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. The research is published in the journal Polymers.
Plastic waste is a big problem for the environment, especially small plastics like bread clips that are hard to recycle or dispose of, and could negatively affect living organisms. Proposed solutions include the use 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 understand the specific properties and limitations associated with each type.