Surabaya, May 20, 2025 – Students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, achieved outstanding recognition at the National Student Scientific Festival (FILM), securing both the Best Expo and Best Tenant LKTI awards. Their innovative project, addressing plastic waste, food waste, and food safety, demonstrates the power of youth-led solutions for environmental and societal challenges.
The award-winning team, led by student Qolbi, introduced ELBINA, a pioneering solution combining two interrelated technologies: Biofoam (biodegradable styrofoam) and Smart Halochromic Wrap. Biofoam is crafted from natural materials such as corn cobs and Gracilaria verrucosa seaweed. The high cellulose content of corn cobs makes them an excellent base for eco-friendly foam, while the addition of Gracilaria verrucosa enhances the physical and mechanical quality of the material. This synergy produces a biofoam that is not only environmentally sustainable but also functional and innovative.
Integrated with Biofoam, the Smart Halochromic Wrap is an environmentally friendly technology that functions as both an antibacterial food coating and a freshness sensor. Made from corn starch, processed shrimp shell waste converted into chitosan, and mangosteen peel extract as a natural dye, this wrap operates like conventional food wraps but with added intelligence. It features a color-based freshness indicator: yellow signifies that food is fresh, green indicates a decline in quality but still edible, and brown to dark brown signals spoilage, preventing consumption of unsafe food.
ELBINA embodies the team’s motto, “Innovative Work, Waste Solved,” reflecting its potential to tackle pressing issues in Indonesia such as plastic pollution, food waste, and food security. Additionally, the project contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 12, and 15. The National Student Scientific Festival (FILM), organized by the Student Scientific Association (SIM) of Universitas Sebelas Maret, is a prestigious platform for student research and innovation. Participating in this competition allowed the Airlangga FPK team to showcase their work on a national stage, enhancing the reputation of both the students and the university.
The success of ELBINA highlights the crucial role of university students in developing practical, science-based solutions to real-world problems. By integrating scientific research with social responsibility, these students demonstrate how academic initiatives can directly contribute to national development, environmental sustainability, and the advancement of food safety standards in Indonesia. Their achievement not only celebrates student creativity but also underscores the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences’ commitment to fostering innovation, research excellence, and community impact. The team’s accomplishment serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers and innovators nationwide, proving that dedicated young minds can drive meaningful change in society.
