Preparation of Bio-Based Packaging Using Waste Paper Composites, Sugarcane Bagasse and Coconut Fibre

Abstract

The increasing environmental impact of plastic packaging has led to a growing need for sustainable alternatives. This study focuses on developing bio-based packaging materials using sugarcane bagasse, coconut fiber, and waste paper composites. Sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum) and coconut fiber (Cocos nucifera) are lignocellulosic residues rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The raw materials were dried, ground, soaked, and blended to form pulp, which was processed into packaging films with or without binders and dried through oven curing. The films were evaluated for water absorption, FTIR and SEM characteristics, physical properties, and antibacterial activity. A slight increase in water absorption was observed, while FTIR and SEM confirmed good structural interaction among components. The films exhibited favorable thickness, flexibility, and water-resistance properties, along with antibacterial activity against E. coli. These results indicate that the developed bio-packaging materials are suitable for food packaging applications. Future studies will further explore their classification and potential uses.

Introduction

The text discusses the growing environmental problem of plastic waste and the need for sustainable, biodegradable packaging alternatives. Conventional plastics are non-biodegradable, accumulate in landfills and oceans, and contribute to microplastic pollution, making it essential to develop eco-friendly materials.

Bioplastics made from renewable resources are presented as a promising solution, especially those derived from agricultural wastes such as waste paper, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut fiber. These materials are abundant, low-cost, rich in cellulose, and suitable for producing biodegradable packaging. Natural binders like gelatin are used to improve mechanical strength and flexibility, though additional reinforcement may be needed for better water resistance.

The study focuses on developing bio-based packaging sheets using combinations of waste paper, bagasse, and coconut fiber, with and without gelatin. The materials are collected, cleaned, dried, shredded, and processed into pulp. The pulps are mixed, cast into sheets, and dried to form packaging films.

The prepared sheets are then evaluated using tests such as water absorption, FT-IR analysis, SEM imaging, thickness measurement, flexibility, and water resistance to assess their suitability for packaging applications.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that waste paper, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut fiber can be effectively upcycled into biodegradable packaging films with promising functional properties. The films showed moderate hydrophilicity, intact chemical structures (FT-IR), uniform morphology with good fiber bonding (SEM), and desirable physical characteristics, including consistent thickness, flexibility, and moderate water resistance. These results indicate that the developed films are suitable for dry and semi-dry food packaging. Given their low cost, biodegradability, and use of readily available waste materials, these composites offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Further optimization—particularly of moisture barrier properties—will support broader application and potential commercialization. Overall, our findings suggest that bio-based packaging films could play a significant role in promoting sustainable packaging practices and reducing environmental impact.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Swathi K., K. Gowri, S. Vanitha, Dr. Kalanidhi , Ms. S. Iswarya, Dr. Chandran Massi. 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.