The market for seaweed-based coatings has registered significant growth in the last few years, due to a strong demand in the market for ecologically beneficial alternatives. Being applied to various areas. The sargassum or seaweed, which harbours abundant polysyanarchite in its structure, has generated interest among the coating material manufacturers as it is a marine resource that is renewable and biodegradable. The most important issue is probably a healthy development of seaweed-based coatings in the food packaging industry. Being more aware that the environmental footprint of packaging materials is being placed into a consumer’s mind, there is a rising trend in favor of biodegradables. Seaweed-based coatings present the alternatives by performing protective functions while being bio-compostable and their significantly reduce plastic waste in comparison to plastic counterparts.
The other essential trend is to produce seaweed-based film for highly demanded in agriculture sector. The studies conducted have shown their readiness to be applied in the promotion of seed germination, plant growth, and pest and pathogen aversions. Farmers just about everywhere are coming to realize that using seaweed-based coating is not an unnecessary input, which is the reason for a raised interest on this niche. The natural components contained in the seaweed further promote soil fertility and crop growth since the trend in the advanced agroecological farming is sustainability and organic practices.
Along with seaweeds- based coating, consumers are moved to natural and organic ingredients for beauty products in the cosmetic industry. Seaweed extract is an effective active ingredient which is rich with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is therefore used to make the topical applications of skincare and haircare. The cause of the aesthetically favorable seaweed coatings in cosmetics is attributed to the anti-elive and moisturizing properties of seaweed. Thereupon, multiple cosmetic brands started including seaweed-incorporated coatings in their existing product assortment that helped them utilize this green and nature loving consumer profile in promotion of their sustainable products.
Marine ecosystem is gaining attention from the coatings companies since they filed patents for production of the seaweed-based paints. The coatings sector is also witnessing a shift towards seaweed alternatives. Normally, marine coatings are composed of toxic chemicals that would display negative impact on the ecosystem of oceans. The seaweed-based coatings open the door to a more eco-friendly solution, being effective anti-fouling and corrosion prevention without causing the environment any health damage.
On a different note, research and development expenditure among the industry players is also another growth driver which is accelerating innovation and adoption of other seaweed-based product alliances. Organizations are now going beyond discovering outstanding traits of seaweed and using those for fashioning items such as cosmetics, food, feed, and fuel among other applications. Research is undertaken by this company in this matter which has resulted in it develop products with superior performance traits enhancing the seaweed-based coatings application to various industries.
Seaweed-Based Coating Market Size was valued at USD 512.02 billion in 2022. The Seaweed Market Industry is projected to grow from USD 568.31 billion in 2023 to USD 938.24 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.36% during the forecast period (2023 - 2030). Seaweed extracts include mixtures of seaweed from red, brown, and green algae. Seaweed is rich in minerals that can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve appetite, improve wound dressing, and improve heart health. Seaweed can also be used to make biofuels like bio-butanol which is an alternative to diesel. Seaweed-based Coating increases market opportunities for ocean farmers by providing raw materials that can be used to create alternatives to fossil-based coating. Replacing fossil-based coating with seaweed-based coating substitutes benefits both humans and the environment.
The surge in global awareness and the pressing need to address environmental concerns, particularly the escalating issue of plastic waste, is poised to catalyze the rapid expansion of the seaweed-based coating market. With an increasing number of individuals and businesses actively seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic coatings, the demand for eco-friendly options has seen a substantial upswing. Seaweed-based coatings have emerged as a promising solution, as they not only offer comparable functionalities to their plastic counterparts but also possess the crucial advantage of being biodegradable. This biodegradability ensures that these coatings break down naturally over time, mitigating the persistent environmental impact associated with conventional plastics. Furthermore, the renewable nature of seaweed as a resource adds to the appeal, presenting a sustainable alternative that can be harvested without causing long-term ecological harm. The drive for innovation in material science, ongoing research, and the development of enhanced seaweed-based coatings contribute to their growing acceptance across diverse industries.
Seaweed is rich in antioxidants, fibers, and robust polysaccharide compounds. When these are combined with certain biodegradable polymers, Coating materials have the potential to be more sustainable and superior to traditional materials. The main advantage of seaweed Coating materials is that they can be made edible without the need for additives or preservatives. Developing new edible Coating options has made seaweed Coating solutions increasingly popular. For example, London-based Notpla has developed a biodegradable, and potentially edible, plastic substitute made from seaweed. Notpla hopes to reduce the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced by humans each year. Synthetic polymers take centuries to break down, while Notpla’s natural plastic casing breaks down in as little as 4 to 6 weeks.
The escalating utilization of edible seaweed coating within the food industry is anticipated to unlock significant growth opportunities for the seaweed-based coating market. As concerns regarding food safety, shelf-life extension, and sustainable packaging practices gain prominence, edible seaweed coatings have emerged as a compelling solution. These coatings not only provide a protective barrier for food products but also offer the added advantage of being edible and biodegradable. One of the key drivers behind the growing popularity of edible seaweed coatings in the food industry is the increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable alternatives. As awareness of the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials grows, consumers are seeking products that align with their preferences for eco-friendly options. Edible seaweed coatings address this demand by offering a renewable and biodegradable solution, contributing to reduced plastic usage and waste. Moreover, the use of edible seaweed coatings aligns with the broader industry trend of clean labeling and natural ingredients. As consumers become more conscious of the substances used in food production, the transparency and natural origin of seaweed-based coatings become attractive attributes for both manufacturers and consumers. The food industry's embrace of edible seaweed coatings also presents an opportunity for innovation in product development. Manufacturers can explore different formulations and applications of seaweed-based coatings to meet specific needs such as moisture retention, freshness preservation, and even flavor enhancement.
