Multi-objective fuzzy optimization of cassava starch-based biodegradable plastic: Balancing elongation and cost

The accumulation of synthetic plastics has caused an urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable plastics offer a promising solution, as their compostability helps reduce the ecological impact of plastic waste. However, achieving optimal mechanical properties while minimizing production costs remains a significant challenge. This study proposes using fuzzy optimization to develop cost-efficient biodegradable plastics made from cassava starch, chitosan, PVA, and crude glycerol. This approach simultaneously considers elongation and material cost which effectively addresses the trade-off between performance and affordability. Fuzzy optimization identifies the ideal material configurations to maximize satisfaction levels by evaluating product efficiency which ranges from 0 to 1. The overall satisfaction is 0.5587. Optimal conditions were achieved with 2.4 g of chitosan, 5.0 g of starch, and 3.0 g of PVA. The optimal elongation yielded was 54.52 % with cumulative uncertainty error of 4.54 %. The optimal elongation (54.52 %) was 37.09 % lower than RSM-based methods but achieved 41.81 % cost savings. This research addresses the conflicting factors of material cost efficiency alongside mechanical performance, introducing a novel perspective compared to past literature. The significant cost reductions underscore the economic viability of producing biodegradable plastics. This study is a crucial advancement for sustainable large-scale applications, particularly in the packaging industry. • The process variables are mass content of chitosan, PVA, and starch. • Objectives functions: Elongation and material cost. • Fuzzy optimization resulted in an overall satisfaction level of 55.87 %. • Fuzzy optimal solution: 54.52 ± 4.54 % elongation at material cost of 1667 USG·kg −1 .