Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The rapid growth of the food industry has led to an increase in food packaging materials, resulting in significant environmental concerns due to the generation of food waste. This thesis focuses on exploring the potential of utilizing food waste as a sustainable alternative for food packaging materials in the food industry. The study investigates various food waste sources, processing techniques, and the development of eco-friendly packaging materials to reduce environmental impact. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to food waste utilization and sustainable packaging materials. Chapter 3 details the research methodology, including research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. The chapter also outlines the experimental setup, materials, and tools used in the study. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the findings, analyzing the effectiveness of different food waste utilization techniques in producing sustainable food packaging materials. The chapter also explores the potential challenges and opportunities in implementing these sustainable practices in the food industry. Finally, Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, highlighting the implications for the food industry, and providing recommendations for future research. The study contributes to the growing field of sustainable packaging materials by offering innovative solutions to reduce food waste and promote environmental sustainability in the food industry. In conclusion, the utilization of food waste for sustainable food packaging materials presents a promising avenue for addressing environmental concerns and promoting a more sustainable approach to food packaging in the food industry. This research contributes valuable insights and practical recommendations for industry practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in enhancing sustainability practices in the food sector.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Utilization of Food Waste for Sustainable Food Packaging Materials in the Food Industry" aims to address the pressing issue of food waste and its environmental impact by exploring innovative ways to repurpose food waste into sustainable packaging materials. Food waste is a significant global challenge, contributing to environmental pollution, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. In the food industry, packaging plays a crucial role in preserving and protecting food products, but conventional packaging materials often contribute to the waste stream and environmental degradation. By leveraging food waste as a raw material for packaging production, this project seeks to promote sustainability, reduce waste generation, and create a circular economy model in the food industry. The research will involve a comprehensive review of existing literature on food waste management, sustainable packaging materials, and innovative technologies for repurposing food waste. This review will provide a theoretical foundation for the project and identify gaps in the current knowledge that warrant further investigation. The methodology will encompass experimental research to develop and test prototypes of food packaging materials derived from food waste. Various food waste sources, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and by-products from food processing, will be examined for their suitability in packaging production. Different processing techniques, such as extraction, purification, and formulation, will be explored to transform food waste into functional and environmentally friendly packaging materials. The project will also evaluate the mechanical, barrier, and biodegradability properties of the food waste-based packaging materials to assess their performance compared to traditional packaging materials. Life cycle assessment will be conducted to analyze the environmental impact of the new packaging materials and compare it with conventional options. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for food packaging in the industry. By repurposing food waste into packaging materials, the project aims to reduce reliance on virgin resources, minimize waste generation, and promote a more sustainable and circular approach to packaging production. The outcomes of this research have the potential to drive positive environmental and economic impacts by offering an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging materials in the food industry.