Biodegradable Food Container Made of Abaca Fiber Pulp with Beeswax Biocoating

Abstract

In the long term, the use of materials that are not environmentally friendly such as styrofoam as the main ingredient in food containers is dangerous. Therefore, an environmentally friendly and natural substitute is needed to replace Styrofoam. Abaca fiber (Musa Textilis) is a natural fiber obtained from plant stems (bark fiber). Utilizing decortication, abaca fiber bundles can be obtained. The fiber is processed into paper pulp and designed as a food container. The use of beeswax as a bio-coating can make raw materials waterproof and, of course, safe for food. Beeswax (Cera Alba) is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis; it has been considered the first plastic as a lubricant and water-repellent agent. Beeswax is approved for food use in most countries and the European Union under E number E901. The Abaca food container tested has a capacity of 1,172.5 cm3 which can accommodate three types of food, namely rice, fried chicken, and vegetables. The durability that is owned shows the material's resistance, which remains intact for 24 hours of experimentation. However, the absorption capacity of abaca food containers is less able to hold oil for 24 hours. The method used is a qualitative method with additional design exploration, which prioritizes the process carried out during the research to determine whether the resulting product can have better quality. Abaca food containers can be an alternative to food containers made from bio-materials and eco-friendly.