Developing a Biodegradable Film for Packaging with Lignocellulosic Materials from the Amazonian Biodiversity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Packaging
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions drives research into renewable resources.
• Synthetic plastic packaging poses environmental challenges, necessitating sustainable alternatives.
• Cellulose micro/nanofibrils (MFC/NFC) derived from plant biomass show promise for film applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of MFC/NFC films from Amazon forest residues as alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.
• To characterize the physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of MFC/NFC films derived from açaí seeds, titica vine, and eucalyptus pulp.
• To assess the feasibility of using forest residues for developing sustainable packaging materials.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of MFC/NFC from açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea), titica vine (Heteropsis flexuosa), and eucalyptus pulp via mechanical fibrillation.
• Production of packaging films using the obtained MFC/NFC.
• Evaluation of film properties including tensile strength, water vapor permeability, and grease resistance.

Main Results:

• Açaí seed films demonstrated significantly higher tensile strength (97.2 MPa) compared to titica vine films (46.2 MPa).
• Titica vine films exhibited higher permeability (637.3 g day⁻¹ m⁻²), indicating a less effective barrier.
• All produced films achieved high scores in grease resistance (n° 12), suggesting good oleophobic properties.
• Mechanical fibrillation of titica vine required higher energy input.

Conclusions:

• MFC/NFC films derived from Amazon forest residues show potential for packaging light and low-moisture products.
• Açaí seed-based films offer superior mechanical and barrier properties compared to titica vine films.
• Further research into energy-efficient fibrillation methods, particularly for titica vine, is crucial for large-scale application.