UC San Diego publishes book on algae-based biodegradable plastic to drive innovation and reduce greenwashing

05 Jun 2023 --- The University of California (UC) in San Diego, US, has released a book on algae-based biodegradable plastics and their potential to change consumerism globally. The researchers look into reducing plastic pollution and creating more streamlined definitions of “recyclable” and “biodegradable” to tackle the growing issue of industry greenwashing.

“Rethinking Polyester Polyurethanes: Algae-Based Renewable, Sustainable, Biodegradable and Recyclable Materials (Emerging Issues in Analytical Chemistry),” published by Elsevier, showcases student research and details the basic science of creating bio-based polymers, lifecycle assessments and techno-economic analysis. 

Researchers at UC San Diego spent years developing a biodegradable plastic alternative made from algae. The algae-based polymer has already been used to make surfboards, flip-flops and walking shoes.

Redefining terms
The research was edited by professor of chemistry and biochemistry Robert Pomeroy and conducted during the pandemic. The book’s contributing authors include UC San Diego faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral scholars, alumni and graduate and undergraduate students.

“The academic teaching labs at UC San Diego are intentionally designed to foster collaboration among dedicated individuals and groups seeking solutions to the growing sea of plastic that plagues our oceans,” says chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. 

UC San Diego students collaborate to release a book explaining the creation of bio-based polymers. Pomeroy’s lab specializes in analytical chemistry, which he believes can help redefine terms like “recyclable” and “biodegradable.” A chapter in the book concerns greenwashing and takes a closer look at labeling and its role in spreading misinformation on environmental sustainability. 

The researcher points out that just because a packaging item can be recycled does not mean consumers dispose of it in the correct recycling bin and that it is transported to a recycling plant. Pomeroy gives the example of plastic-coated milk cartons being technically recyclable, but no facilities in California recycle them. Many times, these kinds of “recyclable” items are burned.

For “biodegradable,” the research finds that manufacturers might include a small amount of inert material, such as wood fiber, in a plastic product and claim it is biodegradable. 

“All they’re doing is creating microplastics. Now we’re challenging the words. We’re challenging the definitions. This is where analytical chemistry comes in. We want to establish the right way to do this,” says Pomeroy.

Overflowing landfills
The researchers at UC San Diego were inspired by the rising plastic pollution crisis when creating their biodegradable bio-based plastic. According to the World Economic Forum, it can take up to 450 years for plastic bottles and diapers to decompose. 

“For all the attention it receives, recycling is often prohibitively expensive and inefficient. Only a small fraction of plastics are recycled, and most new plastic products are not made from recycled materials,” say the researchers.

US landfills received 27 million metric tons of plastic in 2018, according to. Meanwhile, the UN Environment Programme reported up to 199 million metric tons of plastic may exist in the oceans.UC San Diego researchers create algae-based biodegradable plastic.

Pomeroy explains the need to change how consumers and manufacturers think about plastics, including single-use plastics, such as straws and medical supplies. While paper straws disintegrate too quickly – often mid-drink – ones made from algae polymers will hold their structural integrity long enough to be helpful but then biodegrade in a fraction of the time of a plastic straw.

“We need to be more thoughtful about making the product's lifetime match the lifetime of its use,” Pomeroy states.

Algae-based solutions
In February, the EC launched a stakeholder platform to promote algae use for nutrition and packaging. Called EU4Algae, the project aims to accelerate business development and consumer awareness in the EU.

Flinders University materials researchers in Australia and One-Five, a German biomaterials developer, use seaweed extracts to develop biopolymer coating materials to replace current foodservice packaging. 

The non-pollutive biomaterials have been designed to replace conventional fossil-based plastic coatings used in grease-resistant quick-service restaurant packaging. 

By Sabine Waldeck