Design and analysis of a prototype of a sustainable packaging film using coconut fiber extraction

Abstract

This article presents the design and evaluation of a prototype of packaging sheets made from coconut fiber, a biodegradable alternative to the massive use of plastics such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), which have a high environmental impact due to their low degradability. Coconut fiber stands out for its strength, durability, and rapid decomposition. This study compares its environmental impact, mechanical properties, and economic viability against conventional plastics. Regarding carbon footprint, coconut fiber generates between 0.5 and 1.0 kg of CO2, significantly less than PE (2.0- 3.0 kg) and PP (1.8- 2.8 kg). Their biodegradation occurs between 90 and 180 days, while plastics exceed 182,500 days. Although the tensile strength of coconut fiber shows a value of 2.1653 MPa, it is lower compared to 54.4765 MPa of PE and 6.5384 MPa of PP; it also presents good elasticity, high resistance to water, high water resistance, and high corrosion resistance (∼ 80 %) and low density (0.7- 0.8 g/cm3). Regarding cost, coconut fiber is a more environmentally friendly option, although it faces economic challenges depending on the market. The contribution of this research is to present a viable alternative to traditional packaging materials, offering adequate mechanical properties and resistance, as well as competitive costs, making it a suitable option for use. In summary, it is an ecologically favorable alternative, with the potential for large-scale replacement.