Taro (Colocasia esculenta) and sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) as potential materials for making bioplastic

Abstract

Plastic pollution has become a global concern, and the country Philippines is one of the plastic waste generators worldwide. The accumulation of non-recyclable, single-use plastics threatens marine life and contributes to global warming. This study aimed to contribute to reducing plastic pollution and provide insights into sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. Hence, this research explores the potential of bioplastics as an alternative to traditional plastics. Specifically, this study primarily focused on developing bioplastics using taro and sea grapes as raw materials to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. The researcher aimed to investigate three different concentrations of bioplastic made from taro and sea grapes and evaluate their tensile strength, water absorbency, and biodegradability. The findings revealed that the second sample, consisting of 20 grams of taro starch, 15 mL of sea grape extract, two tablespoons of vinegar, 7.5 mL of glycerine, and 40 mL of water, exhibits the best outcome regarding its tensile strength, water absorbency, and biodegradability. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that bioplastics derived from taro starch and sea grape extract possess promising properties. The study highlights the importance of optimizing the concentration of raw materials to achieve desired characteristics in bioplastic production.