Agar as an alternative to traditional packaging

In addition to being increasingly used in kitchens around the world due to its multiple beneficial properties and used as a means of bacteriological cultivation, the versatility of this hydrocolloid continues to surprise us with a new application. 

Several companies are already exploring the possibilities of agar in the world of packaging and wrapping by using it as a source of bioplastics, which represents an advantage as it is an environmentally friendly alternative. 

Among them, we find a group of Japanese researchers with their project called ‘Agar plasticity, a potential usefulness of agar for packaging and more’, which aims to take advantage of powdered agar, creating a new material that protects goods, facilitating a more sustainable and efficient use of natural resources. 

The team has worked on three experimental materials: pure powdered agar, this powder mixed with ashes from marine shells, and the powder mixed with fibers extracted from red algae. 

With the pure powder, they have formed a transparent and thin film, a loose fill pad, and a cushioning package. 

When combined with the ashes of the shells and water, a mass is obtained that can be molded with potential to be used even industrially. 

Combined with the fibers, a component with different hardnesses and thicknesses is extracted, which can vary in uses, from a padded wrapping for pots to making boxes. 

As if that weren’t enough, agar is a biodegradable hydrocolloid, so its lifespan can end in the ocean or as fill for land.