Fabrication of Sustainable Silver-Reinforced Biodegradable Cups from Agro-waste

Abstract

The growing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste have highlighted the need for sustainable alternatives in food packaging. This study focuses on the development of biodegradable cups using natural agro-waste materials such as onion peel (Allium cepa), orange peel (Citrus sinensis), rice bran (Oryza sativa), reinforced with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance antimicrobial properties and improve the overall functionality of the cups. Onion peel extract plays a dual role, acting as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of AgNPs while also contributing to the structural integrity and biodegradability of the cups. Orange peel and rice bran are incorporated as reinforcing agents to improve the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and durability of the biopolymer matrix, making the cups more resilient for practical use. The addition of AgNPs further boosts antimicrobial efficacy, ensuring the cups provide an added layer of protection against microbial contamination, thereby enhancing food safety and extending shelf life of the cups. The developed cups are subjected to various analyses to assess their physicochemical properties, biodegradation behavior of the developed cups. The results indicate that the integration of agro-waste materials and silver nanoparticles leads to a robust biodegradable material. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces the valorization of agricultural by-products, aligning with the principles of sustainable development and circular economy. The development of these biodegradable cups contributes to global environmental conservation with promising sustainability.

Introduction

The text discusses the growing environmental problem of plastic pollution and its long-term impacts, including high carbon emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, and low biodegradability. As a sustainable alternative, it proposes biodegradable materials for disposable cups made from natural resources such as onion peel, orange peel, and rice bran, combined with polymers like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), starch, and glycerol.

The study highlights the use of green nanotechnology, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using onion peel extract. These nanoparticles enhance antimicrobial properties and material performance. Natural plant-based materials are chosen for their biodegradability, availability, low toxicity, and structural benefits, while by-products like fruit peels and rice bran also add nutritional and functional value.

The literature review explains that biodegradable cups can be improved using nanomaterials, PVA coatings, and plant-based fibers. Techniques like green synthesis of AgNPs, FTIR, and SEM are used to analyze material properties. These materials collectively improve strength, water resistance, and antimicrobial effectiveness.

In the methodology, plant waste materials are processed, extracted, and combined with silver nanoparticles, starch, PVA, and glycerol to form a biodegradable composite. This mixture is molded into cups and cured to form a solid structure with a limited shelf life of about three months.

Experimental results, particularly swelling tests, show that the biodegradable cups absorb water over time but gradually stabilize, indicating moderate water resistance and structural degradation behavior. This confirms their suitability for short-term food packaging applications.

Conclusion

The primary objective of this project was to develop sustainable, biodegradable cups using onion peel reinforced with silver nanoparticles, orange peel, and rice bran. The rampant use of disposable cups, particularly in the food and beverage sector, has emerged as a major contributor to the escalating plastic pollution crisis. These single-use items are predominantly manufactured from petroleum-based polymers, which are notoriously resistant to degradation—often persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. As a result, they accumulate in landfills and aquatic ecosystems, causing severe ecological imbalances and posing significant risks to human health. In response to this pressing environmental challenge, the present research explores the development of an innovative, biodegradable alternative crafted from sustainable agricultural by-products—namely onion peel, orange peel, and rice bran. To enhance the structural integrity and performance of the bio-composite material, silver nanoparticles are incorporated as reinforcing agents. Additionally, natural plasticizers and binders such as glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and rice starch are employed to bolster the material’s mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and overall functional properties, thereby presenting a viable and eco-conscious solution to the problem of plastic waste. This innovative approach effectively utilizes agricultural waste materials, contributing to waste reduction and sustainable resource management. Moreover, the combination of natural fibers and bio-fillers improves the mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and biodegradability of the cups. These materials not only offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional plastics but also promote eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Overall, this study supports the viability of biodegradable composites in reducing plastic pollution while fostering environmental and economic sustainability.

