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

Authors

  • Neelam Lohakare Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Maheshwari Zirpe Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Deepika Hasija Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Rupali Nagarekar Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Deepak Gaikwad Department of Physics, KTSP Mandal’s KMC College, Khopoli, Maharashtra, India
  • Fiza Khan Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Namra Sayed Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Rehan Mulla Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Fareeha Parkar Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India
  • Sarthak Rathod Department of Chemistry, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce and Science, Kharghar, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15775579

Keywords:

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

Abstract

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.

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Published

2025-06-26
CITATION
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15775579
Published: 2025-06-26

How to Cite

Lohakare, N., Zirpe, M., Hasija, D., Nagarekar, R., Gaikwad, D., Khan, F., … Rathod, S. (2025). Biodegradable Plastics from Household Ingredients: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Polymers. International Journal of Engineering and Management Research, 15(3), 16–19. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15775579

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