The global market size of ion exchange resins for water treatment is estimated to be USD$5.85 billion/yr by 2028. Many ion exchange resins used for water treatment are petroleum-based, often synthesized from styrene and divinylbenzene derived from petrochemicals. These resins are polymeric structures that can be functionalized to carry specific ions, enabling ion exchange. After their effective lifetime, spent ion exchange resins undergo degradation and gradually lose their efficacy. In addition to the disadvantage of being generated from petrochemicals, these spent resins decompose, leading to the formation of microplastics and posing further challenges to the environment. The predominant concern in the production of petroleum-based polymers release of greenhouse gas emissions. Also, disposal requires careful consideration due to potential hazardous content. Driven by the urgent need to safeguard our water resources, water treatment technologies are evolving unprecedentedly with focus on both novel and sustainable solutions. A variety of methodologies for alternatives to petroleum-based resins have been proposed and implemented; however, finding the right balance between treatment efficacy and sustainability is the focus of ongoing studies. Among the promising solutions are biopolymeric beads, which offer a potentially more sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based resins.