Plastic
waste has taken over our planet, and it seems like there's no escape from it.
For decades, plastic production and consumption have been keeping us at the
mercy of its adverse effects on the environment. However, there is still hope.
A new kind of plastic, bioplastics made from banana peels, has emerged as a
reliable alternative to traditional plastic. In this blog post, we will dive
into the production of bioplastics from banana peels, their properties, and
their potential impact on the environment.
Bananas are
the most commonly consumed fruit globally, with over 100 billion tonnes
produced every year. It is rich in many nutrients that are essential for human
health. Banana being a tropical fruit is grown worldwide, and its every part
has medicinal properties, similarly banana peel also has its own properties
which is not consumed by humans leading to waste. However, what most people do
not know is that the banana peel, which is often discarded as waste, can be used
to produce bioplastics. The nutrients such as calcium, iron, starch, potassium,
sodium present in banana peel makes it effective for the preparation of
bioplastic and the functional group OH present in banana peel is used to absorb
pollutant. Bioplastics are a type of plastic that is made from sustainable and
renewable sources. The process of making bioplastics from banana peels involves
extracting the starch from the peel, purifying it, and turning it into powder.
The powder is then processed using specific techniques to create a bioplastic that
can be used to make different plastic products.
The process
of producing bioplastics from banana peel involves several steps. First, the
banana peel is collected and dried. Then, it is ground into a fine powder and
mixed with a natural plasticizer, such as glycerol. The mixture is then heated
and formed into pellets, which can be used to make a variety of plastic
products. The pellets can also be further processed into films, fibers, and
other materials. Using banana peels, a waste byproduct, offers a
sustainable and eco-friendly solution.
Unlike
traditional plastics, bioplastics made from banana peels are biodegradable,
meaning they rapidly break down in the environment and pose no harm to animal
and plant life. In addition, bioplastics are recyclable and can be reused to
make other products. The benefits of using bioplastics made from banana peels
are many, including reducing plastic waste, decreasing the carbon footprint,
and ensuring a more sustainable future. Numerous studies are investigating banana peel
bioplastics, focusing on their strength, flexibility, biodegradability, and the
potential for modifications to improve their properties. A study
from Brazil has discovered that banana peels can be transformed into bioplastic
films through straightforward, environmentally friendly pre-treatment methods.

According
to TechSci Research report “Bioplastics & Biopolymers Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends,
Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Non-Biodegradable vs
Biodegradable), By End-Use Industry (Packaging, Consumer Goods, Agriculture
& Horticulture, Textile, Automotive & Transportation and Others), By
Region and Competition 2018-2028,” the Global Bioplastics & Biopolymers Market is anticipated to
increase at an impressive rate through 2028 due to the increasing demand from
the end uses such as packaging industry.
As per the
data released by the European Plastic Association, an estimated 8 million
tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year, which has led to the
deterioration of marine habitat and ultimately affecting aquatic life.
The market
growth is driven by economic benefits provided by bioplastics and biopolymers
and increasing demand for electricity from sustainable sources. Moreover,
increasing environmental concerns are driving the market growth. Bioplastics
have become popular lately and are seen as potential green replacement for
petroleum-based plastics. Loliware, a leader in seaweed-based biomaterials,
has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with Entec Polymers, the
world’s leading plastic resin supplier. This strategic collaboration represents
a significant step forward in the movement toward regenerative, certified
compostable materials.
Limitations
of Bioplastics Produced from Banana Peel
One of the
limitations of bioplastics made from banana peels is their availability. While
bananas are a common fruit found in most parts of the world, the amount of
banana waste generated is not enough to meet the increasing demand for
bioplastics. It, therefore, becomes a challenge for manufacturers to produce
bioplastics from banana peels when the raw materials are not readily available.
The
performance of bioplastics made from banana peels is generally lower than that
of petroleum-based plastics. The strength and durability of the bioplastics are
lower, making them less suitable for certain applications such as a substitute
for materials that require high durability, flexibility, and strength.
Bioplastics produced from banana peels are thus not ideal for many industrial
applications.
Another
limitation of bioplastics from banana peels is the price factor. The production
of bioplastics from banana peels is not as cost-effective as petroleum-based
plastics. This is due to the increased cost of raw materials, production
equipment, and the energy required to extract the raw materials. The high cost
of production results in higher prices for the final products, and this makes
it less affordable for many consumers.
