Extraction and fabrication of starch-based reinforced bioplastics from potato : Circular and sustainability aspects.

This article focuses on the development and characterization of potato starch-based biodegradable bioplastic films reinforced with organic waste fillers—specifically sawdust (SD), eggshell (ES), and biochar (BC)—to enhance mechanical properties and biodegradability. The study found that sawdust reinforcement significantly improved tensile strength (5.7 ± 0.51 MPa) and Young’s modulus (130 ± 2.05 MPa) compared to pure starch films, while FTIR analysis confirmed the retention of key functional groups conducive to biodegradation. Soil burial tests demonstrated substantial biodegradability, with up to 36% mass loss within 15 days, particularly in biochar-reinforced films. These findings suggest that incorporating organic waste fillers into starch-based bioplastics supports sustainable material design, waste valorization, and circular economy principles, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastics for applications such as packaging and agricultural films.