Turning Apple Waste into Eco-Friendly Packaging

Date:14 Feb 2022

Country: United States

Application

• Eco-friendly packaging: Used for take-out containers, beverage cartons, and fruit packaging.
• Sustainable alternatives: Replaces plastic packaging with compostable, water-resistant molded pulp.

Description

Oregon State University researchers have developed an innovative method to transform apple waste, specifically apple pomace, into eco-friendly molded pulp packaging. This sustainable material could replace plastic packaging for products like take-out containers, flower pots, and beverage cartons. The team enhanced the water resistance of the packaging by incorporating polymers like lignin, chitosan, and glycerol, and applying superhydrophobic coatings. The project aims to reduce food waste and create compostable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves turning apple pomace, a byproduct of apple juice production, into environmentally friendly molded pulp packaging. The team incorporated polymers like lignin, chitosan, and glycerol to improve the water resistance of the pulp. They also applied a superhydrophobic coating to enhance the product's durability. This process aims to create compostable, bio-based packaging alternatives to traditional plastic.