Here, we assessed the costs and environmental impacts of biopolymeric beads for water treatment through techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to understand drivers for sustainability. This urgent evaluation focuses on chitosan derived beads for the removal of model organic pollutant with opportunities to expand this framework to other biopolymers and contaminants. This work aims to help inform conversations on whether it is time to consider a pivotal shift toward the early adoption of sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based resins.