INDONESIA — Researchers from Hasanuddin University have developed a new biodegradable food packaging film designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing sustainable packaging: creating materials that can both protect food effectively and break down after disposal.

The research team, led by Professor Andi Dirpan, developed a multilayer polylactic acid (PLA)-based film reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and enhanced with an oxygen-scavenging compound called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

The material aims to combine improved mechanical strength, oxygen-control capability and biodegradability as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based food packaging plastics.

Combining Strength and Oxygen Protection

Conventional plastic packaging remains widely used because of its excellent barrier properties, particularly its ability to prevent oxygen from entering packaging and accelerating food spoilage.

However, many traditional plastics can remain in the environment for decades after disposal.

Plant-based biodegradable plastics such as PLA offer a more sustainable alternative but generally face limitations, including weaker oxygen barrier performance and lower mechanical strength.

To overcome these challenges, the researchers introduced two functional components:

• Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to reinforce the film structure
• BHT as an oxygen-scavenging additive

The BHT was incorporated into the two inner layers of the multilayer structure, allowing the food-facing layers to actively manage oxygen exposure.

Coconut Water Used as Cellulose Source

A notable feature of the research was the use of cellulose derived from fermented coconut water.

Instead of relying on traditional cellulose sources such as wood or agricultural crops, the researchers produced bacterial cellulose through a fermentation process similar to the production of nata de coco.

The bacterial cellulose was purified and processed into MCC powder before being added to the PLA film.

According to the researchers, this cellulose source provided high purity and fiber content, helping improve the structure of the biodegradable packaging material.

Improved Barrier and Mechanical Properties

The team tested different MCC concentrations and compared coconut water-derived MCC with commercial MCC.

The results showed that increasing cellulose content:

• Improved mechanical strength
• Reduced oxygen transmission
• Created a denser film structure

Microscopic analysis showed that MCC derived from nata de coco produced a more uniform structure with fewer defects compared with commercial MCC.

The oxygen permeability tests also showed improved performance compared with standard PLA films.

Biodegradation Performance

The developed film demonstrated measurable biodegradation when buried in soil.

The researchers reported a biodegradation rate of 28.86% after 25 days, which they said is comparable with other biodegradable plastics based on similar polymers.

This indicates the material could provide improved environmental performance compared with conventional plastic packaging.

Remaining Challenge: Flexibility

Despite the improvements, the study identified an important limitation.

While cellulose reinforcement improved strength and oxygen barrier properties, the material became more rigid and less flexible.

For commercial food packaging applications, materials must withstand:

• Manufacturing processes
• Transportation conditions
• Handling during consumer use

The researchers noted that future development will need to improve the balance between barrier performance, strength and flexibility.

Supporting Future Sustainable Packaging Development

The research highlights the growing focus on advanced biodegradable packaging materials that combine environmental benefits with practical performance.

By integrating bio-based polymers, natural reinforcement materials and active packaging functions, the study provides new approaches for developing next-generation food packaging solutions.

The research team said the work contributes to broader sustainability goals, including responsible production, climate action and food preservation.

• Papierfabrik Palm — five paper mills producing paper grades
• Palm Packaging Group — 33 packaging plants
• Palm Recycling — collection and processing of recovered paper for reuse in paper production

Last Updated on 22/07/2026 by Jota Machinery