Alternative Bioplastic: Developing Seaweed (Caulerpa lentillifera) as a Food

Packaging Plastic

Aparicio, Jasmin C. Puertollano, Adrian

Bolivar, Brad Steven V. Rimandiman, John Vincent A.
Enfermo, Princess Mae Ronquillo, David Emmanuel L.
Patuyan, Miles Angela P.

Block 24 - STEM

A Research Proposal
Submitted in Partial fulfillment
of the course Practical Research 2

ACLC College of Tacloban

Senior High School Department
Tacloban City, Leyte

2023
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The chapter contains the introduction of the research proposal

which will be divided into different sections which are as follows;

Background of the study, Objectives of the study, Statement of the

Hypotheses, Conceptual Framework, Significance of the Study, and the

Definition of Terms.

The current plastic pollution problem has been spiraling out of

control. It presented itself as a real threat threat threat threat threat threat

Background of the study

Plastics are inexpensive, durable, and strong materials which can be

molded into things we use daily. It makes our lives more convenient but the

detriments it causes to the environment must be addressed. According to Ritchie

and Roser's article (2018), 381 million tons of plastic were produced annually in

2015. The same article also stated that only an estimated 55% of our plastic is

discarded annually as of 2015. The constant increase of plastic in our

environment causes issues, plastics being mismanaged and thrown just

wherever which results in plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution has damaged the environment in ways that can’t easily be

reversed. It is one of the reasons why the problem with land, water, and air

pollution continues to worsen. Releasing toxic chemicals which seeps to the

ground and causing havoc for the ocean wildlife are some of the detrimental

effects to the environment.

Humans have been actively looking for a way to reduce the problem with

plastic pollution. Ways such as recycling, segregating trash, and biodegradable

plastics were considered. A solution that does not gain as much traction is

through utilizing Biodegradable plastics or bioplastics. It is a type of plastic made

from materials which biodegrade easily, for example plant materials rich with

starch and plant materials rich in oil. It is not as durable as plastic but it is more

friendly for the environment as it decomposes faster and uses less fossil fuels

which means that our carbon footprint will be lowered.

The topic of using seaweed as biodegradable plastic has been used

before on a prior research titled ‘Bioplastic from Seaweeds (Eucheuma Cottonii)

as an Alternative Plastic’, authored by Consebit, Dermil, Magbanua, Racadio,

Saavedra, Abusama, and Valdez (2021). They used a type of seaweed with the

scientific name of Eucheuma Cottonii and have tested its capability to be a

bioplastic material under varying concentrations of glycerine in terms of tensile

strength and biodegradability.

The proponents of this group are proposing to use another type of

seaweed with the local name as Latok or Lato and to test its capability to be a

food packaging bioplastic.

The proponents want to pursue this study because making this type of bio-

plastic can be done at home. If the research yields successful results, a multitude

of people could use this. Although utilizing Biodegradable Plastics alone will not
solve the issue of plastic pollution, doing research on this could mean that more

people might be introduced and intrigued by bioplastics. According to a report by

GoPure (2019), researchers have said that by 2050, if our plastic production rate

continues to grow and compound with each coming year, there will be more

plastic than fish in the sea. Plastics heavily utilizing fossil fuels to be

manufactured means that it is directly linked with climate change which continues

to worsen over the years. With more people knowledgeable about bioplastics, we

hope it will be utilized more and for it to have an impact on the environment.

Objectives of the study

Specifically, the study has an objective to see whether food packaging

made with bioplastics from seaweed can be developed. The study will also have

other objectives which are as follows: (for revision)

1. To create food packaging which is sturdier than the usual cling wrap;

2. To produce and introduce bioplastic as an alternative plastic

3. To try and give solutions against plastic pollution which is affecting

millions of lives

4. To produce(create?) an eco-friendly plastic that will benefit both human/s

and nature.

