Researchers at Mahidol University in Thailand have unveiled a low-cost, eco-friendly packaging approach for perishable goods. They transform starch extracted from pineapple stalks, an agricultural byproduct, into thin films that can shield delicate items while helping extend shelf life and cut waste. The study, published in a polymers journal, highlights how this readily available waste can become a functional packaging material that supports sustainable shopping and reduced environmental impact.
Traditional plastics persist for hundreds of years, leaving microplastics behind that pollute soil, groundwater, and oceans. Their long lifespan means they can enter the food chain and affect living beings, including humans. This reality has driven scientists to pursue alternatives that deliver comparable performance without the ecological toll. Pineapple-stalk starch emerges as a practical option that leverages agricultural waste to create biodegradable packaging that stands up to real-world use.
In the research, starch pulled from pineapple stalks was processed into thin films. The team examined how the material behaves when used as packaging for fragile items, focusing on mechanical strength and barrier properties. The results show that pineapple-starch films can be molded into flexible, protective layers suitable for enclosing perishable goods. The researchers also explored how glycerol, a common plasticizer, changes the film’s pliability and strength. Adding glycerol increases flexibility, which helps the film wrap irregular shapes and maintain integrity during handling and transport.
Beyond serving as a simple edible wrapper, the pineapple-starch films interact with fruits and vegetables in meaningful ways. Laboratory tests indicated a potential influence on the ripening process of bananas, suggesting a slower progression toward overripe states during storage. Such a trait could help retailers and consumers reduce waste by extending the window of optimal freshness without relying on chemical atmospheres or high-energy refrigeration. This property aligns with broader research into bio-based packaging that protects contents while contributing to tighter quality control throughout the supply chain.
Using pineapple stalk starch aligns with circular economy principles. Pineapple waste is abundant in tropical and subtropical regions, presenting an opportunity to convert what would otherwise be discarded into a value-added material. By diverting agricultural waste from landfills and repurposing it into packaging, the approach supports sustainable production systems and lowers the environmental footprint associated with traditional plastics. The development of such materials holds particular relevance for markets in North America and Europe seeking renewable, compostable alternatives to conventional plastics.
Besides pineapple-derived starch, researchers have long examined starch from other plants like corn and potatoes. Each source brings a distinct balance of properties, processing challenges, and end-of-life characteristics. Pineapple stalks offer advantages in waste valorization and the ability to tailor film properties through simple adjustments in composition. The broader takeaway is that biobased films can be engineered to meet sector-specific needs, from food packaging to agricultural films, while reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics.
While the findings are encouraging, the researchers emphasize that several steps remain before pineapple-starch films can replace conventional packaging on a wide scale. Key considerations include optimizing production methods for large-scale manufacturing, ensuring consistent material quality, and validating environmental benefits through life cycle assessments. Regulatory frameworks governing biodegradable materials and composting standards will shape how quickly such innovations reach markets in the United States, Canada, and beyond. Yet, the study adds important evidence that agricultural waste can yield practical, environmentally conscious packaging solutions that match consumer demand for sustainability.
Other related research is exploring natural additives and advanced processing techniques to further enhance the performance of bio-based films. For example, incorporating bioactive compounds or nano-fillers may improve barrier properties against moisture and gases, helping preserve freshness and reduce spoilage. Some investigations are also examining how different drying and extrusion methods affect film uniformity and mechanical strength. These parallel efforts illustrate the dynamic nature of the field, where materials science, engineering, and environmental stewardship converge to rethink packaging for a future with less plastic waste.
As societies seek alternatives to traditional plastics, pineapple-stalk starch films present a compelling option at the intersection of waste valorization, affordability, and environmental responsibility. Ongoing work at Mahidol University and collaborating researchers demonstrates that sustainable solutions can emerge from everyday byproducts, turning a discarded stalk into a practical, versatile material for protecting perishable foods while supporting cleaner oceans, soils, and waterways.