We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
From Food Processing Leftovers to Bioplastic: A Design of Experiments Approach in a Circular Economy Perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a hybrid plastic film by blending conventional low-density polyethylene with proteins from black soldier fly larvae raised on food waste, finding the mix could serve as agricultural mulch film with a lower environmental impact than pure plastic.
Aiming at reducing the environmental impact of low density polyethylene (LDPE) when employed as mulching film, this study was focused on the partial substitution of the material with proteins extracted from Hermetia illucens, also known as black soldier fly (BSF). Insects were reared on chicken manure and food leftovers in a circular economy perspective. To evaluate the effects of processing conditions and amount of BSF proteins on the properties of the final material the Design of Experiments technique was employed. Samples were obtained by hot mixing and compression molding, and their thickness, tensile stress, tensile strain, and Young modulus were measured and analyzed. According to mathematical models, the addition of BSF proteins in the mixture results in increased homogeneity and Young modulus of the material and in reduced tensile stress and strain. Results indicated that a LDPE-BSF proteins mixture of 50–50 wt%, processed at relative low temperature (130 °C) and time (3 min), ensures properties closer to pure molded LDPE (thickness = 0.8 mm, tensile stress = 6 MPa, tensile strain = 15% and Young modulus = 200 MPa) with lower environmental impact thanks to the high BSF proteins addition. Thereafter, BSF proteins can be employed as additive for LDPE for agricultural purposes, with processing methods feasible in an industrial perspective.
More Papers Like This
The Environmental Benefits, Technical Challenges, and Scalability of the Bioplastic Production Methods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed bioplastic production methods as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, evaluating their environmental benefits in reducing landfill accumulation and microplastic contamination, while also identifying technical and scalability challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption.
Assessing Bioplastics’ Economic, Commercial, Political, and Energy Potential with Circular Economy Modeling: a Sustainable Solution to Plastic Waste Management
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled the economic and environmental potential of replacing conventional plastics with bioplastics, finding that circular economy approaches — including anaerobic digestion for energy and fertilizer — could make biodegradable plastics a viable strategy for reducing microplastic pollution. The study highlights the need for stronger policy frameworks and industry investment to scale adoption.
Bioplastics as next-generation eco-friendly materials: a comprehensive review
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review evaluates bioplastics derived from renewable biological sources as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, assessing biodegradability, carbon footprint, and circular economy potential while identifying barriers like high production costs and poor mechanical strength. Scaling bioplastic adoption is critical to reducing the synthetic plastic flows that ultimately fragment into microplastics and nanoplastics accumulating in ecosystems and human bodies.
Dynamics of Biodegradable Plastics in the Process of Food Waste Biotreatment and Environmental Risks of Residual Plastic Fragments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated what happens to biodegradable plastics like compostable bags and food containers when they enter composting and anaerobic digestion systems with food waste, finding that these plastics may not fully break down and can leave behind plastic fragments that pose environmental risks.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.