Virtual Booth

This project introduces ALGE-PACK, an innovative edible food wrapping made entirely from natural and biodegradable materials. The primary goal of this product is to serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic food wrappers, which are commonly used in the food industry but pose serious environmental challenges due to their resistance to decomposition and contribution to long-term pollution. ALGE-PACK is carefully formulated using sodium alginate, a natural polymer extracted from brown algae, which is then blended with vegetable oil to enhance flexibility and texture. The mixture is subsequently dipped into a calcium chloride solution, which acts as a cross-linking agent, transforming the liquid solution into a solid, stable film. The final product is strong, elastic, moisture-resistant, and most importantly, safe to consume along with food or to decompose naturally in the environment. To ensure its practicality, a series of experiments and tests were conducted to evaluate its mechanical strength, flexibility, durability, and moisture tolerance. The results demonstrated that ALGE-PACK is highly suitable for wrapping dry or semi-moist food items, such as snacks, biscuits, or sandwiches, making it ideal for school canteens, households, and food retail industries. Moreover, ALGE-PACK supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing the reliance on single-use plastics. Its potential to be adopted in various sectors highlights the importance of innovation in addressing environmental concerns while maintaining functionality and affordability in packaging solutions.