Bioplastics as an Alternative

As the third most commonly used petroleum derivative, plastics have provided numerous benefits to humankind but have also left negative impacts on the environment. In terms of smaller plastics, microplastics (MPs) have contaminated the food chain. Concerns about plastic pollution have spurred extensive research into sustainable biodegradable alternatives like bioplastics (BPs). As a polymer material derived from renewable biomass, BPs have the potential to replace fossil-based plastics. They can be made from natural polymers such as agricultural waste. In this context, banana peels and coconut husks show promise as raw materials for BPs. An investigation is necessary to differentiate the BPs obtained from the aforementioned novel agricultural waste materials. Uli (the Indonesian name for banana peels) contain starch and natural polymers that aid in the formation of a flexible and biodegradable matrix, while coconut shells, composed of lignocellulose, enhance the BPs’ durability and mechanical strength. By comparing these two materials, this study evaluates their physicochemical properties, biodegradability rates, and potential applications. It emphasizes the promise of agricultural waste in producing environmentally friendly BPs, contributing to sustainable waste management and environmental protection. The framework of this chapter is also linked to harnessing the potential of BPs within the context of a circular economy.