Biocomposites of PLA and Mango Seed Waste: Potential Material for Food Packaging and a Technological Alternative to Reduce Environmental Impact

Abstract

Mango seeds from agro‐industry represents an environmental problem due to the amounts of by‐products produced. Conversely, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a potential green alternative to conventional plastics. The goal of this study aimed to develop a biocomposite based on PLA and mango’s by‐product for rigid packaging. Six biocomposites are obtained by extrusion/injection processing using formulations with PLA as a matrix and up to 20% by weight of mango seed’s by‐products. The materials are characterized by chemical and physical analysis; scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); thermal gravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical analysis. FTIR bands and DSC transitions related to starch are higher in the kernel, while more cellulose bands are found in the integument. Kernel presented thermal degradation in the biocomposites, the sample PLA+20 wt% kernel. For the other compositions, it is possible to observe that they could keep their morphology. Significant improvements in both mechanical and barrier properties are found in the formulation with 20 wt% integument (up to 38% in elastic modulus). Therefore, this study suggests that biocomposites developed from PLA / Integument / Kernel have potential as a new biomaterial for rigid food packaging systems.

Renovation of Agro-Waste for Sustainable Food Packaging: A Review

“…Therefore, new bio-packaging films with a special combination of properties are necessary to ensure the bio-packaging films’ best qualities and eliminate synthetic plastics. Lima et al (2021) [ 49 ] presented a project to create a rigid packaging biocomposite based on PLA and mango by-products. Extrusion/injection processing was used to create six biocomposites employing formulations with PLA as a matrix and up to 20% by weight of mango seed byproducts.…”

Transitioning of petroleum-based plastic food packaging to sustainable bio-based alternatives

“…Lima et al 86 explored environmentally friendly biocomposites for rigid packaging, utilising poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and mango seed waste, a by-product of the agro-industry. The study focused on creating six different biocomposites through extrusion/injection processes, incorporating up to 20% mango seed by-products into the PLA matrix.…”

Functional bioplastics from food residual: Potentiality and safety issues

“…Compared to neat PLA, increments of 148%, 190%, and 507% in breaking strength, modulus, and elongation at break, respectively, were reported. Lima et al (2021) prepared PLA/mango waste (i.e., integument and/or kernel) composites through an extrusion/injection process for rigid packaging. The most significant improvements in barrier and mechanical properties were achieved with 20 wt% integument, which allowed an increase of up to 38% in elastic modulus.…”