Development of Biodegradable Food Package Using Agro-Wastes

The escalating environmental concerns surrounding the massive production and improper disposal of non-biodegradable food packaging materials have led to the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. In response to this demand, the present study aims to model a biodegradable food package utilizing abundant agro-wastes, specifically rice husk, plantain stem, and sugarcane bagasse. The primary objective is to develop a packaging material that not only reduces environmental pollution but also utilizes readily available agricultural residues. Various formulations were tested to optimize the proportion of cooking starch, ensuring maximum binding efficiency while maintaining desirable physical and mechanical characteristics of the packaging material. The resulting mixture was then molded into the desired shape using a suitable technique such as compression molding or extrusion. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, flexibility, and impact resistance, were assessed to evaluate the performance of the developed packaging material.