By Kenneth Marcos 
From the shores of Visayas, a team of scientists is turning seaweed into a potential game-changer for sustainable packaging.
The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) congratulated the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) for its newly published research on producing biofilms from semi-refined kappa-carrageenan—a natural extract from the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii.
The scientific article, titled “Process Optimization Approach for Producing Biofilms from Semi-refined κ-Carrageenan Extracted from Kappaphycus alvarezii”, was featured in the prestigious Philippine Journal of Science, a publication known for highlighting innovations in agriculture, science, and technology.
Seaweed as a sustainable solution
The research is part of the ongoing Seafood-on-the-Spot project funded by DA-BAR. The project supports studies that aim to develop eco-friendly and sustainable fisheries products, helping both the environment and local communities that depend on fishing and aquaculture.
According to the study, biofilms made from seaweed carrageenan can serve as a natural alternative to plastic packaging. This innovation not only reduces dependency on petroleum-based plastics but also adds value to locally produced seaweed, a major source of income for coastal farmers, especially in Visayas and Mindanao.
The project uses a process optimization approach, a method of finding the most efficient and effective way to produce high-quality biofilms. This means better product consistency and potential for commercial-scale production.
Benefits for environment and economy
Seaweed farming is one of the most important aquaculture industries in the Philippines, with over 1.5 million metric tons produced annually. The country is among the world’s top exporters of carrageenan, widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
With global demand growing for sustainable packaging, the UPV study opens new opportunities for the Philippines to become a leader in green technology. At the same time, it strengthens local agriculture by creating higher-value uses for raw seaweed materials.
The DA-BAR emphasized that this milestone showcases the power of research and innovation in agriculture, especially when it is closely linked to environmental protection and community development.
Science that supports the people
The Seafood-on-the-Spot project continues to support studies like this, hoping to find more ways to make local industries greener, more competitive, and inclusive.
As the threat of plastic pollution continues to rise, innovations like seaweed-based biofilms give Filipinos a reason to be hopeful—and proud. Through science and collaboration, the country moves closer to a future where economic progress and environmental care go hand in hand.
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