5. To create bioplastics with materials found from home.

Statement of the Hypotheses

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 The researchers have come up with the following hypotheses for the

study: (for revision, lacking null hypo)

1. The researchers will be able to develop food packaging made with

bioplastics from seaweed;

2. The bioplastic made will have high biodegradability;

3. The bioplastics made will be a good alternative to the plastic food

packaging already used.

Conceptual framework

Independent Dependent Variable

Variable

Food Packaging
Seaweed Plastic
(Caulerpa
lentillifera)

The conceptual framework shows the relationship of the independent

variable to the dependent variable. The figure shows that the Independent

Variable of this study will be Seaweed while the Dependent Variable will be the

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food packaging bioplastic developed from seaweed. (for revision, lacking

variales)

Significance of the study

This study will be conducted with the objective of creating food packaging

developed from bioplastics made from seaweed. This study would be beneficial

to the following:

Fishermen. The results of this study may be beneficial to the fishermen

because having another use of seaweed aside from consumption would increase

its demand.

Community. The results of this study may be beneficial to the community

because it can help the environment by reducing our carbon footprint and

ultimately combating pollution.

Manufacturers. The results of this study may be beneficial to the

manufacturers because they could use cheaper, more eco-friendly plastic.

Future researchers. The results of this study may be beneficial to the

future researchers because it can be used as a reference for future studies. This

study can also be used as a guide in further developing this research.

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 Researchers. The results of this study may be beneficial to the

researchers as they will gain new knowledge and skills and ultimately a sense of

accomplishment after completing.

Scope and limitations of the study

The study was conducted to see if food packaging made with bioplastics

from seaweed can be developed. The study will focus on its biodegradability,

durability, and its feasibility to be a food packaging.

The study will not extend to the other factors such as the scent of the

product and its resistance to other elements such as heat. More variables

Definition of terms

For a better understanding of the different terms used in this study, the

following terms are defined operationally.

Biodegradability - the capacity for biological degradation of organic

materials by living organisms down to the base substances such as water,

carbon dioxide, methane, basic elements and biomass.

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 Bioplastics - a plastic derived from biological substances rather than from

petroleum, many types of which are biodegradable.

Distilled Water - It is water that has been boiled into vapor and

condensed back into liquid in a separate container. It is used for sterilizing

medical equipment, lead-acid batteries, automotive cooling systems, and other

devices where mineral buildup would cause damage.

Durability - the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

Food packaging - is a packaging system specifically designed for food. It

is used to allow for easy transport of goods, protect the integrity of food products,

and ensure separation from harmful chemicals, particles, bacteria, and pests.

Glycerol - It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting

and non-toxic. It is used as an emollient, humectant, solvent, and lubricant in

many products in the personal care industry such as toothpaste, mouthwashes,

shaving cream, and soaps. In this study, it will be one of the components that will

be used to develop the bioplastic.

Plastic - a group of materials, either synthetic or naturally occurring, that

may be shaped when soft and then hardened to retain the given shape.

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 Pollution - the introduction of materials to the environment which are

harmful.

Seaweed - refers to any of the macroscopic marine algae. They include

the conspicuous, multicellular algal species of Rhodophyta, Phaeophyta,

Charophyta, and Chlorophyta. In this study, the proponents will be using a type

of Seaweed with the local name Lato (Caulerpa lentillifera).

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the related literature and studies which

provided the researchers needed information and direction for the completion of

the study.

