As the world grapples with the continued rise of plastic pollution across marine and freshwater ecosystems, developing economies such as the Philippines are ramping up the production of non-plastic alternatives, with seaweed as a major source. In its latest global trade update, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) pointed out that plastics make up around 80 percent of ocean pollution, covering large garbage patches to microplastics that threaten marine ecosystems.

Barro, D. II. (2025, June 6). Seaweed industry seen boosting non-plastics. Manila Bulletin, pp. B-1, B-5.