E-ISSN:2250-0758
P-ISSN:2394-6962

Research Article

Green Chemistry

International Journal of Engineering and Management Research

2025 Volume 15 Number 3 June
Publisherwww.vandanapublications.com

Biodegradable Plastics from Household Ingredients: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Polymers

Lohakare N1, Zirpe M2, Hasija D3*
DOI:10.5281/zenodo.15775579

1 Neelam Lohakare, Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India.

2 Maheshwari Zirpe, Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India.

3* Deepika Hasija, Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India.

Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental issue due to the non-biodegradable nature of conventional plastics. This study explores the development of biodegradable plastic using natural, non-toxic components—corn starch, glycerol, vinegar (acetic acid), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The research aimed to assess the feasibility, physical properties, and biodegradability of the synthesized plastic. Results showed that the method is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally beneficial. The plastic was flexible, partially transparent, and soluble in hot water. The addition of PVA improved structural integrity. The study underscores the potential for community-based, educational-level plastic innovation as part of broader sustainability efforts.

Keywords: Biodegradable Plastic, Corn Starch, Glycerol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Green Chemistry, Sustainability

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Deepika Hasija, Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Lohakare N, Zirpe M, Hasija D, Biodegradable Plastics from Household Ingredients: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Polymers. Int J Engg Mgmt Res. 2025;15(3):16-19.
Available From
https://ijemr.vandanapublications.com/index.php/j/article/view/1761

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-04 2025-05-23 2025-06-10
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 4.32

© 2025 by Lohakare N, Zirpe M, Hasija D and Published by Vandana Publications. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Int J Engg Mgmt Res 2025;15(3)16
Download PDFBack To Article1. Introduction2. Materials
and Methods3. Results and
Discussion4. ConclusionReferences
Lohakare N., et al. Biodegradable Plastics from Household Ingredients

1. Introduction

The widespread use of plastic materials over the past century has revolutionized industries due to their durability, versatility, and low production costs. Plastics are ubiquitous in packaging, construction, electronics, and healthcare (Andrady & Neal, 2009). However, the same characteristics that make plastics useful—especially their resistance to degradation—also make them a significant environmental challenge. An estimated 400 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally each year, with a significant fraction ending up in landfills or natural ecosystems (UNEP, 2023). Most conventional plastics are petroleum-based and require centuries to decompose, posing threats to wildlife, marine ecosystems, and human health (Geyer, Jambeck, & Law, 2017; Zhang et al., 2022).

As plastics accumulate in the environment, they degrade into microplastics, which can enter the food chain, leach toxic additives, and disrupt hormonal and physiological processes in living organisms (Wright & Kelly, 2017). The persistence of plastic waste, especially in developing countries lacking robust waste management systems, has spurred interest in alternative materials that are more sustainable and biodegradable

In response to these environmental concerns, biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising alternative. These plastics are designed to break down through natural processes involving microorganisms, resulting in non-toxic end products such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass (Nanda & Berruti, 2021). Among various approaches, the development of biodegradable plastics using naturally derived polymers—like starch, cellulose, and chitosan—offers an environmentally friendly and renewable alternative to synthetic plastics (Kumar et al., 2023).

Starch, particularly from corn, is widely studied for its biodegradability, renewability, and availability. However, starch-based films can be brittle and hydrophilic, requiring plasticizers like glycerol to improve flexibility, and additives such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to enhance mechanical properties (Fekete et al., 2023). This makes starch-PVA composites suitable for applications like single-use packaging and agricultural films.

By using common kitchen ingredients and basic equipment, this research demonstrates a simplified method for producing biodegradable plastics, making it accessible for educational purposes and small-scale experimentation. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to address plastic pollution at both grassroots and industrial levels.

2. Materials and Methods

  • Mixing: Ingredients were combined in specified proportions: 2 tbsp corn starch, 1 tbsp glycerol, 1 tbsp vinegar, ½ cup water, with optional PVA.
  • Heating: The mixture was stirred over medium flame until thickened.
  • Gelatinization: Formation of a viscous gel (master mix) indicated the onset of plastic formation.
  • Casting: The hot mixture was poured onto foil and spread evenly.
  • Drying: The sheet was left at room temperature for 4–12 hours.

3. Results and Discussion

ijemr_1761_01.JPG
The experimental process produced flexible, partially transparent sheets. Samples with PVA exhibited improved elasticity and aesthetic quality, though they had slightly greater mass. Both types showed solubility in hot water, confirming biodegradability.


