Abstract:
This study focused on the development of eco-friendly biodegradable
packaging materials using banana peels, examining both fiber-based and
flexible types. The fiber sheet was prepared with HCl, NaOH, Banana peel
fiber, Glycerol, Rice husk, Paper pulp, Straw powder, and Gelatin. The
mixture was poured into molds, and dried at 130 ± 2⁰C for 30 minutes. The
flexible sheet was prepared with banana peel pulp, Ash plantation flour,
Glycerol, Vinegar and Water. Mixture was boiled for 30 minutes, and
thickened slurry spread on oil paper as thin layer followed by sun-drying for
2-3 days. Water absorption, moisture content, thickness, grammage and
biodegradability of the synthesized fiber sheet and flexible sheets were
determined. The mean grammage, thickness, moisture content, water
absorption of fiber sheet was recorded as 14.12 ±1.40g/m2
, 0.49± 0.08mm,
1.70±1.93%Whereas 1.39 ± 0.31g/m2
, and 0.12 ± 0.02 mm, 0.54 ± 0.20 % in
flexible sheet. The results showed the both type of materials was insoluble in
room temperature for 24 hours after being dipped in water, methanol, citric
acid, acetic acid, ammonia, acetone, chloroform, and sulfuric acid. Total
degradability was observed with both types of packing materials after 30
days of being buried in soil. Ongoing advancements in material properties
and production processes position banana peel-based packaging as a viable
and eco-friendly option for a sustainable future.
