Mexican researchers enhance starch-based bioplastics with bio-based byproducts

In Mexico, FreshPlaza reports researchers experimented with adding mango peel, roasted coffee residues, and cooked hibiscus calyces to starch-based bioplastic to test what impacts they would have on color, texture, morphology, water activity, and biodegradability. The mechanical of the performance was enhanced by the addition of the byproducts, doubling the strength of the plastic. Tests on the bioplastic buried in the soil after 48 hours and then 120 hours showed significant degradation so that the plastic was no longer usable.