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Agro-Industrial Waste in Circular Economy: Biodegradable Polymer Composites From Mango Seeds
Original title: Agro‐Industrial Waste in Circular Economy: Biodegradable Polymer Composites From Mango Seeds
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Scientists turned mango seeds—normally thrown away as food waste—into an ingredient for making plant-based plastics that break down naturally instead of sticking around for centuries like regular plastic. These mango-seed plastics could replace single-use items like bags and packaging, potentially cutting down on the microplastic pollution that's increasingly found in our water, food, and even our bodies. While the material is slightly less sturdy than conventional plastic, researchers say this can likely be fixed with further tweaks, making this a promising step toward greener, healthier packaging options.
ABSTRACT This study investigates biocomposites based on biodegradable matrices—polylactic acid (PLA), poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) reinforced with mango seed residues. The addition of mango seed fillers improved the eco‐profile of the materials, imparting natural coloration, increased surface roughness, and enhanced microbial accessibility, leading to faster degradation. However, a slight reduction in mechanical strength was observed, mainly due to limited filler–matrix interfacial adhesion, which can be mitigated by compatibilizer addition or surface treatment of the fillers. Among the studied systems, PBAT‐based biocomposites demonstrated excellent processability and flexibility, highlighting their potential as eco‐friendly substitutes for single‐use plastics, such as bags, packaging films, and disposable items. In contrast, PLA‐ and PHBV‐based composites are suitable for high‐value rigid applications, such as decorative items, office supplies, and household products, where color and biodegradability are desirable attributes. Overall, the results confirm that biodegradable polymer matrices combined with mango seed waste represent a technically viable and sustainable alternative for developing next‐generation “green plastics” with reduced microplastic formation, rapid environmental degradation, and added commercial value.
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