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A Systematic Review on Seaweed Functionality: A Sustainable Bio-Based Material

Author

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  • Pranav Nakhate

    (Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands)

  • Yvonne van der Meer

    (Aachen Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Sustainable development is an integrated approach to tackle ongoing global challenges such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and climate change. However, a paradigm shift from a fossil-based economy to a bio-based economy must accomplish the circularity principles in order to be sustainable as a solution. The exploration of new feedstock possibilities has potential to unlock the bio-based economy’s true potential, wherein a cascading approach would maximize value creation. Seaweed has distinctive chemical properties, a fast growth rate, and other promising benefits beyond its application as food, making it a suitable candidate to substitute fossil-based products. Economic and environmental aspects can make seaweed a lucrative business; however, seasonal variation, cultivation, harvesting, and product development challenges have yet not been considered. Therefore, a clear forward path is needed to consider all aspects, which would lead to the commercialization of financially viable seaweed-based bioproducts. In this article, seaweed’s capability and probable functionality to aid the bio-based economy are systematically discussed. The possible biorefinery approaches, along with its environmental and economic aspects of sustainability, are also dealt with. Ultimately, the developmental process, by-product promotion, financial assistance, and social acceptance approach are summarized, which is essential when considering seaweed-based products’ feasibility. Besides keeping feedstock and innovative technologies at the center of bio-economy transformation, it is imperative to follow sustainable-led management practices to meet sustainable development goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Pranav Nakhate & Yvonne van der Meer, 2021. "A Systematic Review on Seaweed Functionality: A Sustainable Bio-Based Material," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:6174-:d:565851
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jonas House & Anke Brons & Sigrid Wertheim-Heck & Hilje Horst, 2024. "What is culturally appropriate food consumption? A systematic literature review exploring six conceptual themes and their implications for sustainable food system transformation," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 41(2), pages 863-882, June.
    2. Vaibhav A. Mantri & Arup Ghosh & K. Eswaran & M. Ganesan, 2022. "Notes on Recommendations for Enabling Policy Interventions in the Seaweed Cultivation and Processing Domain in India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Yong, Wilson Thau Lym & Thien, Vun Yee & Rupert, Rennielyn & Rodrigues, Kenneth Francis, 2022. "Seaweed: A potential climate change solution," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).

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