Seaweed bioplastics named top PH tech priority

The Marcos Jr. administration is stepping up support for science‑driven and sustainable technologies.

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PH seaweed bioplastics are coming?

One of the results is that DOST experts are pushing seaweed‑derived bioplastics to be among the Philippines' top priorities through 2050.

At the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of NAST PHL in Manila on July 9, academicians highlighted bioplastics' potential to cut plastic waste, create coastal jobs, and expand R&D.

Academician Marco Nemesio E. Montaño called for stronger funding in fundamental research.

There should be more investments in the fundamental research to identify niche areas [of the Philippines bioplastic industry] as an opportunity for inclusive growth and sustainable development, Montaño said.

Bioplastics, made from biological sources like seaweeds, naturally break down into harmless materials.

Academician Ernesto J. del Rosario urged expanded seaweed farming to secure raw materials.

We are only utilizing a very small fraction of our available ocean and sea resources for growing seaweeds, he said. We have a large economic zone where we can grow seaweed as a source of biopolymers. So, that makes us a very potential producer of bioplastics.

The Philippines is the world’s fourth‑largest seaweed producer, contributing 4.2 percent of global output, led by Kappaphycus alvarezii. Seaweeds yield biopolymers like carrageenan, alginates, agar, and fucoidan for biodegradable plastics.

Montaño said researchers must study biopolymer chemistry and additives such as glycerol or sorbitol to improve strength and flexibility.

We have the biopolymer plus additives that would result in bioplastics, he said. This is important to develop a strong bioplastics industry; we must study the chemistry of biopolymers and additives.

Del Rosario added that universities should isolate long‑chain biopolymers, refine processes, and cultivate climate‑resilient seaweed varieties.

You've probably heard of the effect of global warming on the corals, he said. We do not want that to happen to the seaweeds here in the Philippines.

They said that a domestic bioplastics industry could also provide sustainable livelihoods in Sulu, Southern Mindanao, and other seaweed‑producing provinces.

Both agreed seaweed‑derived bioplastics should be in the country's top five technology priorities through 2050.

The meeting is part of DOST's push for science‑based, inclusive solutions under its four pillars: human well‑being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability, aligned with the OneDOST4U program.

Source: PIA