This study investigates the production of biodegradable plastics from agricultural residues, focusing on their physical, mechanical, and environmental properties to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics. The bioplastics were synthesized using various agricultural residues, including rice straw and algae, with glycerol as a plasticizer. The physical properties of the films, such as thickness, opacity, and color, were evaluated, revealing thicknesses ranging from 0.3 to 0.4 mm and significant opacity, making them suitable for packaging applications. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break, were tested, with Film A exhibiting the highest tensile strength of 32.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 5.2%. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that Film A had the highest crystallinity index (45.7%), suggesting stronger molecular ordering. The films demonstrated notable antioxidant properties, with Film D showing the highest radical scavenging activity, making them suitable for food packaging applications. Thermal conductivity testing revealed that Film A had the lowest thermal conductivity, highlighting its potential use in insulation applications. Biodegradation tests in soil showed that the films, particularly Film A, degraded rapidly, with a mass loss of 60.1% after 120 days, indicating good compostability. Life cycle assessments (LCA) demonstrated that these bioplastics have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional plastics, with a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy consumption. The results suggest that agricultural residue-based bioplastics, particularly those made with a glycerol plasticizer, possess promising mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties, making them suitable for various applications, including food packaging, agricultural films, and insulation. This study highlights the potential of agricultural waste as a sustainable resource for bioplastics, offering a viable solution to plastic pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.

Biodegradable plastics, agricultural residues, mechanical properties, biodegradation, antioxidant activity, life cycle assessment

This study demonstrates the potential of agricultural residues as a sustainable source for producing biodegradable plastics, offering a viable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. The production process, utilizing agricultural by-products such as rice straw and algae, along with glycerol as a plasticizer, resulted in bioplastics with promising physical, mechanical, and environmental properties. The films exhibited desirable characteristics, including appropriate thickness, opacity, and color, making them suitable for various packaging applications. Notably, Film A, which showed the highest tensile strength (32.5 MPa) and elongation at break (5.2%), demonstrated excellent mechanical integrity, comparable to conventional plastic materials, while also maintaining flexibility due to the use of glycerol as a plasticizer. This confirms that bioplastics from agricultural residues can be engineered to meet the mechanical demands of common plastic applications. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the films, especially Film A, exhibited high crystallinity, contributing to enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability, suggesting their suitability for applications where rigidity and durability are essential. The antioxidant activity of the bioplastics, particularly in Film D, supports their potential in food packaging, where antioxidant properties are crucial for prolonging shelf life and protecting against oxidation. The bioplastics demonstrated favorable thermal properties, with Film A showing the lowest thermal conductivity, making it suitable for applications requiring thermal insulation. The biodegradation tests in soil and composting conditions highlighted the superior environmental benefits of these bioplastics. The rapid degradation, particularly in Film A, aligns with global sustainability goals, offering a promising solution to the mounting plastic waste crisis. The results also revealed that the bioplastics' environmental impact, as assessed through life cycle analysis, was significantly lower compared to conventional plastics, with reduced carbon footprint, water consumption, and energy usage. This underscores the potential of agricultural residue-based bioplastics to mitigate the negative environmental consequences of plastic pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. This study affirms the viability of agricultural residues as a renewable resource for the production of high-performance, biodegradable plastics. The findings suggest that with further optimization and large-scale production, these bioplastics could play a pivotal role in reducing plastic waste, contributing to more sustainable packaging solutions, and supporting a circular economy.

Manasiben Devayatbhai Baku, Sumaya Fathima S. and Aniskumar Mani (2025). Production of Biodegradable Plastics from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Development. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 17(1): 52-63.