Optimization of Film Flexibility and Structural Integrity in Marine-Derived Biopolymers for Single-Use Cup Fabrication
Dom Min
Seoul International School, Seongnam-si, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
Seoul International School, Seongnam-si, South Korea
Publication date: July 10, 2026
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2026I08
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of single-use plastic consumption has contributed to environmental concerns, including microplastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and marine ecosystem degradation. To explore early-stage alternatives, this study evaluated marine-derived biopolymer mixtures using kelp and seaweed extracts combined with gelatin or starch for potential single-use cup fabrication. Kelp or seaweed extracts were prepared at 10% w/v and combined with gelatin or starch at 40% w/v. The resulting materials were compared based on hardening behavior, brittleness, surface appearance, flexibility, and structural integrity using qualitative and semi-quantitative observations. Starch-containing films hardened rapidly but showed greater brittleness, cracking, and surface defects. In contrast, gelatin-containing mixtures dried more slowly and produced fewer visible cracks. Among the tested conditions, the kelp 10% w/v and gelatin 40% w/v formulation, dried under controlled conditions without glycerol, produced the most cohesive prototype structure with reduced visible surface defects. However, this study did not include standardized mechanical testing, biodegradation analysis, lifecycle assessment, or cost analysis. Therefore, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary proof-of-concept evidence that kelp–gelatin biopolymer mixtures may be further optimized for biodegradable packaging applications. Future studies should quantify tensile strength, water resistance, thermal stability, biodegradation rate, cost feasibility, and lifecycle impact before practical application can be claimed.
The proliferation of single-use plastic consumption has contributed to environmental concerns, including microplastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and marine ecosystem degradation. To explore early-stage alternatives, this study evaluated marine-derived biopolymer mixtures using kelp and seaweed extracts combined with gelatin or starch for potential single-use cup fabrication. Kelp or seaweed extracts were prepared at 10% w/v and combined with gelatin or starch at 40% w/v. The resulting materials were compared based on hardening behavior, brittleness, surface appearance, flexibility, and structural integrity using qualitative and semi-quantitative observations. Starch-containing films hardened rapidly but showed greater brittleness, cracking, and surface defects. In contrast, gelatin-containing mixtures dried more slowly and produced fewer visible cracks. Among the tested conditions, the kelp 10% w/v and gelatin 40% w/v formulation, dried under controlled conditions without glycerol, produced the most cohesive prototype structure with reduced visible surface defects. However, this study did not include standardized mechanical testing, biodegradation analysis, lifecycle assessment, or cost analysis. Therefore, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary proof-of-concept evidence that kelp–gelatin biopolymer mixtures may be further optimized for biodegradable packaging applications. Future studies should quantify tensile strength, water resistance, thermal stability, biodegradation rate, cost feasibility, and lifecycle impact before practical application can be claimed.
