Comparison of Mechanical and Physicochemical Characteristics of Potato Starch and Gelatine Blend Bioplastics Made with Gelatines from Different Sources

Abstract

Environmentally friendly packaging is becoming more popular as the number of companies implementing more sustainable solutions continues to increase, and consumers become more aware and choose more environmentally friendly options. However, not all environmentally friendly packaging meets all desirable properties, as some are only partially made of renewable raw materials or degrade over a long period of time. Bioplastics constructed from blends of gelatine and starch are solely made from renewable raw materials. Combined with relatively short degradation times, these materials have the potential to replace currently used, non-biodegradable film and single-use plastics. However, despite these advantages, further research is required to identify the best combination of raw materials, selectively and collectively, and to then optimise the appropriate physicochemical properties of the resultant bioplastics. In this study, gelatine from different sources (piscine, porcine, bovine) combined with potato starch was used to generate home-compostable bioplastics. These bioplastics were assessed in terms of water solubility, water content, opacity, surface roughness, and key mechanical properties such as tensile strength. Significant differences were found, particularly for piscine gelatine blends. It was concluded that piscine gelatine is a promising protein with highly relevant properties for the bioplastics industry.