1 research outputs found
From Soy Waste to Bioplastics: Industrial Proof of Concept
The
global plastic waste problem is pushing for the development
of sustainable alternatives, encouraged by stringent regulations combined
with increased environmental consciousness. In response, this study
presents an industrial-scale proof of concept to produce self-standing,
transparent, and flexible bioplastic films, offering a possible solution
to plastic pollution and resource valorization. We achieve this by
combining amyloid fibrils self-assembled from food waste with methylcellulose
and glycerol. Specifically, soy whey and okara, two pivotal protein-rich
byproducts of tofu manufacturing, emerge as sustainable and versatile
precursors for amyloid fibril formation and bioplastic development.
An exhaustive industrial-scale feasibility study involving the transformation
of 500 L of soy whey into ∼1 km (27 kg) of bioplastic films
underscores the potential of this technology. To extend the practicality
of our approach, we further processed a running kilometer of film
at the industrial scale into transparent windows for paper-based packaging.
The mechanical properties and the water interactions of the novel
film are tested and compared with those of commercially used plastic
films. By pioneering the large-scale production of biodegradable bioplastics
sourced from food byproducts, this work not only simultaneously addresses
the dual challenges of plastic pollution and food waste but also practically
demonstrates the feasibility of biopolymeric building block valorization
for the development of sustainable materials in real-world scenarios