Abstract:
The packaging is a vital factor in the food industry. The plastic packaging dominates the
food industry which adversely affects the biodiversity of the environment. Therefore, the
aim of the current study was to develop a biodegradable packaging material using Kohila
(Lasia spinose) rhizome powder and arecanut (Areca catechu L.) husk fiber. Three
formulations were prepared by changing the percentages of L. spinose rhizome powder
and arecanut husk fiber. The evaluated properties were thickness, pH, moisture content,
water uptake ratio, water solubility ratio, fracturability, and color. The thickness of the
packaging material ranged between 1.80±0.18 mm to 1.91±0.05 mm. The moisture
content was higher (7.02%±1.02%) in the sample prepared by adding 30% of L. spinose
rhizome powder and the lowest (5.32%±0.17%) in the sample prepared by adding 10%
of L. spinose rhizome powder. The pH of the packaging material was ranged between
5.95 and 5.55 at 25◦C. The fracturability was higher (1490.7±33.9 g) in the sample
prepared by adding 10% of L. spinose rhizome powder while 30% of L. spinose rhizome
powder showed the lowest fracturability (846±413 g). The 30% L. spinose rhizome
powder contained sample showed the highest water uptake ratio (49.99%±7.83%) and
the highest water solubility ratio (7.83%±0.52%). The color of biodegradable packaging
material was defined by L*, a*, and b* values which ranged between L* (50.95 - 52.15), a*
(9.20 – 11.70), and b* (21.90 – 24.40). Approximately, 40% in each sample decomposed
during the soil burial test. In conclusion, the biodegradable packaging developed with
30% L. spinose rhizome powder and 25% arecanut husk fiber had the highest thickness,
pH, moisture content, water solubility ratio, water uptake ratio, least fracturability, and
better alternative for single use plastic cups.
