Bio-Plastic Production from Agricultural Waste: Utilizing Corn, Potato, Banana Peel for Sustainable Biodegradable Bio-Plastic

Abstract

The increasing environmental threat posed by synthetic plastic waste has driven the exploration of sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the potential of agricultural waste, specifically potato starch, corn starch, and banana peels, as renewable sources for producing biodegradable bioplastic films. These raw materials are rich in starch and cellulose, which are crucial biopolymers in plastic formation. Starch was extracted from potato and corn through conventional methods involving peeling, chopping, blending, and filtration, while banana peels were processed after pretreatment with sodium metabisulfite and boiling. Plasticizers such as glycerol and vinegar were incorporated to improve the flexibility and moldability of the resulting material. The prepared bio-plastic films were evaluated based on texture, pH, flexibility, strength, and biodegradability. The results showed that each agricultural waste material contributed unique properties to the bio-plastic. Corn starch yielded smooth and flexible films, potato starch formed strong and translucent plastics, while banana peel produced tougher, thicker films due to its fibrous content. The combination of all three resulted in a balanced material with enhanced mechanical strength and faster biodegradation. Overall, this study demonstrates a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to bio-plastic production using common waste products. It supports the viability of using agricultural residues to replace conventional plastics, promoting a circular economy and helping reduce the environmental footprint of plastic consumption. This technique holds promise for small-scale applications and, with optimization, could be scaled for industrial use.

Keywords

Introduction

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                         Fig :4 Potato Starch                     Fig:5 Corn Starch                   Fig:6 Banana powder

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Fig. 7: Sheets made by Potatoes, Corn and Banana respectively

                                                      Table 1: pH table of potato starch

DISCUSSION

The findings of this research affirm previous studies on the viability of bio-plastic production from starch-based agricultural waste [11]. The mechanical properties of the resulting films varied depending on the source material. Potato starch yielded clear, flexible, and strong films due to its high amylose content and excellent film-forming properties [9]. Corn starch provided a smooth texture and high flexibility, confirming results from earlier research [10]. Banana peels contributed additional fiber and thickness, leading to more durable but less flexible films. This is consistent with the findings of Sultan et al., who noted the high starch and lignocellulose content in banana waste [5]. When combined, these materials yielded bio-plastic with improved strength, elasticity, and biodegradability—leveraging the best attributes of each component [7]. Plasticizers such as glycerol were effective in improving elasticity, but excess amounts led to reduced tensile strength, a challenge also reported in prior research [4]. Moreover, the water sensitivity of starch-based films remains a limitation, as seen in this and other studies [12]. Overall, the project supports the vision of a circular economy where agricultural waste is upcycled into value-added products, minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability [8].

CONCLUSION

This research successfully demonstrates that starch-based biodegradable plastics can be produced using agricultural waste materials—potato starch, corn starch, and banana peels. The resulting bio-plastics are eco-friendly, compostable, and free from harmful chemicals. Among the individual components, potato and corn starch provided excellent film properties, while banana peels added toughness and fiber content. The combination of all three materials yielded the most promising bio-plastic in terms of mechanical strength, flexibility, and biodegradability. The study promotes an innovative solution for plastic pollution while adding value to agricultural residues. With further optimization and scaling, this technique can contribute meaningfully to sustainable packaging industries and environmental conservation efforts. Encouraging the use of bio-waste in material production not only supports the reduction of plastic waste but also fosters a circular and green economy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

All the authors showing their sincere gratitude to the Institute of Biosciences and Technology for providing a proper scientific environment to fulfill this research activity.

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