Valorization of waste-derived starch for the development of bioplastics for sustainable packaging applications
| dc.contributor.author | Paul, Moon | |
| dc.contributor.author | Barrow, Colin J. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Qazanfarzadeh, Zeinab | |
| dc.contributor.author | ETAL.. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-30T04:16:09Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-30T04:16:09Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026 | |
| dc.description | Environmental degradation remains one of the most critical challenges of our time, driven by a range of unsustainable human activities. Among the most urgent issues are food waste and plastic pollution, both of which have far-reaching ecological and economic impacts [1,2]. For example, Australia generates 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, which is expected to double by 2040 if unaddressed [3]. At the global level, plastic waste is responsible for the deaths of over 100 million marine animals annually. Moreover, as plastic waste breaks down, it releases carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming, climate change, and environmental issues such as acid rain [4]. Transitioning to environmentally friendly materials for food packaging offers an effective means to reduce the range of environmental problems associated with plastic pollution. | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study explores the development of cost-effective, bioplastic packaging films by incorporating food waste-derived starch to reduce production costs while maintaining functional performance. Starch was extracted from bread waste and blended with sago starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in various ratios to evaluate the impact of low-cost, waste-derived materials on mechanical, thermal, optical, physicochemical, and barrier properties. The objective was to identify optimal formulations that balance performance and economic feasibility. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed hydrogen bonding and amorphous structures contributing to film flexibility. Surface analysis revealed smoother morphologies in PVA blends and increased hydrophilicity in sago starch films. The bread starch–PVA blend (PB 2:2) exhibited the best mechanical properties (15.5 MPa tensile strength, 259.99% elongation), while also achieving excellent UV-blocking (0% transmittance at 294 nm) and high transparency (90%). The incorporation of sago starch increased thermal stability compared to Control and PB films, particularly in the second and third decomposition stages, while PB (2:2) films exhibited the best moisture barrier properties (WVTR 670.84 g/m2·24 h). The findings demonstrate the potential of bread waste as a viable raw material for bio-based packaging. The PB (2:2) formulation offered optimal performance and the lowest cost, supporting a sustainable strategy for replacing synthetic polymers with renewable, food-waste-derived starch. Keywords: Biodegradable films, Bread waste, Mechanical properties, Polyvinyl alcohol, Sago starch, Sustainable packaging | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Jafarzadeh, S., Wu, P., Paul, M., Qazanfarzadeh, Z., Barrow, C. J., Zabihi, O., ... & Naebe, M. (2026). Valorization of waste-derived starch for the development of bioplastics for sustainable packaging applications. Materials Today Chemistry, 53, 103591. | |
| dc.identifier.doi | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2026.103591 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repository.adu.ac.ae/handle/1/8312 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Elsevier Ltd | |
| dc.title | Valorization of waste-derived starch for the development of bioplastics for sustainable packaging applications | |
| dc.type | Article |