Exploring the prospective application of banana peels (Musa paradisiaca Linn) and rice bran for creating sustainable, eco-friendly wrapping paper

Abstract

Agriculture is the greatest sector of the Indian economy. India generates approximately 350 million tons of agricultural waste annually, much of which is underutilized despite possessing valuable nutritional and functional properties. This study investigates the potential of converting agricultural residues, specifically banana peel, rice bran, and cinnamon oil, into biodegradable wrapping paper. Three formulations (F₁, F₂, F₃) were developed by optimizing component concentrations and evaluated through proximate composition, physicochemical properties, sensory analysis, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and biodegradability. Among the formulations, F₃ demonstrated superior performance, with the highest protein content (4.45 %), tensile strength (1232 kg/m²), and elongation (91 %). Sensory evaluation indicated higher consumer acceptability for F₃. Antioxidant activity was highest in F₃, with a 75 % DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) inhibition, and antimicrobial tests showed inhibition zones of 15 mm and 13 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The wrapping sheet produced exhibited 47 % weight loss by day 15, indicating high biodegradability. The degradation rate was influenced by microbial activity, composition, and sheet thickness. The statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test, P ≤ 0.1) confirmed significant differences among formulations, with F₃ consistently outperforming others in mechanical strength, water interaction, and nutrient content. These results highlight the viability of using banana peel and rice bran in eco-friendly wrapping materials suitable for food packaging applications.