Valorization of Banana Agriculture Residues : A sustainable Approach for Biodegradable Packaging

The exponential growth in single-use plastic consumption, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and multi-layer plastic (MLP) pouches, has precipitated a severe environmental crisis in India. This paper reviews the distinct ecological and waste-management challenges posed by rigid and flexible packaging waste, supported by current statistical data. While rigid plastics contribute heavily to landfill saturation and microplastic contamination, flexible pouches present a critical failure in the informal recycling economy due to their low salvage value and complex multi-polymer composition. To address these challenges, this study synthesizes recent advancements in the development of biodegradable alternatives, with a specific focus on the valorization of banana agricultural residues. The research evaluates the efficacy of using banana parts—including peel starch, pseudo-stem fibers, and leaves—as a viable, eco-friendly substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics. Experimental results indicate that chemical treatments, such as 5% NaOH alkali mercerization, significantly enhance the tensile strength of banana fiber-reinforced composites by 36.72%, while specialized bioplastic coatings effectively reduce water absorption from 268.5% to 95.2%. Furthermore, with an estimated production cost of approximately 40 INR per unit, banana-biomass derived composites offer a commercially feasible and rapidly biodegradable solution, promoting a "waste-to-wealth" paradigm in sustainable packaging.