Human life has been greatly affected by plastic but now this problem has been solved and plastic has been developed which is not only biodegradable but can also be eaten.
The idea of producing this unique plastic came to Dr. Anjum Nawab, Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi. Dr. Anjum said that the terms biodegradable and edible are used interchangeably these days.
‘In simple words, if something is biodegradable, it means that when it is thrown away after use, the microbes in the air will destroy it.’
Dr. Anjum Nawab said that if bacteria can destroy something, then it can be used for human consumption.
This plastic can be eaten because it is made from ingredients distilled from natural materials. Such plastic can also be destroyed by dissolving it in lukewarm water.
Unlike environmentally friendly plastics, plastics produced by petrochemicals cannot be degraded by airborne microbes and the products produced from it remain in the environment for hundreds of years and cause pollution.
Mango season
University of Karachi Assistant Professor Dr. Anjum Nawab’s PhD thesis was on the production of plastic from natural commodity waste for food packaging.
‘At that time, the mango season was going on, so I thought why not experiment with producing biodegradable and edible plastic from mango pulp.’
Mangoes are produced in large quantities in Pakistan and the waste from the processing plants is not used for any purpose other than animal feed.’
Dr. Anjum Nawab explains that in the production of plastic, the kernel of the mango is opened and the seed is extracted from it and then the starch is distilled from the seed. After that, various ingredients are added to the starch to form plastic.
Dr. Anjum claims that efforts are being made to produce edible biodegradable plastics in different countries of the world, but the plastic produced in University of Karachi is different because it is being produced from mango kernels.
Use of environmentally friendly plastic
Experts believe that edible biodegradable plastics can be widely used.
Dr. Anjum Nawab says that this plastic shopping bags can be manufactured. Apart from this, the conventional packaging used in food and beverages can be replaced with this plastic.
“When we replaced the existing aluminum packaging of spices with eco-friendly plastic, their shelf life increased significantly.”
Dr. Anjum Nawab claims that his work has been appreciated internationally.
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2024-09-17 17:15:02
What are the environmental benefits of using edible biodegradable plastic made from mango waste?
Table of Contents
Revolutionary Breakthrough: Edible and Biodegradable Plastic Developed from Mango Waste
The devastating impact of plastic waste on the environment and human health has been a mounting concern for decades. However, in a groundbreaking innovation, a Pakistani scientist has successfully developed a biodegradable and edible plastic made from mango waste, offering a sustainable solution to the plastic menace.
Dr. Anjum Nawab, Assistant Professor at the University of Karachi’s Department of Food Science and Technology, has spearheaded the research behind this revolutionary plastic. According to Dr. Nawab, the terms “biodegradable” and “edible” are often used interchangeably, but the distinction lies in the fact that biodegradable materials can be decomposed by microorganisms, while edible materials can be safely consumed by humans.
The Science Behind Edible Biodegradable Plastic
Dr. Nawab’s plastic is made from ingredients distilled from natural materials, making it not only biodegradable but also safe for human consumption. This innovative material can be broken down by dissolving it in lukewarm water, a stark contrast to traditional plastics produced from petrochemicals, which remain in the environment for centuries and contribute to rampant pollution.
The Mango Connection
Dr. Nawab’s research journey began with his PhD thesis on producing plastic from natural commodity waste for food packaging. During the mango season, he experimented with using mango pulp to create biodegradable and edible plastic. Mangoes are widely available in Pakistan, and the waste generated from processing plants was previously used only as animal feed. By harnessing the starch from mango seeds, Dr. Nawab was able to create a sustainable and eco-friendly plastic.
A Game-Changer for the Environment
The development of edible biodegradable plastic has far-reaching implications for the environment. Traditional plastics have been a major contributor to pollution, harming marine life, and contaminating soil and water. In contrast, Dr. Nawab’s plastic offers a sustainable alternative that can be easily decomposed, reducing the strain on landfills and minimizing the risk of plastic waste entering the ecosystem.
