REDUCING THE COST OF PRODUCTION OF CURD BY INTRODUCING BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING MATERIAL

Abstract

Clay pots are mostly used in Sri Lanka for packaging of curd. However this clay pots increase the cost of production of curd and cause bad environmental effect. This study was carried out to introduce a new packaging system as an alternative to day pots to overcome these problems associated with them. Two types of formulations were used to prepare the alternative one. Sawdust was used as one of the main raw materials with different binding agents with different concentrations as a first type of formula. The partcle size of sawdust was also changed in each system. Banana withered was used a one of the main raw materials in the second formula with different binding agent and different concentrations calcium hypcloride was used in different concentration as bleaching agent. The partcle size of fibre was also changed in each operation Finally all the samples made were tested for physical and microbial tests prescribed by the Sri Lanka Standard Institute. The samples made using sawdust were rejected due to its non-consistency. The samples made using banana withered were accepted at 5% significant level. Sample number sew 423 was statistical selected as a best samples among them. Even though the new fibre bases packaging has following advantages, low cost, biodegradability. and low weight, pnnting ability, resistance to breakage Further biochemical analysis are to be needed before this packaging system introduce to the market.