Sustainable Manufacturing of Packing Materials from Bagasse, Bamboo and PLA

Introduction
The sustainability of a material is measured by the impact it has on people and natural resources.
A sustainable material avoids depleting or degrading the environment – because they have a
small impact on the environment, we can safely rely on them in the future. Improving the
recyclability of bio polyesters-based materials can be advantageous for postponing their final
biodegradation, thus avoiding the production of corresponding raw materials, and decreasing
their environmental impact[1].

replacing non-degradable fossil fuel based packaging materials and finding sustainable
application in packaging and building industries are the areas where extensive research should be
carried out. Biodegradable packaging materials are rarely produced based on the high cost of
natural fibers such as flex and hemp, and the high cost of biodegradable plastics with appropriate
mechanical properties[2].

statement of Problem

Packaging is important as its principal function is to protect products and preserve their quality
during their product lifespan. There’s nothing incorrect in using packaging, but the problem
comes when the packaging we use is single-use and harmful for the environment, and here is
where plastics such as PET and PP come in. Based on statistics, nearly 70% of plastics end up in
the landfill and oceans where they remain for hundreds of years. Worst of all, these plastics
contain toxic particles that will negatively affect the environment.
Eco-friendly packaging is important because it reduces the ecological footprint at each stage of
the product’s life cycle. Thus, it helps both the producer and the consumer reduce their
environmental impact. Plastic pollution keeps growing and growing every single day at an
alarming rate. Therefore, industries need to reduce and educate their customers on the use of
their packaging. 

Bagasse - This is made from natural sugar cane fibers and is considered an eco-friendly,
renewable, and sustainable raw material. Bagasse is gaining popularity as a disposable tableware
product that can be composted easily. The bagasse plates market is emerging as a favorite food
packaging solution among customers due to its unique features like durability, sturdiness, and a
better lifespan. Bagasse tableware products and food packaging material is trendy and excels as a
green alternative to polystyrene and Styrofoam tableware products.

Objective of the research

 Reduce the amount of packaging on products

 Promote the use of renewable materials like paper, cardboard, sugarcane bagasse and
bamboo, among others
 Eliminate the toxic materials used for packaging (from biodegradable packaging to
compostable packaging)
 Provide and facilitate the recycling of packaging
 Educate customers disposing and recycling of the packaging
Plastic pollution keeps growing and growing every single day at an alarming rate. Therefore,
industries need to reduce and educate their customers on the use of their packaging.

The main function of packaging seems to be to help define the sustainability of the product,
alongside the more traditional ones of preserving and protecting the organoleptic characteristics
of food, or of communication, storage and transport. Changing lifestyles and consumption habits
is the focus of consumers’ efforts, who are sensitive to the call for sustainable solutions, even in
the packaging of food products.

The ecological packaging is a strategic choice adopted by several food processing firms, of great
interest also for consumers. It is not only a matter of choosing recyclable, biodegradable,
environmentally friendly materials, but also designs that allow a container to be recycled after its
end of life, thus also reducing weight and volume. Eco-friendly packaging cannot ignore the 4Rs
criterion, i. e. reduce, recharge, recover and recycle.

The new materials aim at the absence or reduction of plastic, partially or completely replaced by
biodegradable materials. The companies’ efforts are focused on ensuring the same aesthetic and
technological results as standard materials. Among the increasingly used materials are
bioplastics, which are derived from renewable raw materials of plant origin, such as starch,
cellulose, potatoes, organic waste etc.
The role of paper between the new and the old packaging

Do not think that the ecological materials are only those that are biodegradable or from natural
and renewable sources. There are materials that have been widely used in the food industry for a
long time, perfectly in line with the ecological needs of companies and consumers. Examples
include poly-coated cardboard for milk and juice, as well as aluminum, which can be recycled
several times.

The latter is also practical, hygienic, easily machined to give it different shapes and personalized
through digital printing, in line with the marketing strategies of the companies. It is the paper
industry, however, that plays an increasingly strategic role on the market for new materials,
thanks to the availability in nature of cellulose, which is essential for the production of packaging
with low environmental impact that is easy to recycle. In addition, paper is the basic material on
which bioplastic films can be applied for its waterproofing.

For example, the Finnish-Swedish company Stora Enso uses micro-fibrillated cellulose to
improve the performance of cardboard in packaging, especially for milk packaging in co-
operation with Elopak. As an alternative to plastic and laminate films, on the market there are
recyclable barrier papers because they are obtained from renewable resources. These new
materials ensure mechanical properties, such as puncture resistance. They are also weldable and
printable, and can provide a good barrier effect against grease and water vapour.

They can be used for the packaging of dried and frozen food, bakery products, dry pasta, sweets,
fresh fruit and vegetables, but also as secondary packaging. To improve the barrier effect, small
amounts of plastic can be added to some types of papers. Paper is increasingly replacing plastic
in the fruit and vegetable sector, too. Many food companies choose 100% recyclable paper trays,
without the need for plastic or films.