Potential Applications
Experts believe that edible biodegradable plastics can be widely used in various industries, including:
- Food Packaging: Edible biodegradable plastic packaging can replace traditional plastic wrapping, reducing waste and providing a sustainable solution for the food industry.
- Medical Applications: Biodegradable plastics can be used in medical implants, sutures, and other devices, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster healing.
- Cosmetics: Edible biodegradable plastics can be used in cosmetics, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
A Beacon of Hope for a Plastic-Free Future
Dr. Anjum Nawab’s groundbreaking research offers a beacon of hope for a plastic-free future. As the world grapples with the consequences of plastic waste, this innovative edible biodegradable plastic provides a sustainable solution that can be harnessed to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of traditional plastics.
the development of edible biodegradable plastic from mango waste is a revolutionary breakthrough that has the potential to transform the way we approach plastic production and waste management. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, Dr. Nawab’s research serves as a shining example of the power of innovation and creativity in tackling the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Keywords: Edible biodegradable plastic, mango waste, sustainable plastic, plastic waste management, environmental impact, food packaging, medical applications, cosmetics, plastic-free future.
– What are the environmental benefits of using edible biodegradable plastic made from mango waste?
Revolutionary Breakthrough: Edible Biodegradable Plastic Made from Mango Waste
The plastic epidemic has been a growing concern for decades, with millions of tons of plastic waste polluting our environment and harming wildlife. However, a groundbreaking innovation has emerged, which could potentially solve this problem. Scientists have successfully developed a biodegradable plastic that is not only eco-friendly but also edible. This revolutionary plastic is made from mango waste, a bi-product of the mango processing industry.
The Mastermind Behind the Innovation
Dr. Anjum Nawab, an Assistant Professor at the University of Karachi, is the brainchild behind this remarkable discovery. His research focused on producing plastic from natural commodity waste for food packaging. Dr. Nawab’s PhD thesis explored the potential of using mango pulp to create biodegradable and edible plastic.
How is Edible Biodegradable Plastic Made?
The production process involves extracting starch from mango seeds, which are then distilled to form plastic. Various ingredients are added to the starch to create a durable and edible material. This innovative approach not only reduces plastic waste but also utilizes a waste product that would otherwise be discarded.
Environmental Benefits of Edible Biodegradable Plastic
The advantages of using edible biodegradable plastic made from mango waste are numerous:
- Reduced Plastic Waste: This plastic can be easily decomposed by airborne microbes, eliminating the need for plastic waste management.
- Minimizes Pollution: Unlike traditional plastics, which take hundreds of years to decompose, edible biodegradable plastic dissolves in lukewarm water, reducing pollution in our environment.
- Sustainable Resource: Mango waste is a readily available resource, providing a sustainable solution for plastic production.
- Increased Shelf Life: Edible biodegradable plastic packaging can increase the shelf life of food products, reducing food waste and benefiting the food industry.
Potential Applications
The possibilities for edible biodegradable plastic are vast, including:
- Food Packaging: Replacing traditional plastic packaging with edible biodegradable plastic can reduce waste and provide a sustainable solution for the food industry.
- Shopping Bags: Producing shopping bags from edible biodegradable plastic can minimize plastic waste and provide an eco-friendly alternative.
- Spice Packaging: Dr. Nawab’s research has already shown that replacing aluminum packaging with edible biodegradable plastic increases the shelf life of spices.
International Recognition
Dr. Nawab’s work has garnered international attention, recognizing the significance of this breakthrough innovation. As the world continues to grapple with plastic pollution, this edible biodegradable plastic made from mango waste offers a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
The development of edible biodegradable plastic made from mango waste is a game-changer in the fight against plastic pollution. This innovative solution not only reduces plastic waste but also provides a sustainable resource for the food industry. As we move forward, it is essential to support and invest in research that can help us create a more environmentally friendly world.
Keywords: edible biodegradable plastic, mango waste, plastic pollution, sustainable solution, food packaging, shopping bags, spice packaging, environmental benefits.
