BR-102024017485-A2 - Biodegradable packaging made from malt bagasse nanocellulose.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for obtaining biodegradable packaging, produced from the recovery of nanocellulose from malt bagasse, a residue from breweries. The process comprises the pre-treatment of the malt bagasse, the recovery of cellulose on a nanometric scale, and the production of the packaging by the casting method. The packaging produced from this process, in addition to its functionality, demonstrated complete degradation in vegetable sand within 7 days. These characteristics make the invention a sustainable and efficient solution for replacing petrochemical-based plastics, offering wide applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Inventors

• GABRIELA PEREIRA BARROS
• Adriana De Jesus Santos
• RANYERE LUCENA DE SOUZA
• CLEIDE MARA FARIA SOARES
• JOÃO PEDRO BEZERRA GONZAGA
• COCHIRAN PEREIRA DOS SANTOS

Assignees

• INSTITUTO DE TECNOLOGIA E PESQUISA
• UNIVERSIDADE TIRADENTES

Dates

Publication Date

20260310

Application Date

20240826

Claims (6)

1. 1. BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING MADE FROM MALT BAGASSE NANOCELLULOSE, characterized by being composed of 100 mL of solvent (water), 5.4 g of alginate, 2.1 g of glycerol and 0.42 g of nanocellulose obtained from malt bagasse.
2. 2. PACKAGING, according to claim 1, characterized by being obtained through mechanical agitation of all components for 12 hours at 180 rpm, poured into a Petri dish, and placed in a circulating air oven at 35 °C for total evaporation of water for 26 hours.
3. 3. PACKAGING, according to claim 1, characterized in that the packaging is made up of a combination of biodegradable polymers.
4. 4. PACKAGING, according to claim 1, characterized by having a shelf life of at least about 180 days.
5. 5. PACKAGING, according to claim 1, characterized by decomposing under natural conditions in a short period of 7 days.
6. 6. PACKAGING, according to claim 1, characterized by the application of biodegradable packaging in a form adjusted according to drying for the preservation of soaps, sachets, makeup brushes and food, as well as coating of single-use products.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 001. This Invention Patent (PI) refers to a process for obtaining packaging containing nanocellulose extracted from malt bagasse, a residue from the brewing industry. This sustainable method not only reduces the disposal of this biomass, but also takes advantage of the unique properties of nanocellulose to create environmentally friendly packaging. These fibers are known for their high strength and biocompatibility, making them ideal for packaging manufacturing. The packaging resulting from this process is functional and completely biodegradable, decomposing in the environment in a short period without generating harmful waste. Therefore, the invention constitutes a sustainable alternative for the packaging sector and can be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TECHNIQUE 002. Petrochemical-derived plastics represent a significant environmental problem due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment (Liu, Z.; Liao, L.; Yang, H.; Chen, Z.; Ji, H. Impact of micro-nano plastics on microorganisms and thus drinking water treatment effectiveness: a review. Desalination and Water Treatment, p. 100673, 2024). These materials, which are ubiquitous in our daily lives, cause profound negative impacts on ecosystems and the health of all forms of life, comparable to the damage caused by intense industrialization and urbanization (Idowu, G. A.; Olanipekun, O. O.; Adelodun, A. A.; Gbadamosi, O. K.; Adu, B. W.; Aiyesanmi, A. F. Meso- and micro-plastics contamination of water, sediments and fish species in coastal communities of Ondo State, Nigeria. Regional Studies in Marine Science, p. 103727, 2024). 003. Global plastic production exceeds 390 million tons per year, with 161 million tons destined for the manufacture of disposable packaging. This packaging includes everyday items such as plastic bags, PET bottles, food containers, personal hygiene product packaging, and cleaning product packaging (Bradley, C. G.; Corsini, L. A literature review and analytical framework of the sustainability of reusable packaging. Sustainable Production and Consumption, v. 37, p. 126-141, 2023). 004. The pollution resulting from these plastic packages, along with their industrial waste, constitutes a considerable threat to aquatic life, mainly due to the presence of heavy metals, toxic dyes, and other pollutants that these materials release into the environment. A plastic bottle, for example, can take up to 450 years to decompose completely, contributing to the formation of microplastics that are easily ingested by marine organisms, harming the health of aquatic ecosystems and the entire food chain (Liao, L.; Yang, H.; Chen, Z.; Ji, H. Impact of micro-nano plastics on microorganisms and thus drinking water treatment effectiveness: a review. Desalination and Water Treatment, p. 100673, 2024). 005. Growing awareness of the environmental impacts of plastic packaging has driven the development and adoption of biodegradable packaging as a sustainable alternative. These packages, produced from organic materials or industrial waste such as corn starch, sugarcane, and fruit peels, decompose naturally in a much shorter time, significantly reducing the accumulation of waste in ecosystems (Panou, A.; Karabagias, I. K. Biodegradable packaging materials for food preservation: sources, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. Coatings, v. 13, n. 7, p. 1176, 2023). 006. In addition, the manufacture of biodegradable packaging from industrial waste utilizes byproducts that might otherwise be discarded, promoting the circular economy and reducing the need for virgin raw materials. The advantages of these packages include not only a smaller carbon footprint, but also a reduction in plastic pollution and damage to aquatic and terrestrial life. Therefore, the transition to the use of biodegradable packaging represents a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable economy, aligned with the principles of environmental preservation and social responsibility (Jamwal, V.; Mittal, A.; Dhaundiyal, A. Valorization of agro-industrial waste in composite films for sustainable packaging applications. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2023). 007. The brewing industry is responsible for generating 137 to 173 tons of waste annually, including malt grains, wort trub, and residual yeast (Agribusiness Projections for the 2023/2024 Harvest - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Available at: http://www.apla.org.br/mapa-publica-projecoes-do-agronegocioparaasafra2023-2024). This waste represents a significant challenge in terms of treatment and disposal, especially due to its large volume and potential environmental impact. 008. Brewer's Spent Grain (BSG) is underutilized, being primarily used for animal feed due to its large production volume in the brewing industry. However, BSG is rich in cellulose and non-cellulosic polysaccharides, offering significant potential for other applic