Development and Properties Improvement of Tea Dregs-Based Biodegradable Packaging Formulated with Starch and Poly(Lactic Acid)

Tea dregs are usually discarded and increase the landfill problem, even though it still contains some fibers that might be used as an alternative fiber source for biodegradable packaging bowl (BPB) production. A novel BPB from tea dregs reinforced with starch and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) was produced in this study by subjecting the mixture to a compression molding with a bowl shape. Tea dregs, starch, and PLA in the ratio of 50:30:20 resulted in the best appearance and highest value of the mechanical properties. Properties improvements with plasticizers, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and PLA coating were performed sequentially in the best product ratio, significantly affecting appearance, mechanical, and water absorption properties. Adding sorbitol 5pph, MCC 3pph, and coating with 6% PLA solution improved the product's properties most effectively. These improvements resulted in the best appearance, higher compressive strength, higher hardness value, and lower water absorption. This study concluded that tea dregs could be used as an alternative fiber source in the production of BPB. The addition of plasticizer, MCC, and PLA coating at the optimum concentration can be conducted for the properties improvement of BPB.