The rise of global urbanization has improved the quality of life for many people and created jobs. The fast pace of life has increased the need for processed food. Processed foods are often packaged in plastic Coating which can be highly polluting. 36% of the total plastic production is used in Coating. Single-use items used for food and drinks are disposed of as landfills, or as uncontrolled waste in 85% of the cases. This has inspired people to advocate for the development and use of edible Coating which can be consumed, or composted, it can prevent several infectious diseases and the need for Coating made from edible, green seaweed is on the rise.
The Seaweed-Based Coating Market segmentation, based on application has been segmented as Food and Beverages, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, Personal care and Cosmetics, Others. Among these, the Food and Beverages segment dominates the Seaweed-Based Coating Market. The potential of seaweed Coating in food and beverage is immense as it provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic Coating. Seaweed Coating can be used for a wide range of purposes in the food industry, such as food Coating, food service disposables, beverage Coating, etc. Food Coating made from seaweed offers a range of benefits, such as extended shelf life, improved freshness and biodegradation. For instance, seaweed Coating has been used in the production of fresh fruit, such as strawberries and tomatoes, to extend their shelf life by up to 2 weeks. In addition to the functional benefits, seaweed Coating can be customized to meet specific branding and marketing needs. Coating made from seaweed can be printed with logos and graphic elements. Its eco-friendly nature can help to differentiate products and attract eco-conscious consumers.
Based on Region, the Seaweed-based coating market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The Europe Seaweed-based coating market held the maximum market share for number of reasons. One of the most significant reasons is the region’s focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. European consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental effects of plastic trash, leading governments and businesses to look for more sustainable Coating solutions. Another major driver of seaweed Coating adoption in Europe is the growing seaweed industry in the region. Many European nations have a long-standing tradition of harvesting and growing seaweed, which has helped drive the seaweed Coating business forward. The European Union’s circular economy strategy, designed to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency, has also created an environment conducive to the use of sustainable Coating solutions, such as seaweed-based materials.
The market in North America is dominated by the United States. This is largely due to government policies. For example, several states in the U.S., including California, New York, and Massachusetts, have passed legislation to reduce the amount of plastic waste. This has led many US company including small startups and large multinational corporations alike, to explore the possibility of using seaweed-based materials in their Coating. For example, in the food and beverage sector, some large companies are already utilizing seaweed-based Coating. For example, PepsiCo, a Fortune 500 company, has developed a compostable snack bag made of a variety of plant-derived materials, including seaweed. Another example is the collaboration between a sustainability seafood company, BlueNealu, and a seaweed-based Coating company, Bloom, to develop Coating options for their products. Seaweed based materials are also becoming increasingly popular in other industries. Personal care and cosmetics are two prime examples. For example, Lush, a US-based cosmetics company, has incorporated seaweed-based materials into parts of their Coating. Other entrepreneurs are exploring the potential applications in this industry.
In Asia Pacific, India is largest plastic consumers. This has led to an increased awareness of plastic waste’s environmental impact. India has a rich history of harvesting and growing seaweed, especially along its coastline. With decades of experience in seaweed cultivation, processing and value-added, India has a strong foundation for a seaweed-based Coating industry. The Indian government has put in place several initiatives to support the development of eco-friendly Coating solutions. For instance, the Ministry of environment, forests, and climate change (MoEFCC) has set up the National Clean energy Fund to promote clean energy and green technology, including eco-friendly Coating.
Key market players are emphasizing significantly on R&D for increasing their product offerings, which will further help the Seaweed-based coating Market to grow considerably. Market players are adopting several business development strategies such as acquisitions, mergers, collaborations, and partnerships to enhance their market presence and acquire a larger customer base. To survive in the competitive market, industry players must provide cost effective products.
The seaweed-based coating market is very competitive with market players trying to develop unique and innovative products and solutions, which could render the competitors’ offerings obsolete. The competitive environment is likely to grow further owing to rising technological advancements. Some of the key players operating in the Seaweed-based coating Market are Evoware (Indonesia), Amtrex, Nature Care Pvt. Ltd. (India), Nagase America LLC (U.S), Notpla Limited (UK), Mantrose UK Ltd. (UK), Sway (US), Loiware (US). To increase their global reach and client base, key firms are concentrating on acquisitions and product innovation.
November 2022, Notpla launches a new line of seven seaweed coated Coating solutions to accelerate the adoption of truly sustainable offerings in the takeaway sector. Notpla Coating is naturally biodegradable and recyclable at home. It is made from plants and seaweed and has many of the same properties as plastic in terms of water and grease resistance.
In November 2021, Valor Siren Ventures, an early-stage investor in the U.S. seaweed Coating industry, invests $2.5 million in Sway. The company’s mission is to develop a ready to use, carbon-free bioplastic seaweed-based solution to replace single-use plastic Coating. Sway will use the funds to develop compostable retail bags / polybags.
In March 2021, Marine Innovation launched eco-friendly plates made from by-products of the seaweed industry. Marine Innovation is a social enterprise supported by SK Innovation. Marine Innovation's eco-friendly plates are available in two designs and are highly sought after by hotels, resorts and restaurants. As meal delivery services continue to grow and during the pandemic, it is expected that throwaway rubbish will decrease thanks to Marine innovation's eco-friendly food containers.
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