Design of a process for the elaboration of a prototype of a biodegradable packaging based on coffee husk

Abstract

The growing concern for the reduction of waste and pollution has driven the search for sustainable solutions, highlighting the use of solid waste from the coffee industry, such as husks, rich in useful compounds. This research focused on using coffee husks to design a manufacturing process for biodegradable packaging, using a mixture of crushed husks, glycerin (30%) and white vinegar (20%). The results were satisfactory, as the mixture maintained its shape during molding, allowing the obtaining of a biodegradable container with good structural integrity. Analysis of the texture of the bioplastic revealed that it is brittle, brittle and not very elastic, depending on the relative humidity. The hardness of the material was varied according to the concentrations of the inputs, which reflected the analysis of the texture profile, while the fracture ability was moderate, which allowed the container to retain its structure without fractures. In accordance with the UNE EN_14411 standard, the bending strength of the packaging was positively evaluated, with an estimated total degradability in six months, demonstrating that the biodegradable packaging developed has a good performance in terms of resistance, hardness and flexibility for handling.