AGRICULTURAL WASTE MATERIAL FOR PACKAGING APPLICATION

Packaging used to be seen as nothing more than a necessity, a layer to protect the product inside and to transport it from A to B. Packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and sells, in many countries it is fully integrated into government, business, and institutional, industrial, and personal use. In ancient times, leaves and bushes were used. By using high-end lightweight, durable, and cheaper material, today’s packing industry has evolved exponentially. The industry is continuously searching for packaging solutions that have better strength, are easier to handle, are hygienic, are lightweight, and, most importantly, are sustainable. The major packaging materials are plastic, polystyrene, cardboard, etc. All of these materials are low in cost, light in weight, and durable. The world’s growing population has led to large amount of packaging waste, which further contributes to the problem of its disposal and other environmental issues. High-energy consumption (embodied) and environmental problems are associated with packaging materials, which underscores the need to regard the proper use of packaging materials from an environment point of view.

There has been increasing concern regarding environmental problems arising from the widespread use of petroleum-based plastic and extruded polystyrene foam materials for packaging. The current review summarizes recent research progress in developing cellulose packaging material to replace plastics used for cushioning and barrier packaging functions based on pulp fibers. Natural cellulose fibers are bio-based materials with good biodegradability and recyclability which are suitable for packaging application, although they should be selected and processed accordingly to specific need of packaging product, taking into account the environmental, social and economic sustainability. Polystyrene is non-biodegradable, a biodegradable material that is eco-friendly is being sought as a substitute for packaging and insulation board consumers. Molded pulp is an eco-friendly packaging product popularly chosen nowadays. It is mostly used to replace plastic containers such as polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE). Besides, the non-wood pulps from agricultural crops and residues have been increasingly studied as alternative materials in pulp production. In agricultural countries, abundant sources of non-woods can be obtained from agricultural wastes. Many of them are considered suitable for pulp production due to their high cellulose content, low lignin content, and desirable mechanical properties, for example, oil palm, sugarcane, rice straw, banana stem, bamboo, corn stalk as well as pineapple leaf. Particularly, rice straw, pineapple leaf and banana stem contain relatively high cellulose content (65–82%) using these as raw materials to produce pulps by using a soda-anthraquinone (AQ) pulping process to prepare molded pulp sheets.

Fig – Preparation of molded pulp sheets from rice straw, pineapple leaf and banana steam

Pulps by using compression molding technique.

Recent scientific investigation resulted in development of an economically viable, environmentally friendly replacement for polystyrene packaging materials. The packaging material evaluated in a composite containing selected agricultural residues and a specific fungus.The crops and agricultural residues, fungi and/or their constituents have been studied and used to manufacture environmentally friendly products. The combination of agricultural residues and fungi have been evaluated for fungal cultivation and improving bonding properties of agricultural fibers in the manufacture of composites. Using six blends of processed cotton plant biomass (CPB) materials as a substrate for colonization of selected fungi in the manufacture of molded packaging material. The blends were comprised of processed CPB, cotton seed hulls, starch, and gypsum. Nano cellulose made of agricultural waste biomass, i.e. rice straw (RS) and palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB). The Reinforcement of nano cellulose obtained from agricultural waste in the production of bioplastic bags can improve mechanical and permeability properties of the bag.

Nano cellulose obtained from agricultural waste in the production of bioplastic bags can improve mechanical properties, Permeability of the bag and also help environment from harmful plastic chemical. The use of agricultural crops, residues, cotton-based fungal and nano cellulose from agricultural waste material can surely replace polystyrene packaging. These agro wastes have become an attractive alternative sources for the production of value-added products. With the development of science knowledge and technology, the applications of agro wastes discovered in numerous industries for sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Mr. Atharva Kulkarni

PVG COET & GKPWIM

TE Printing

References

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