The
production of bioplastics from banana peels involves a complex bioprocessing
technique that requires expertise and specialized equipment. This technical
limitation means that the production of banana peel-based bioplastics is only
feasible for large corporations with specialized machinery. Small businesses
with limited resources cannot generate their own bioplastics, and this leads to
limitations in terms of scale-up potential.
Bioplastics
produced from banana peels are often marketed as compostable. However, their
degradation rate is relatively low, which makes them unsuitable for large-scale
composting facilities. The composting process requires extended periods, and
during this time, the bioplastics may emit greenhouse gases such as methane.
The bioplastics may, therefore, be challenging to dispose of sustainably.
Benefits of
Bioplastics made from Banana Peels
The
properties of bioplastics made from banana peels are similar to traditional
plastic, with added benefits. They are more flexible, can be molded into any
shape, and have high tensile strength. Bioplastics made from banana peels are
also transparent, making them an ideal alternative to packaging materials in
the food industry. With these properties, bioplastics made from banana peels
can potentially replace traditional plastic in packaging and many other
applications.
Also
producing bioplastics from banana peel helps to reduce the amount of waste that
is generated. In many parts of the world, banana peels are discarded as trash,
and they contribute to environmental pollution. By using these peels to produce
bioplastics, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and
oceans.
Another
benefit of bioplastics from banana peel is that they are eco-friendly. They are
made from renewable sources, unlike traditional plastics, which are made from
non-renewable sources such as petroleum. Bioplastics from banana peel are also
biodegradable, which means that they can break down naturally over time without
causing harm to the environment.
Moreover,
researchers have developed new bioplastics that degrade on the same timescale
as a banana peel in a backyard compost bin. The new bioplastics are entirely composed of
powdered blue-green cyanobacteria cells, commonly known as spirulina.
According
to TechSci Research report “Biodegradable Plastic Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends,
Competition, Opportunity and Forecast, 2017-2027, Segmented By Type (Starch
Blends, Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT),
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Others), By End User Industry (Packaging, Consumer
Goods, Textiles, Others), By Region,” the Global Biodegradable Plastic Market stood
at USD 3438.70 million in 2021 and is expected to register a CAGR of 9.03%
during the forecast period on account of growing environmental consciousness in
the public and increasing expenditure by the government of various countries on
research and development in this field.
The
increasing use of biodegradable plastic, with growing awareness among the
public about ill effects of conventional plastic waste is the major contributor
to the biodegradable plastic market growth. The rising trend of using
environmentally friendly materials for packaging is also influencing the growth
of the biodegradable plastic market. Moreover, in comparison to petroleum
derived plastic the use of biodegradable plastic leads to 50-70% reduction in
carbon emissions.
However,
despite the advantages of biodegradable plastics, there are several
factors hindering the growth of the biodegradable plastic market, which
include:
One of the
most significant factors hindering the growth of the biodegradable plastic
market is the high cost of production. Biodegradable plastics require more
expensive raw materials and equipment to manufacture, and as a result, these
costs are passed on to consumers. This higher price point makes it challenging
for biodegradable plastics to compete with traditional, non-biodegradable
plastics, which are generally cheaper and easier to produce.
- Lack
of Proper Infrastructure for Recycling
Another
factor that hinders the growth of biodegradable plastics is the lack of proper
infrastructure for recycling them. Biodegradable plastics need to be processed
in a different way than traditional plastics. They require special facilities
and equipment that are not yet widely available. As a result, many consumers
are hesitant to switch to biodegradable plastics because they are unsure of how
to dispose of them properly.
While
biodegradable plastics have a variety of applications, they are still limited
in comparison to traditional plastics. This means that many industries are
unable to switch over to biodegradable plastics entirely. For example,
biodegradable plastics are not yet suitable for use in the automotive or
electronics industries, where high heat and pressure are present.
- Lack
of Government Intervention
Finally,
the lack of government intervention is another factor hindering the growth of
the biodegradable plastic market. Governments play a significant role in
shaping markets by regulating industries and promoting alternative solutions to
traditional products. Without adequate government support and investment, the
biodegradable plastic market will struggle to grow and compete with traditional
plastics.
