An orange peel gelatin composite with adjustable mechanical properties and biodegradability for the innovative design of one-piece molded handbags

Abstract ‘White pollution’ has always been a problem faced by human beings in their daily lives. There is an urgent need to replace plastics with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials that have a low environmental footprint throughout their life cycle. Bio-based composites, derived from renewable resources such as natural fibres and biopolymers, are a potential alternative to traditional plastics that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly. In this context, this study used orange peel, a widely available orange waste, as the main raw material and combined it with gelatin to develop a new type of fully biodegradable composite material, orange peel gelatin composite material. Experimental results show that the orange peel gelatin composite material can meet the strength requirements of daily lightweight handbags, and has adjustable mechanical properties and good overall performance (dense structure, tensile strength of 1.2 MPa, and degradation rate of 91.2%). These properties show their application potential in alleviating plastic pollution, reducing organic waste and lowering carbon emissions. The material preparation process is simple, efficient, and reproducible, making it suitable for manufacturing one-piece handbags, thereby minimising the impact on the environment. This study not only provides a new way for the high-value-added utilisation of agricultural waste, but also reflects the broad prospects of bio-based composite materials in the field of sustainable packaging, and has positive significance for promoting the construction of a circular economy and future market applications.