Plant-based bio plastics from agricultural waste: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues of the 21st century since conventional petroleum-based plastics cause long-term environmental and health issues. Bioplastics, especially renewable ones, are becoming global alternatives. Among feedstocks, agricultural waste is promising due to its abundance, low cost, and valorization potential. Rice husk, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, vegetable and fruit peels, oilseed cakes, and forestry byproducts can be utilized to manufacture plant-based bioplastics. This paper discusses this process's merits and downsides. Production technologies include pretreatment, microbial fermentation, enzymatic processes, and chemical synthesis. New nanotechnology and composite materials with improved properties are also highlighted. Bioplastics generated from agricultural waste are compared to traditional polymers in mechanical, thermal, biodegradability, and life cycle studies. Technical scalability, cost competitiveness, infrastructure shortages, customer acceptance, environmental benefits, circular economy integration, rural income creation, and industrial usage are addressed. Policy insights and case studies from Europe, the US, India, and China give global and regional perspectives. Biotechnology, renewable energy, superior bioplastic mixes, and enabling legal frameworks are the article's final suggestions. Bioplastics derived from agricultural waste can help sustain development when technology and policy are integrated.