Sustainable biocomposite films from coffee and durian agro-wastes with polyvinyl alcohol matrix

¹ Food Technology Study Program, Universitas Pelita Harapan, 11510, Tangerang Indonesia
² Food Quality, Research and Innovation Laboratory, Universitas Pelita Harapan, 11510, Tangerang Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigated the development of a biocomposite packaging material using coffee bean skin waste, polyvinyl alcohol, and the addition of durian seed starch. The inclusion of cellulose fibers from coffee bean skin waste can enhance the properties of polymeric materials, while PVA can increase the homogeneity and flexibility of the composite sheet. Furthermore, the addition of durian seed starch, which has a high starch content, was explored to reduce water absorption and enhance biodegradation of the biocomposite packaging.The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of varying the PVA to coffee bean skin waste ratio, the glycerol percentage, and the addition of durian seed starch on the tensile strength, elongation, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, and biodegradation of the biocomposite packaging. The selected biocomposite packaging with an additional 20% durian seed starch showed a tensile strength of 10.91±0.36 MPa, elongation of 322.17±17.49%, modulus of elasticity of 3.39±0.21 MPa, water absorption of 104.97±21.32%, and biodegradation based on weight loss of 6.61±0.77% which shows good physical properties. The biocomposite packaging developed in this study demonstrates the potential to utilize waste materials from the food and agriculture industry to create sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions.