Development of Sustainable tableware from waste

The widespread consumption, accessibility, and extensive shelf life of plastic are converging to an incredibly challenging plastic conundrum in the food industry. There is a lack of clarity regarding the answer since plastic pollution is rapidly increasing, and the food sector is highly reliant on the use of plastic for packaging, manufacturing tableware, and cutlery. Tableware made from agricultural waste is intended to be designed and manufactured as part of this dissertation's effort to provide an alternate, partial answer to the problem of plastic. This study aims to explore the potential of using bagasse and paddy straw as raw materials for sustainable tableware production through compression molding. The study utilizes a compression molding machine to produce disposable plates, cups, and bowls. Pneumatically operated compression molding machines used for making tableware from agriculture are to be explored. Compression molding is a widely used technique for creating a variety of products using composite materials. The process consists of two steps: preheating and pressurizing. Thermo-forming is a process where a sheet of material is heated and then molded into a desired shape. Agricultural-based materials such as sugarcane fiber, bamboo, and wheat straw are often used as alternatives to traditional plastic tableware and can be processed using thermoforming machines to create eco-friendly products. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the produced tableware are evaluated to determine their suitability for food packaging applications. Results indicate that bagasse and paddy straw can be utilized as sustainable raw materials to produce eco-friendly tableware with desirable properties. The use of these agricultural waste products as raw materials can contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution and promote sustainable development. This approach helps to reduce waste and supports a circular economy. The research areas covered in this project are agricultural waste, stubble management (waste to wealth) and an alternative to burning. The pilot scale production is done, and the following samples are sent for testing. A MoU is signed with SIES school of Packaging, Mumbai for testing and research on agricultural waste.