TY - JOUR
T1 - Transforming Agricultural Food Waste Into Bioplastics
T2 - Methods, Potential, and Technological Advances
AU - Asim, Zukhruf
AU - Shahzad, Hafiz Muhammad Aamir
AU - Ghodake, Gajanan
AU - Mahmoud, Khaled A.
AU - Almomani, Fares
AU - Rasool, Kashif
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s). Advanced Sustainable Systems published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - The improper disposal of agricultural food waste (AFW) and its associated plastic packaging significantly exacerbates environmental degradation, including pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and loss of valuable resources, while imposing substantial economic burdens. These pressing challenges have spurred advancements in bioplastics as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Here, the potential of AFW, rich in biopolymers such as starch and cellulose, as a renewable feedstock is examined for bioplastics such as polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, and polyhydroxyalkanoates. It explores the characteristics of these bioplastics, focusing on production techniques such as extraction-based processes, microbial fermentation, fermentation combined with polymerization, and synthesis from volatile fatty acids. Additionally, the role of AFW pretreatment methods, including physical, chemical, biological, and enzymatic approaches, in enhancing conversion efficiency is analyzed. Here, it is highlighted that recent advancements in bioplastic production have improved efficiency, biodegradability, and scalability, offering a viable substitute for traditional plastics. These findings demonstrate that valorizing AFW not only addresses plastic and food waste challenges but also promotes sustainability and circular economy principles, paving the way for greener industries and reduced ecological impact.
AB - The improper disposal of agricultural food waste (AFW) and its associated plastic packaging significantly exacerbates environmental degradation, including pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and loss of valuable resources, while imposing substantial economic burdens. These pressing challenges have spurred advancements in bioplastics as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Here, the potential of AFW, rich in biopolymers such as starch and cellulose, as a renewable feedstock is examined for bioplastics such as polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, and polyhydroxyalkanoates. It explores the characteristics of these bioplastics, focusing on production techniques such as extraction-based processes, microbial fermentation, fermentation combined with polymerization, and synthesis from volatile fatty acids. Additionally, the role of AFW pretreatment methods, including physical, chemical, biological, and enzymatic approaches, in enhancing conversion efficiency is analyzed. Here, it is highlighted that recent advancements in bioplastic production have improved efficiency, biodegradability, and scalability, offering a viable substitute for traditional plastics. These findings demonstrate that valorizing AFW not only addresses plastic and food waste challenges but also promotes sustainability and circular economy principles, paving the way for greener industries and reduced ecological impact.
KW - agricultural food waste
KW - bioplastics
KW - circular economy
KW - polyhydroxyalkanoates
KW - polylactic acid
KW - waste valorization
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85215311789&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/adsu.202400864
DO - 10.1002/adsu.202400864
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85215311789
SN - 2366-7486
JO - Advanced Sustainable Systems
JF - Advanced Sustainable Systems
ER -