Foreign Literature

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 According to the article "Can seaweed help solve the world's plastic

crisis?”, authored by Jacqui Palumbo (2022), a London-based startup company

named Notpla has been developing a single-use plastic packaging based on

seaweed. The company’s design director Karlijn Sibbel said that they were

inspired by nature for the ideal packaging, similar to the skin of a fruit. She said

"A peel will eventually be used (as nutrients) by nature, and disappear and

become a part of the cycle,"(citation error). The UN estimates that 300 million

tonnes (331 million tonnes) of plastic garbage are produced annually around the

world, and that around 60% of the 8.3 billion tonnes (9.15 billion tonnes) of

plastic that has been manufactured since the early 1950s has been disposed of

in landfills or outdoors. Microplastics, which are minute particles that frequently

result from the breakdown of larger plastics, harm the ocean, the atmosphere,

and human bodies. According to Sibbell, with the plastic problem is becoming

clear which have led the founders of Notpla, Rodrigo García González and Pierre

Paslie, to take seaweed into consideration as a solution because abundant,

grows quickly, doesn't compete with land crops, and sequesters carbon from the

air. The company is set on its goal to develop biodegradable plastic and to

hopefully have the major manufacturers utilize the type of plastics which will not

be detrimental to the environment. zzzzzzzzzzzz

Local Literature

According to a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Article

titled ‘DOST-DEVELOPED BIODEGRADABLE SUBSTITUTE TO SYNTHETIC

PLASTICS OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR PLASTIC MANUFACTURERS’

published by Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin (2018), the Department of Science and

Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) developed

a biodegradable polymer as an alternative to synthetic plastic to test the

readiness of the country to replace synthetic polymers. Dr. Marissa A.

Paglicawan explained that “Although most plastics are recyclable these

days, their disposal becomes a problem due to the lack of landfill area. A

single-use packaging always ends up in a landfill, a situation which

prompted the government to formulate 13 House Bills and Senate Bills on

the regulation and phasing out of plastic bags and other plastic packaging

materials,(needs to be quted properly)”. Synthetic plastics do not easily

degrade especially when compared to the biodegradable alternative. It was also

stated that biodegradable plastic cannot replace every type of synthetic plastic.

The article stated that the marketability of biodegradable plastic is yet to be

assessed, factors that could affect it is customer’s acceptance, the price, and the

overall quality of biodegradable plastic. One of the factors being the price of

biodegradable plastic shows that further studies finding cheaper alternatives to

make Biodegradable Plastics are up to par.

Foreign Study

In a Research Journal authored by Sadashiva Murthy (2021) it stated that

Petroleum-based plastics are now a common component of life, and they may be

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found almost wherever on the planet, from the oceans to human placentas.

Finding a degradable substitute plastic made from renewable resources is

therefore important. In this essay, we have examined the effects of plasticizers,

varying ratios of seaweed, starch, and cellulose, and biodegradable seaweed-

based bioplastic on the physical attributes and traits of the biofilm. It is also

investigated how biofilms are created. There is discussion over the replacement

of single-use plastic in food packaging as well as other applications. Bioplastic

made from seaweed is environmentally benign because it decomposes fully in

soil. The results of this study shows that Seaweed-based bioplastic would be a

superior option to combat plastic pollution in addition to having excellent

mechanical characteristics and a shorter shelf life.

In another study titled “Production of Seaweed Derived Bioplastic”

authored by Zaimis, Ozolina, and Jurmalietis (2021), a type of Seaweed with the

scientific name Furcellaria lumbricalis is a viable material for the development of

bioplastics. This results show that if the Carrageenan material was mixed with

plasticizers, namely potato starch and glycerine, the bioplastics could be viable

enough to be made into spoons, forks, and cups. The results of this study is

significant as it gives assurance that Seaweed is indeed a viable main

component to be developed into a bioplastic.

Local Study

According to a journal titled ‘Bioplastic from Seaweeds (Eucheuma

Cottonii) as an Alternative Plastic’, authored by Consebit, Dermil, Magbanua,

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Racadio, Saavedra, Abusama, and Valdez (2021), a serious problem the world is

facing is plastic pollution. The researchers conducted the study to reach the

biodegradable plastics industry as alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics.

The results of the study shows that the usage of synthetic plastic can be reduced

by utilizing bioplastics. The seaweed used in developing the bioplastic shows that

it can indeed be a viable material to create Biodegradable Plastics.

