Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The increasing global awareness of environmental sustainability and the need to reduce plastic waste have led to a growing interest in developing biodegradable packaging materials. This thesis presents the research and development of a novel biodegradable packaging material using agricultural waste. The study aims to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic packaging by utilizing agricultural waste as a sustainable alternative material. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The importance of developing biodegradable packaging materials from agricultural waste is emphasized, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. Chapter Two consists of a comprehensive literature review that explores existing research on biodegradable packaging materials, agricultural waste utilization, and current trends in sustainable packaging solutions. The review of relevant studies provides a theoretical foundation for the research and highlights gaps in the existing literature that this thesis aims to address. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in developing the novel biodegradable packaging material. The chapter details the research design, materials and methods used for data collection, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. The methodology section provides a clear overview of the research process and the steps taken to achieve the study objectives. In Chapter Four, the findings of the research are presented and discussed in detail. The chapter includes an analysis of the properties of the developed biodegradable packaging material, such as mechanical strength, biodegradability, and barrier properties. The results of the study are compared with existing packaging materials to evaluate the effectiveness of the novel material in meeting industry standards and environmental requirements. Chapter Five serves as the conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications of the research, and recommendations for future studies. The significance of developing biodegradable packaging materials from agricultural waste is discussed, emphasizing the potential environmental and economic benefits of the novel material. In conclusion, the research presented in this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable packaging solutions and environmental conservation. The development of a novel biodegradable packaging material using agricultural waste offers a promising alternative to traditional plastic packaging, with the potential to reduce environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of a Novel Biodegradable Packaging Material Using Agricultural Waste" aims to address the pressing environmental issues associated with traditional plastic packaging materials by exploring the potential of utilizing agricultural waste to create sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions. The research will focus on developing a novel packaging material that is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective and practical for widespread commercial application. By leveraging agricultural waste, such as crop residues, husks, and stalks, the project seeks to reduce the reliance on non-biodegradable plastics derived from fossil fuels. Through innovative processing techniques and material formulations, the goal is to create a biodegradable packaging material that offers comparable or superior performance to conventional plastics in terms of durability, flexibility, and barrier properties. The research overview will encompass various stages of the project, including material selection, processing methods, characterization of the developed packaging material, and feasibility assessment for potential industrial scale-up. By investigating the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of the novel biodegradable material, the study aims to evaluate its suitability for packaging applications in industries such as food and beverage, agriculture, and consumer goods. Furthermore, the project will explore the environmental impact of the developed packaging material through life cycle assessment to quantify its carbon footprint, energy consumption, and waste generation compared to traditional plastics. This holistic approach will provide valuable insights into the sustainability benefits of adopting biodegradable packaging solutions derived from agricultural waste. Overall, the research on the "Development of a Novel Biodegradable Packaging Material Using Agricultural Waste" holds significant promise in contributing to the global efforts towards reducing plastic pollution, promoting circular economy practices, and fostering sustainable development in the packaging industry.