Victoria University: Made celery and peas into packaging
Researchers at the University of Victoria are creating sustainable packaging with natural products including celery and pea starch to replace some plastic. When protein is extracted from plants such as peas to produce protein-rich edibles, a large amount of waste is often left behind in the process. According to Professor Vincent Rouillard, a researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Industry and Liveable Cities at the University of Victoria (VU), up to 25% of the protein can typically be extracted from a product. But what happens to the remaining 75%?
"Getting rid of this organic waste is a major issue. If you just don't handle it carefully, it can cause even more problems for the environment," said Rouillard, who has been researching packaging dynamics and packaging materials for over 30 years, working with VU researchers Dr. Matthew Lamb with Dr. Marlene Cran. Together, the team designed a sustainable solution.
"A few years ago, we extracted waste starch material that was left over from a production process that involved separating proteins from yellow peas. Through a treatment process that involved heat treatment and the use of different types of additives, we managed to make clear films out of it,” Rouillard Say.
Funded by the Victorian Government, VU's recent work in this area is an important step towards sustainability. “Moving towards a circular economy must include the use of compostable and bio-based materials, there will always be a place for traditional plastics, but when it comes to single-use packaging, it makes more sense to use materials from nature,” Cran said.
After extracting leftover materials such as celery, zucchini and lettuce from local farms in Victoria, the researchers tested each material extensively to determine its suitability as an alternative packaging product.
The researchers conducted mechanical and impact tests in different environments. Typically, application sensitivity testing is done to look at solubility, as one wants to know if the material will dissolve in water and if it will swell if exposed to high humidity environments, testing is done to determine the material's end-of-life characteristics.
The ultimate goal is to create functional materials such as packaging, films, rigid board materials or cushioning materials, but finding materials that can perform similar functions to traditional packaging plastics presents challenges.
