastics in terms of flexibility and mechanical strength. This means it can be integrated easily into existing packaging lines without requiring new machinery.

Versatility Across Packaging Formats
The film has been adapted for multiple uses, including wrapping fresh food and packaging dry or liquid products. Tests include wrapping sandwiches and storing dry goods like crackers. The researchers also showcased the film’s ability to hold liquids, something rare among other bioplastics.

Unlike some other biobased alternatives, this film is notably water-resistant and biodegradable without needing special disposal conditions. If widely adopted, it could contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste in food, retail, and consumer goods industries.

Scaling Up Towards Market Readiness
Natural Edge Ltd is moving from prototype to pilot-scale production, with the goal of launching at least one product within the coming year. Supported by the Xjenza Malta Research Excellence Programme, the team is seeking additional funding and equipment to produce the material at a commercial scale.

While the development of a seaweed-based alternative to plastic poses scientific and technical challenges, the team emphasizes simplicity, accessibility, and performance as key drivers for its success.

Environmental Considerations
Because the material is derived from fast-growing species of seaweed that capture carbon dioxide efficiently, it presents a low ecological footprint. The ingredients are already used in food and cosmetic products, further supporting its safety and acceptance across industries.

As circular design and bio-innovation continue to shape the future of material development, this seaweed-based film stands as a promising solution for packaging designers and sustainable product developers alike.

Source: Times of Malta
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