Coconut-based bioplastic targets food packaging waste

Researchers at Hasanuddin University, Indonesia, have developed a biodegradable material reinforced with cellulose derived from fermented coconut water that combines oxygen-scavenging functionality with enhanced mechanical performance, offering an alternative solution to conventional plastic packaging. 

The research, published in ASEAN Journal for Science and Engineering in Materials, explores the possibility of creating multilayer polylactic acid (PLA) based films reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and enhanced with an oxygen-scavenging compound, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). 

Andi Dirpan, professor at Hasanuddin University and corresponding author of the study, says: “Our approach supports sustainable food packaging development and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly responsible production, climate action, and food preservation.”

“The biodegradation rate of the material was found to be 28.86% over 25 days. These results show that the level of biodegradation is in accordance with that of biodegradable plastics made from similar polymers, which is over 25% within a period of 25 days.”

Enhanced uniformity

The scientists produced bacterial cellulose from fermented coconut water, mimicking the process used to make nata de coco, a jelly-like food produced by fermented coconut water. The bacterial cellulose is said to be “highly pure and rich in fiber, making it an effective reinforcing component.” 

The researchers purified and processed the dense cellulose membrane into MCC powder for use as an additive. “It was then blended into a PLA film built in three thin layers, with the oxygen-scavenger BHT placed only in the two inner layers that would face the food,” the researchers explain.

The team tested films and discovered that, at a microscopic level, coconut water-derived cellulose can produce a more uniform, defect-free structure than the commercial alternative, which the scientists attributed to its higher purity and fiber content. Oxygen permeability tests also demonstrated that the resulting film performed better than plain PLA.

However, the study notes a key trade-off. Despite the reinforced film demonstrating improved stiffness and oxygen-scavenging properties, it was brittle and did not stretch well before breaking. The balance between barrier performance and flexibility still requires improvement so that the packaging material can protect food while withstanding manufacturing, transport, and day-to-day handling, add the researchers.

Scientists and industry stakeholders are exploring packaging materials as alternatives to conventional plastic solutions.

Last year, a study from South Dakota State University, US, transformed grapevine canes into transparent, biodegradable films. The approach aims to reduce plastic waste pollution while creating new revenue streams for farmers and conserving natural resources.

In Europe, the COM4PHA project, a collaboration between the Spanish government, industry, and researchers, developed biodegradable materials for packaging and coatings based on polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Recently, Chinese start-up BambooOrigin began commercializing a line of biodegradable shipping tapes and packaging films derived entirely from bamboo. The technology was developed at Gannan Normal University, China.