From Trash to Treasure: Exploring the Potential of Bioplastics in Fruits
B. Suchitra
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala-695522, India.
P. R. Manju *
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala-695522, India.
S. Simi
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala-695522, India.
K. T. Nikitha Priya
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala-695522, India.
Adarsh Balachandran
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala-695522, India.
Saklain Mulani
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala-695522, India.
A. R. Neha
Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala-695522, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The increasing accumulation of plastic waste and fruit-processing residues highlights the need for sustainable biodegradable materials. This review examines recent advances in bioplastics derived from fruit wastes, focusing on material sources, processing approaches, properties, and applications. Fruit residues such as peels, pomace, and seeds are rich in polysaccharides that can be converted into biodegradable films and composites with promising mechanical, barrier, antimicrobial, and biodegradation properties. These materials show potential for food packaging, edible coatings, and agricultural applications. However, challenges such as high production costs, raw material variability, and limited infrastructure hinder large-scale commercialization, highlighting the need for scalable technologies and effective waste valorization strategies.
Keywords: Bioplastic, biodegradable, biowaste, biobased, fruit crops, recycling