A team of researchers from universities in Thailand and Malaysia have collaborated to develop a unique kind of bioplastic sheet that is good for the environment and can decompose naturally. They made this bioplastic sheet using a byproduct of the bromelain industry which used the leftover pineapple stems from agricultural waste. This new type of bioplastic sheet has the potential to be used as single-use packaging material, as an alternative to the use of harmful plastic sheet, contributing to a more sustainable way of doing business and promoting a circular economy.
Using Pineapple Stems to make New Bio Plastic Sheet Material: Plastic waste is a big problem for the environment, especially small plastics like bread clips that are hard to recycle or get rid of in the environment and could negatively affect living organisms. Various solutions have been suggested, including the utilization of biodegradable polymers for single-use applications and the implementation of plastic bans in certain countries. Biodegradable polymers encompass a range of options, such as fully biobased polylactic acid (PLA), partially biobased polybutylene succinate (PBS), fully synthetic polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), as well as natural polymers like starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). However, it is crucial to recognize that not all biodegradable polymers possess the same characteristics, and it is essential to comprehend the specific properties and limitations associated with each type. For instance, widely employed biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PBAT, and PBS do not readily biodegrade under natural environmental conditions, necessitating specific conditions such as controlled humidity and temperature typically found in industrial composting facilities. Therefore, it remains imperative to ensure the proper disposal and collection of these biodegradable materials in such facilities to guarantee their complete degradation. In contrast, starch-based materials, PHAs, and PHBs are fully biodegradable within natural environments, presenting a potentially suitable choice for certain applications where convenient collection and recycling prove challenging or economically unviable, particularly for small and lightweight objects or products. These materials possess the ability to biodegrade entirely without requiring specialized industrial composting facilities, thereby offering a more practical and environmentally friendly solution for specific waste types.
To tackle this issue using starch-based materials, the team used the starch from the pineapple stems, which is a substance found in plants, as the main ingredient. The team added glycerol and calcium carbonate to make the material easy to shape and strong. By changing the amounts of these ingredients, the team made samples with different strengths and properties. The resulting material could resist water and didn’t soak up as much water as other similar materials. When the team buried it in the soil, it completely broke down into tiny pieces in just two weeks. The team even made a test version of a bread clip using this material, and it worked well in holding a bag closed. This study shows that using pineapple stem starch can be a good and eco-friendly choice instead of using plastics made from petroleum or other plant materials. It’s a step towards a more sustainable way of making small plastic products and promoting a circular economy.
The Amornsakchai team has achieved yet another remarkable feat, drawing praise from Associate Professor Kheng Lim Goh of Newcastle University in Singapore, who acted as their technical advisor. Professor Goh enthused that, “The team’s success is truly exceptional! Professor Amornsakchai and his talented researchers possess a unique edge, dedicated to bringing forth positive change in Thailand, Malaysia, and the wider ASEAN region. Their impact is truly commendable!”.
The findings from this study has been published in a paper [1] in the journal called Polymers. The details of the findings can be found at doi:10.3390/polym15102388
For more information, please write to Associate Professor Taweechai Amornsakchai at taweechai.amo@mahidol.ac.th or to Associate Professor Kheng Lim Goh at kheng-lim.goh@ncl.ac.uk.
References
Using Pineapple Stems to make New Bio Plastic Sheet Material: [1] C. Thongphang et al., “Toward a Circular Bioeconomy: Development of Pineapple Stem Starch Composite as a Plastic-Sheet Substitute for Single-Use Applications,” Polymers, vol. 15, no. 10, p. 2388, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/10/2388.
