The ever-growing problem of plastic pollution has scientists searching for sustainable alternatives. Researchers from the University of Cordoba and the University of Girona in Spain have developed a promising solution using an unexpected source: avocado pruning waste.
Spain’s booming avocado industry produces a large amount of pruning waste. Currently, this waste is often burned or used as fertilizer, but researchers see a more valuable opportunity.
The research, published in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems, successfully isolated fibers from the avocado prunings and mixed them with a special type of bioplastic to create a composite material. This new material could potentially replace some of the non-biodegradable plastics currently used in rigid food packaging.
The process involves transforming cellulose, a natural fiber found in plants, from the avocado residues into a strong reinforcing material. This material can then be used to create packaging that is both more sustainable and stronger than traditional bioplastics like bio-polyethylene.
The research shows that the avocado-based composite material offers some improvements over traditional bioplastic. It’s stiffer and the bonding between the fibers and plastic is stronger. However, the avocado fibers themselves aren’t as strong as some other plant fibers used in similar applications.
This is a promising initial study, but further research is required. Scientists need to evaluate how the new material performs in terms of key factors like migration (chemicals leaching into food), water resistance, and overall cost-effectiveness. Additionally, a full life cycle assessment would be valuable to understand the environmental impact of this new approach.
