Honduras’ agro-food waste market ripe for bioplastics production, finds study

03 Aug 2023 --- Honduras’ economy contains a ready supply of materials for producing bioplastics from agro-food waste, according to new research by universities in Spain and Honduras. Study authors looked at the fabrication and characterization of bioplastics using three types of Honduran agro-waste: Taro, yucca and banana.

The study authors say the findings show that agro-industrial waste in the country can provide a sustainable alternative to the overreliance on non-renewable resources and the lack of biodegradability in traditional plastics. 

Innova Market Insights pegged “Renewable Rebellion” as one of its top packaging trends this year, noting that industry leaders are increasingly turning away from fossil fuel-based resources due to concerns over environmental destruction and fluctuating prices caused by geopolitical events. 

Taro, yucca and banana are commonly used as soil amendments or animal feed in Honduras. According to the researchers, each of these agro-wastes presents distinct advantages for bioplastic production. 

Taro has a high starch content and is cost-effective for large-scale production opportunities. Yucca, a tropical crop naturally resistant to pests and diseases, has a high yield and ease of cultivation, making it a reliable source of raw materials for bioplastics. 

Banana has a high fiber content, which contributes additional strength and durability to bioplastics, and its widespread availability and affordability make it practical for commercial-scale production. 

Researchers are looking for new feedstocks for bioplastics production.The study is published in Polymers. 

Testing samples 
The researchers used three samples that were washed with water. Later, they were cut into thin slices using a laminating machine. This process was carried out to optimize the drying process by increasing the surface area of each material. 

“The samples were then submitted to a drying process in an oven at 60 degrees Celsius for four hours to prevent denaturation of the polymers and, after that, they were tempered at room temperature for 40 minutes,” explains the research. 

“This drying process was carried out in order to prevent the high water content of these samples (>50%) from destabilizing the flours obtained during storage. In this way, the elimination of water allows the flours to be stored for a longer time without the appearance of microorganisms or fungi that alter their physicochemical characteristics.”

Once dried, the slices were fed into a rotating ball mill where friction breaks down particles and gradually reduces their size until they pass through a 60-micron sieve (250 mesh). This process allows the obtention of the flours.

Findings and applications 
The findings show that banana bioplastics had the best mechanical properties, while taro bioplastics had the highest water-uptake capacity (200%). 

“The developed bioplastics possess inherent properties that make them ideal for various industries, including the food, cosmetics, biomedical and agricultural sectors,” reads the study. 

However, the authors also note that the existing research “lacks any comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the physicochemical and thermal properties of these Honduran agro-wastes as raw materials for bioplastics.”

Additionally, the study did not consider the economic viability of large-scale production of bioplastics using agro-wastes. “Future research can explore the use of other agro-wastes and optimize the processing conditions for large-scale production,” they state. 

The study also did not address the environmental impact of the bioplastics’ disposal and degradation.

By Louis Gore-Langton