Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the development of a novel biodegradable packaging material derived from agricultural waste for sustainable food packaging applications. The growing concern over environmental pollution caused by traditional plastic packaging materials has led to the exploration of alternative solutions that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Agricultural waste, a significant byproduct of agricultural activities, presents a promising resource for developing biodegradable packaging materials due to its abundance and renewable nature. The research begins with a comprehensive introduction that outlines the background of the study, identifies the problem statement, states the objectives of the study, discusses the limitations and scope of the research, highlights the significance of the study, presents the structure of the thesis, and provides definitions of key terms. The literature review in Chapter Two critically examines existing studies and developments in the field of biodegradable packaging materials, with a focus on agricultural waste-based materials. The review covers topics such as the properties of agricultural waste, biodegradable polymers, manufacturing processes, and current trends in sustainable packaging solutions. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of agricultural waste materials, processing techniques, characterization methods, and testing procedures to evaluate the performance of the developed packaging material. The chapter also discusses the experimental design, data collection, and analysis methods used to achieve the research objectives. Chapter Four presents an in-depth discussion of the findings obtained from the experimental work, including the physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of the novel packaging material. The results are analyzed and compared with existing packaging materials to assess the feasibility and potential applications of the developed material in the food packaging industry. The implications of the findings on sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact are also discussed. Finally, Chapter Five provides a conclusive summary of the research outcomes, emphasizing the key findings, implications, and contributions to the field of sustainable packaging materials. The study concludes with recommendations for future research directions and practical applications of the novel biodegradable packaging material. Overall, this thesis contributes to the ongoing efforts in developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions by utilizing agricultural waste as a valuable resource for sustainable food packaging.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of a Novel Biodegradable Packaging Material from Agricultural Waste for Sustainable Food Packaging" focuses on the critical need for eco-friendly packaging solutions in the food industry. This research aims to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic packaging by developing a biodegradable alternative using agricultural waste materials. The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to understand the current state of biodegradable packaging materials, the challenges faced in the food packaging industry, and the potential of utilizing agricultural waste for sustainable packaging solutions. This review will provide a foundation for the development of the novel biodegradable packaging material. The research methodology will involve the collection of various agricultural waste materials, such as corn husks, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat straw, which will be processed and tested for their suitability as packaging materials. Different processing techniques, such as compounding, extrusion, and molding, will be explored to develop the final packaging material prototype. The project will include rigorous testing and analysis of the developed biodegradable packaging material, including mechanical properties, barrier properties, biodegradability, and shelf-life preservation capabilities. Comparative studies with traditional plastic packaging materials will also be conducted to evaluate the performance and sustainability of the novel material. The results obtained from the experimental work will be thoroughly discussed in the findings chapter, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the developed biodegradable packaging material. The implications of the research findings on sustainability, environmental impact, and food packaging industry practices will be critically examined. In conclusion, this project aims to contribute to the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions by developing a novel biodegradable material from agricultural waste. The research outcomes have the potential to revolutionize the food packaging industry by providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging, reducing environmental pollution, and promoting a more sustainable approach to food packaging practices.