Most fast food burgers and chicken sandwiches come in greaseproof packaging that is bad for the environment.
But researchers from Flinders University in Australia, together with a German biomaterials company, one • fıve, are developing the next generation of biopolymer coating materials made from seaweed that could solve packaging pollution.
Greaseproof paper is often coated with plastic and other environmentally harmful chemicals, such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). But the new paper prototype, which uses extracts of certain seaweeds, will help prevent food from sticking to the paper while also providing an environmentally friendly circular solution to the problem.
“We are able to reduce harmful plastic pollution with this product, and we also use raw materials that are environmentally friendly,” says Claire Gusko, co-founder of one • fıve.
Many in the fast food industry are aware of the chemicals in their packaging.
Earlier this year, Restaurant Brands International, owner of Burger King, and Popeyes, announced plans to roll out sustainable packaging by 2025.
Still no word on whether the Whopper will come in seaweed packaging.
