Biodegradable film using pine needle fibre and cassava starch: A sustainable packaging solution

Use of plastic food packaging has long been debated due to its negative environmental impact. As a result of this, the need to develop sustainable and biodegradable packaging continuously grows, particularly that using plant-based materials. The study was undertaken to develop biodegradable film from Pine Needle Fiber (PNF), Cassava Starch (CS), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) blend through a casting technique. It aimed to standardize the process for preparation of biodegradable packaging films physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties. The mechanical properties and biodegradability of the resulting CS-PVOH/PNF films were evaluated. The films demonstrated improved tensile strength and elongation at break, with optimal values of 10 MPa Tensile Strength and 191% Elongation. The Soil Burial Method showed rapid biodegradation, with all films degrading within 10 days. Water absorption tests revealed a decrease in water absorption with increasing PNF content, confirming the suitability of the CS-PVOH/PNF films as eco-friendly, flexible packaging materials with desirable mechanical and biodegradable properties. On the other hand, expanding the fiber and starch extent in film framework decayed both rigidity and percent extension at break of the film. The results revealed that addition of pine needle fibre has lowered water absorption and increased the Tensile Strength and Elongation as compared to films without pine needle fibre. Considering all the parameters it can be said that the biodegradable film (CS-PVOH/PNF) mix was developed which can be viewed as reasonable, adaptable by a straightforward and harmless to the ecosystem cycle.