By Researchers in Spain have found a groundbreaking solution to combat plastic waste in food packaging by using avocado pruning residue, as reported by Advanced Science News.
The University of Córdoba and the University of Girona researchers turned to this plentiful source of biomass from avocado trees, typically discarded annually, to develop a more sustainable food packaging material.
“Avocado pruning residue has a high cellulose content, similar to other agricultural tree species,” explained Eduardo Espinosa, an assistant professor at the University of Córdoba’s Chemical Institute for Energy and the Environment.
The cellulose-rich fibres from avocado pruning residue were processed to reinforce synthetic materials like polyethylene, commonly used in food packaging, to create a more eco-friendly alternative.
As per the reports, this substitution addresses environmental challenges posed by traditional polyethylene, derived from fossil fuels, by partially substituting it with bio-polyethylene made from avocado pruning residue fibers.
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The researchers combined these fibers with bio-polyethylene using a high-speed mixer and added an essential additive called maleic anhydride to enhance compatibility between the hydrophobic polyethylene and hydrophilic fibers. The resulting composite material is not only more biodegradable but also stronger due to the natural strength of the fibers and the role of maleic anhydride.
“Utilising agricultural waste for biocomposite production adds value to what would otherwise be considered waste, promoting a circular economy and local resource utilisation,” said Espinosa.
Future research will focus on assessing the environmental impact and economic feasibility of this process, as well as testing the fibers for various food packaging formats.
