Avocado pruning waste is transformed into sustainable food packaging

Researchers from the University of Cordoba and the University of Girona have developed an innovative material using avocado pruning waste, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic in food packaging.

The University of Córdoba (UCO), in collaboration with the University of Girona, has developed an innovative material using avocado tree pruning waste as a sustainable alternative to plastic in food packaging. Spain, the leading avocado producer in Europe, offers an abundant source of this previously underutilized waste, particularly in the Axarquía region of Málaga.

The manufacturing process for the new material combines semi-chemical and mechanical techniques to isolate the fibers from woody waste, which are then integrated into the bioplastic used in food packaging using a compatibilising agent. This innovation not only reduces the use of biopolyethylene but also improves the material's strength thanks to the mechanical properties of the avocado fibers.

Source: freshplaza.es