References

[1] Agenda, I. (2016, January). The new plastics economy rethinking the future of plastics. In World Economic Forum (Vol. 36). [2] Aharinejad, S. H., Lametschwandtner, A., Aharinejad, S. H., & Lametschwandtner, A. (1992). Fundamentals of scanning electron microscopy. Microvascular Corrosion Casting in Scanning Electron Microscopy: Techniques and Applications, 44-51. [3] Ardanuy, M., Antunes, M., & Velasco, J. I. (2012). Vegetable fibres from agricultural residues as thermo-mechanical reinforcement in recycled polypropylene-based green foams. Waste Management, 32(2), 256-263. [4] Attri, S., Talwar, G., Kumar, N., Chawla, R., & Wakchaure, N. (2021). Effect of different concentrations of corn starch and whey protein on the characteristics of biodegradable cup. Environment Conservation Journal, 22(SE), 21-31. [5] Azahari, N. A., Othman, N., & Ismail, H. (2011). Biodegradation studies of polyvinyl alcohol/corn starch blend films in solid and solution media. Journal of Physical Science, 22(2), 15-31. [6] Berthomieu, C., & Hienerwadel, R. (2009). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Photosynthesis research, 101, 157-170. [7] Budhalakoti, N. (2023). Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using onion peel polyphenols and their antimicrobial effect. BioNanoScience, 13(2), 718-729 [8] Buxoo, S., & Jeetah, P. (2020). Feasibility of producing biodegradable disposable paper cup from pineapple peels, orange peels and Mauritian hemp leaves with beeswax coating. SN Applied Sciences, 2, 1-15. [9] Celano, R., Docimo, T., Piccinelli, A. L., Gazzerro, P., Tucci, M., Di Sanzo, R., ... & Rastrelli, L. (2021). Onion peel: Turning a food waste into a resource. Antioxidants, 10(2), 304. [10] Fehlberg, J., Lee, C. L., Matuana, L. M., & Almenar, E. (2020). Orange peel waste from juicing as raw material for plastic composites intended for use in food packaging. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(26), 48841. [11] George, J., Kumar, R., Jayaprahash, C., Ramakrishna, A., Sabapathy, S. N., & Bawa, A. S. (2006). Rice bran?filled biodegradable low?density polyethylene films: Development and characterization for packaging applications. Journal of applied polymer science, 102(5), 4514-4522. [12] Gouw, V. P., Jung, J., Simonsen, J., & Zhao, Y. (2017). Fruit pomace as a source of alternative fibers and cellulose nanofiber as reinforcement agent to create molded pulp packaging boards. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 99, 48-57. [13] Jokovi?, N., Mateji?, J., Zvezdanovi?, J., Stojanovi?-Radi?, Z., Stankovi?, N., Mihajilov-Krstev, T., & Bernstein, N. (2024). Onion peel as a potential source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Agronomy, 14(3), 453. [14] Komal, U. K., Lila, M. K., & Singh, I. (2020). PLA/banana fiber based sustainable biocomposites: A manufacturing perspective. Composites Part B: Engineering, 180, 107535. [15] Mangaraj, S., Yadav, A., Bal, L. M., Dash, S. K., & Mahanti, N. K. (2019). Application of biodegradable polymers in food packaging industry: A comprehensive review. Journal of Packaging Technology and Research, 3, 77-96. [16] Manimaran, P., Senthamaraikannan, P., Sanjay, M. R., Marichelvam, M. K., & Jawaid, M. (2018). Study on characterization of Furcraea foetida new natural fiber as composite reinforcement for lightweight applications. Carbohydrate polymers, 181, 650-658. [17] Marichelvam, M. K., Jawaid, M., & Asim, M. (2019). Corn and rice starch-based bio-plastics as alternative packaging materials. Fibers, 7(4), 32. [18] Mohamed, M. A., Jaafar, J., Ismail, A. F., Othman, M. H. D., & Rahman, M. A. (2017). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In Membrane characterization (pp. 3-29). elsevier. [19] Olt, J., Soots, K., Olt, A., & Rooni, V. (2019). Exploration of the possibilities for the production of tableware from the bran of various cereals. In Rural Development: Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference (pp. 188-193). [20] Ortega, F., Giannuzzi, L., Arce, V. B., & García, M. A. (2017). Active composite starch films containing green synthetized silver nanoparticles. Food Hydrocolloids, 70, 152-162. [21] Pandharipande, S., & Makode, H. (2012). Separation of oil and pectin from orange peel and study of effect of pH of extracting medium on the yield of pectin. Journal of Engineering Research and Studies, 3(2), 6-9 [22] Pirsa, S., Bener, M., & ?en, F. B. (2024). Biodegradable film of carboxymethyl cellulose modified with red onion peel powder waste and boron nitride nanoparticles: Investigation of physicochemical properties and release of active substances. Food Chemistry, 445, 138721. [23] Pongrácz, E. (2007). The environmental impacts of packaging. Environmentally conscious materials and chemicals processing, 237-278. [24] Priyanka, N., & Archana, T. (2011). Biodegradability of polythene and plastic by the help of microorganism: a way for brighter future. J Environ Anal Toxicol, 1(4), 1000111. [25] Senthil, B., Devasena, T., Prakash, B., & Rajasekar, A. (2017). Non-cytotoxic effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles and its antibacterial activity. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 177, 1-7. [26] Sharif, M. K., Butt, M. S., Anjum, F. M., & Khan, S. H. (2014). Rice bran: a novel functional ingredient. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 54(6), 807-816. [27] Shulga, O., Koretska, I., Chorna, A., Shulga, S., & Lin, Y. (2023). Consumer properties of biodegradable edible cups for hot drinks. [28] Slimestad, R., Fossen, T., & Vågen, I. M. (2007). Onions: a source of unique dietary flavonoids. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 55(25), 10067-10080. [29] Soetan, K. O., & Oyewole, O. E. (2009). The need for adequate processing to reduce the anti-nutritional factors in plants used as human foods and animal feeds: A review. African Journal of food science, 3(9), 223-232. [30] Suriyakala, G., Sathiyaraj, S., Paranthaman, U. G., Velmurugan, R., Jayashan, S. S., Babujanarthanam, R., ... & Sukrong, S. (2024). Agro-waste mediated silver nanoparticles from Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth fruit peel and their multifaceted biomedical applications. Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects, 38, 101189. [31] Tibalia, E. M. S. E., Wintoko, J., & Purnomo, C. W. (2023, November). Biodegradable Food Container from Rice Straw and Sugarcane Bagasse with Orange Peel Addition. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1275, No. 1, p. 012012). IOP Publishing. [32] Tiwari, A. K., Saha, S. N., Yadav, V. P., Upadhyay, U. K., Katiyar, D., & Mishra, T. (2017). Extraction and characterization of pectin from orange peels. International Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 13(1), 39-47. [33] Xing, Y., Liao, X., Liu, X., Li, W., Huang, R., Tang, J., ... & Yu, J. (2021). Characterization and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized with the peel extract of mango. Materials, 14(19), 5878. [34] Yao, K. C., Hsieh, H. H., Li, K. Y., Xu, J. R., Ho, W. S., Huang, W. L., ... & Tseng, Y. J. (2024). Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Food Engineering and Biodegradable Materials. Designs, 8(6), 133. [35] Yap, Y. H., Azmi, A. A., Mohd, N. K., Yong, F. S. J., Kan, S. Y., Thirmizir, M. Z. A., & Chia, P. W. (2020). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle using water extract of onion peel and application in the acetylation reaction. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 45, 4797-4807. [36] Yaradoddi, J. S., Banapurmath, N. R., Ganachari, S. V., Soudagar, M. E. M., Mubarak, N. M., Hallad, S., ... & Fayaz, H. (2020). Biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose based material for sustainable packaging application. Scientific reports, 10(1), 21960. [37] Zhang, S. L., Peng, D. E. N. G., Xu, Y. C., Lü, S. W., & Wang, J. J. (2016). Quantification and analysis of anthocyanin and flavonoids compositions, and antioxidant activities in onions with three different colors. Journal of integrative agriculture, 15(9), 2175-2181. [38] Zimmermann, L., Bartosova, Z., Braun, K., Oehlmann, J., Vo?lker, C., & Wagner, M. (2021). Plastic products leach chemicals that induce in vitro toxicity under realistic use conditions. Environmental science & technology, 55(17), 11814-11823.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 B. Jaansirani, A. Shini Jolisha, A. Ilakkiya Priya , Ms. S. Iswarya, Dr. Chandran Masi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.