Brazil is recognized for its strong agricultural and agro-industrial sectors. While this production system plays a key role in the national economy, it also contributes significantly to the generation of agri-food waste and presents environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Among the various agri-food chains with potential for waste valorization, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) processing stands out, as its peels and other non-edible fractions are often underutilized. In response to this issue, the adoption of circular economy practices emerges as an effective strategy. This study aimed to explore technological solutions to reduce waste and utilize biopolymeric matrices as raw materials for biodegradable packaging. Specifically, we investigated the biodegradation behavior of films produced from by-products of Cacau Branca cassava processing under controlled environmental conditions. Biodegradable films F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 were formulated with 0%, 20%, 50%, 80%, and 100% cassava peel flour, respectively. These films were placed in containers filled with alternating layers of vegetable soil and subjected to intermittent wetting to simulate natural biodegradation conditions in soil. Biodegradation was assessed through visual inspection and gravimetric analysis. After 15 days, visible signs of degradation were observed, including color changes and loss of mechanical integrity. The materials exhibited partial mass reductions of 84.90%, 77.57%, 71.73%, 70.78%, and 71.44% for formulations F1 through F5, respectively. Data followed a normal distribution, and significant differences were found among formulations (p < 0.05). F1 exhibited the greatest mass reduction, followed by F2. Formulations F3, F4, and F5 showed statistically equivalent degradation behavior. These results demonstrate that the evaluated films have promising biodegradability under simulated natural conditions and support the potential use of Cacau Branca cassava peel flour in the development of biodegradable packaging materials.
Previous Article in event
Next Article in event
Performance and Biodegradability of Biopolymeric Films from Cassava By-products under Controlled Environmental Conditions
Published:
27 October 2025
by MDPI
in The 6th International Electronic Conference on Foods
session Food Technology and Engineering
Abstract:
Keywords: Agro-industrial by-products; Circular economy; Cassava peel flour; Biodegradable films