Int J Engg Mgmt Res 2025;15(3)17
Lohakare N., et al. Biodegradable Plastics from Household Ingredients

ijemr_1761_02.JPG
These findings align with previous studies emphasizing starch as a promising base for biodegradable films (Avérous & Pollet, 2012; Tharanathan, 2003). The incorporation of PVA, a synthetic but biodegradable polymer, enhanced tensile strength and moisture resistance (Wang et al., 2001).

ijemr_1761_03.JPG
The entire process cost approximately ₹50 per kilogram, making it viable for educational and small-scale commercial applications (Kumar et al., 2020). This work highlights the balance required between environmental sustainability and material performance. While the all-natural formulation (Sample A) degrades faster, its brittleness limits practical applications. On the other hand, the hybrid sample (Sample B) maintains eco-friendliness while providing sufficient strength and usability for short-life plastic alternatives.

4. Conclusion

The environmental crisis caused by conventional plastics has reached a critical stage, demanding innovative and accessible alternatives. This study explored the formulation of biodegradable plastic using easily available natural ingredients—corn starch, glycerol, vinegar, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)—and demonstrated a practical approach suitable for low-cost implementation. Two samples were synthesized, one with PVA and one without, to assess the differences in flexibility, transparency, and solubility.

The findings confirmed that the inclusion of PVA significantly enhanced the physical properties of the bioplastic, especially its flexibility and film-forming ability. The sample containing PVA was more transparent and durable, whereas the starch-only sample was brittle and less suitable for practical applications. Both samples showed some degree of solubility in hot water, confirming their biodegradable nature. These results align with existing literature indicating that starch-based bioplastics can be optimized using plasticizers and reinforcing agents (Fekete et al., 2023; Kumar et al., 2023).

The implications of this work are substantial. It reinforces the feasibility of using natural and renewable resources to create biodegradable plastics and supports the potential for such materials in sustainable packaging, agriculture, and educational experimentation. Moreover, the low-cost and eco-friendly methodology enhances its relevance for community-level innovation, schools, and small-scale industries.

However, further research is needed to explore long-term biodegradation rates, mechanical strength under varying environmental conditions, and potential applications at an industrial scale. Future improvements could involve incorporating antimicrobial agents, cross-linking biopolymers, or testing with other natural additives to enhance functional properties.

References

[1] Andrady, A. L., & Neal, M. A. (2009). Applications and societal benefits of plastics. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 1977–1984. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2008.0304.


Int J Engg Mgmt Res 2025;15(3)18
Lohakare N., et al. Biodegradable Plastics from Household Ingredients

[2] Fekete, T., Szabó, T., Földes, E., & Nagy, Z. K. (2023). Development of starch-based biodegradable packaging materials. Polymers, 15(2), 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020458.

[3] Kumar, S., Pandey, M., & Sharma, S. (2023). Recent advances in biodegradable polymers: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 31, 1000–1012. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-023-02777-y.

[4] UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). (2023). Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy. https://www.unep.org/resources/report/turning-tap.

[5] Wright, S. L., & Kelly, F. J. (2017). Plastic and human health: A micro issue?. Environmental Science & Technology, 51(12), 6634–6647. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b00423.

[6] Zhang, T., Chen, Y., & Liu, Y. (2022). Microplastics and their impacts on human health: Knowledge, risks, and mitigation. Science of the Total Environment, 829, 154457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154457.

[7] Avérous, L., & Pollet, E. (2012). Environmental silicate nano-biocomposites. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0899-4.

[8] Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700782.

[9] Kumar, S., Gupta, D., & Sharma, M. (2020). Bioplastics from starch: A green alternative. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 7(5), 79-83. https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRST207515.

[10] Nanda, S., & Berruti, F. (2021). Biodegradable plastics: Current trends and future perspectives. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 19, 2413–2435. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-021-01189-w.

[11] Rochman, C. M., et al. (2013). Policy: Classify plastic waste as hazardous. Nature, 494(7436), 169-171. https://doi.org/10.1038/494169a.

[12] Tharanathan, R. N. (2003). Biodegradable films and composite coatings: Past, present and future. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 14(3), 71-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-2244(02)00280-7.

[13] Thompson, R. C., et al. (2009). Plastics, the environment and human health. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 364(1526), 2153–2166. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2009.0053.

[14] Wang, Y., Wang, L., & Wang, Y. (2001). Effects of PVA on the structure and properties of starch-based biodegradable films. Carbohydrate Polymers, 47(2), 137-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0144-8617(01)00139-9.

Disclaimer / Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of Journals and/or the editor(s). Journals and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Int J Engg Mgmt Res 2025;15(3)19