In addition
to being eco-friendly, bioplastics from banana peel have a range of practical
applications. They can be used to make a variety of products, including
packaging materials, disposable utensils, and even car parts. These products
can be produced at a lower cost compared to traditional plastic products, which
makes them an attractive alternative for businesses.
Another
advantage of bioplastics from banana peel is that they are safe for human
health. Traditional plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food
and drinks when they come into contact with them. Bioplastics from banana peel
do not contain these harmful chemicals, making them a safer alternative for
consumers.
Challenges
Associated with the Process
One of the
significant challenges facing the production of bioplastics from banana peels
is scalability. Producing bioplastics from banana peels on a large scale
requires significant investment in research, technology, and infrastructure.
However, with the current push towards sustainability and a circular economy,
more companies are switching to bioplastics, which makes the production of
bioplastics from banana peels a potential solution to plastic pollution and
environmental degradation.
Technology
company Microsoft, dedicated to environmental protection has foreseen using the
bioplastic made from banana peel in their cloud data centers for equipment
like computer cases and server racks. The material’s ability to be recycled and
fire resistance makes it suitable for this type of use. Additionally, the
bioplastic may be used in several products, from home furnishings to food
containers.
One
challenge in banana peel bioplastics production is ensuring a consistent
quality product. Banana peels vary in their chemical composition and water
content, which makes it difficult to determine the optimal conditions for
converting them into plastic. As such, creating a reliable and consistent
manufacturing process that produces high-quality bioplastics is vital in
obtaining the desired material. Additionally, the cost and time associated with
quality control also pose a major challenge.
Biodegradability
Challenge
While
banana peel bioplastics are biodegradable, the rate at which it occurs is slow
compared to other bioplastics. Making it challenging to create bio-based
plastics with a desirable shelf life, strength, and endurance. Reducing the
time, it takes for banana peel bioplastics to decompose in the natural
environment is the subject of ongoing research.
Scalability
The scale
of production for banana peel bioplastics is often limited; hence this creates
a significant challenge for commercial and industrial applications. Scaling up
the production process to meet market demand for larger quantities of the
material is a challenge that researchers face. A feasible solution is to employ
more natural and sustainable practices to achieve optimized extraction rates
and high-yield production.
Cost Difference Between Traditional and
Biodegradable Plastics
The major
challenge in the creating of banana peel bioplastics is its cost - largely
contributed to the absence of feasible large-scale production alternatives to
petroleum-based plastics. The cost difference between traditional and
biodegradable plastics is significant, and therefore, it is difficult to create
a ternary solution that works in favor of consumers, manufacturers, and the
environment. Notably, the extensive use of different materials, reducing waste
and energy usage during production can help reduce overall costs.
Technology
In recent
times, several methods for producing bioplastics from banana peels have been
developed using fermentation, chemical, and biological processes. However, the
lack of sufficient technological advancement in the field to support processing
at industrial capacity remains a future challenge. Currently, bioplastics
produced with banana peel extracts have been reported to have low mechanical
properties, which is a limitation to their use in specific applications.
The
creation of banana peel bioplastics represents an excellent step in the effort
towards sustainability and reducing plastic waste. However, challenges such as
scale, cost, and technology must be addressed to achieve a commercially viable
and sustainable solution. It will take a collective effort from researchers,
industry players, and governments to overcome these challenges and unlock the
full potential of banana peel bioplastics. Nevertheless, it is a promising
alternative to petroleum-based plastic which has contributed immensely to
plastic pollution. A feasible solution to the challenges mentioned above will
give the much-needed drive towards creating a cleaner, healthier, and more
sustainable environment all around the world.
Conclusion:
In
conclusion, the production of bioplastics from banana peel is a promising
innovation that can help to reduce waste, protect the environment, and provide
practical solutions for businesses and consumers. As we continue to search for
sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, bioplastics from banana peel
offers a promising solution. By utilizing what was once considered waste, we
can create a more circular economy that is beneficial for both humans and the
planet.
Therefore,
while bioplastics produced from banana peels are a sustainable alternative to
traditional plastics, there are still limitations that need to be overcome,
including limited availability, reduced performance, higher cost, technical
limitations, and slow degradation. The consumers and manufacturers must
acknowledge these limitations and continue to explore ways to make the world a
greener place. It is also crucial to consider other sustainable alternatives
and make informed decisions that take the long-term impact on the environment
into account.