DEVELOPMENT AND FIELD TESTING OF BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING MATERIALS FROM PLANTAIN PEELS AND CORN HUSKS IN OYO AND ONDO STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

The increasing environmental burden of plastic waste has intensified the search for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives, particularly in developing economies where waste management systems are underdeveloped. This study develops and field-tests biodegradable packaging materials derived from plantain peels and corn husks in Oyo and Ondo States, Nigeria. Adopting an experimental and field-evaluation research design, agro-waste materials were processed using green chemistry techniques to extract starch and lignocellulosic fibers, which were subsequently formulated into biodegradable films using natural plasticizers. Laboratory analyses evaluated physicochemical properties including tensile strength, thickness, water resistance, and thermal stability, while field trials were conducted with small-scale food vendors to assess usability, durability, and user acceptance. Results indicate that the developed biofilms exhibit competitive mechanical strength (mean tensile strength = 18.6 MPa) and satisfactory biodegradability, decomposing within 21–28 days under natural conditions. Field evaluations reveal high user acceptance, particularly for dry food packaging, although limitations were observed in moisture resistance under prolonged exposure. The study demonstrates the viability of converting agricultural waste into functional packaging materials, contributing to circular bioeconomy practices and sustainable waste management. It concludes that locally sourced biodegradable packaging can serve as a cost-effective alternative to conventional plastics and recommends scaling through MSME-driven production and policy support. The findings provide actionable insights for environmental sustainability, green innovation, and plastic waste reduction in Nigeria and similar contexts.