CHAPTER 3

METHODS OF RESEARCH AND SOURCES OF DATA

This chapter presents the methods of research and sources of data which

will include the discussion of the materials and equipment, treatment and

variables, flowchart of the procedure, general procedure, data gathering, and

data analysis which will be used in the study. (entirety of methodlogy is still in

need of revision)
Materials and Equipment

The research will be utilizing the following material to accomplish the

study:

● Seaweed (Caulerpa lentillifera)

● Glycerine

● Cornstarch

● Water

● Vinegar

The research will also be using the following equipments to accomplish

the study:

● Beaker

● Frying Pan

● Measuring Cups

● Measuring Spoons

● Stirring Rod

● Spring Balance

Treatment and Variables

For the treatment of the mixture, it will contain the same amount of

seaweed but will have varying concentrations of glycerine.

Flowchart of the Procedure

 Process

Input Output
The materials
Seaweed prepared will be Bioplastic Food
Glycerine mixed, under Packaging
Water varying developed from
Vinegar concentrations of seaweed
Cornstarch Glycerine

10mL 20mL 30mL

Alternative
Plastic Mixture

General Procedure

The first steps of the experiment will be to prepare the materials which will

be used which are as follows; Seaweed, glycerine, water, vinegar, cornstarch.

After the materials are prepared, the researchers will prepare a beaker to mix

the materials prepared. The researchers will then proceed to create more

mixtures with different concentrations of glycerine. The mixtures will then be

poured to a hot pan which will be stirred thoroughly. It will then be poured into a

flat container. Once the plastic has hardened enough, the researchers will then

be conducting different tests to see whether it can indeed be a reliable food

packaging plastic.
Data Gathering

The data will be gathered through the different tests that will be conducted

by the researchers. To test the tensile strength of the bioplastic, the researchers

will be using a spring balance. Another test will be the biodegradability of the

product.

Data Analysis

The data gathered through the experiments will have their data analyzed.

The data from the experiment for tensile strength and biodegradability will be

organized according to the concentration of glycerine of each mixture. It will then

be interpreted in a table which will have a summary of the results of the data

gathered.

REFERENCES

BM, Sadashiva. (2021). SEAWEED A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE FOR

BIOPLASTIC: A REVIEW. Retrieved from

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 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355499638_SEAWEED_A_SUS

TAINABLE_SOURCE_FOR_BIOPLASTIC_A_REVIEW

Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin, DOST-STII (2018) DOST-DEVELOPED

BIODEGRADABLE SUBSTITUTE TO SYNTHETIC PLASTICS OFFERS

OPPORTUNITY FOR PLASTIC MANUFACTURERS. Retrieved from

https://stii.dost.gov.ph/808-dost-developed-biodegradable-substitute-to-

synthetic-plastics-offers-opportunity-for-plastic-manufacturers

Go Pure (2019) Our Earth in 50 Years: How Plastic Pollution Will Impact our

Future Retrieved from https://blog.gopurepod.com/sustainability/our-earth-

in-50-years-how-plastic-pollution-will-impact-our-future

Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser (2018) - "Plastic Pollution”. Retrieved from:

https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution'

Jacqui Palumbo, CNN (2022) Can seaweed help solve the world's plastic crisis?

Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/notpla-seaweed-single-

use-plastics/index.html

Karylle C., Kenneth D., Emmanuel M., Frenz R., Shea S., Hasannal A., Anamarie

V. (2021) Bioplastic from Seaweeds (Eucheuma Cottonii) as an

Alternative Plastic ASEAN Journal of Science and Engineering

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 http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/AJSE/

Uldis Z., Sintija O., Roberts J. (2021) PRODUCTION OF SEAWEED DERIVED

BIOPLASTICS Engineering for Rural Development

https://www.tf.llu.lv/conference/proceedings2021/Papers/TF370.pdf

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