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Since worldwide distribution of non-degradable plastic waste causes serious environmental pollution, growing efforts have been made to replace traditional petroleum derived plastics with biological ones. The present paper focuses on seaweed (macroalgae) detritus as a potential feedstock for bioplastic production, since significant quantities of seaweed residues are available in the research site -Kurzeme coast (Western Latvia). This study aims to adapt the method for polylactic acid (PLA) plastics manufacturing from red seaweed Furcellaria lumbricalis (black carrageen) and to manipulate properties of the plastic material produced. Furcellaria material has been gathered on Kurzeme coast in Liepaja city and brought to the Liepaja University for carrageenan substances isolation/separation. The samples were thoroughly washed with tap water, then boiled for 2 hours and hot filtered into cold isopropanol and subsequently blended with plasticizers (glycerine, potato starch, seaweed particles) in order to achieve the desirable physical and thermomechanical properties of the carrageenan product. At the end, the samples were dried at temperature 25 ºC for 24 hours. Carrageenan material was improved through combining two plasticizers (potato starch and glycerine)bioplastic was suitable now for manufacturing spoons, cups, packaging boxes, etc. Still, research results should be considered as preliminary onesfurther studies are necessary to develop compatible bioplastic from Furcellaria.

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The use of plastic pots in gardening has been prevalent since the 1960s, and since then the demand for such products has significantly increased. However, the negative impact of plastic pot usage on plants and the environment has led to the need for researching and developing new environmentally friendly and sustainable materials for gardening needs. A practical study was conducted to develop and test a new type of seedling pot made from algae Furcellaria lumbricalis and paper, which was compared to existing biodegradable pots made from peat-paper and paper, as well as a plastic pot for comparison. The study found that pots made from algae and paper showed better germination results than comparable products available in Latvia. The number of sprouted seedlings in each sample was counted, with each sample initially having 15 seeds. The best results were found in pots made of algae-paper, with a germination rate of 74.4%. The second-best results were found in pots made of peat-paper, with a germination rate of 59.4%. The third, were found in plastic pots, with a germination rate of 58.8%. The worst results were found in plain paper pots, with a germination rate of 47.2%. Additionally, the algae-paper pots exhibited the most favourable recovery from the stress test, with well-developed root systems, while specimens grown in plastic pots exhibited marked chlorosis. Thus, the study concludes that algae-paper pots are a promising option for biodegradable pots that can compete with plastic pots.