Biocomposite film formulated with cellulose extracted from cocoa pod husk

In the context of the anti-plastic law in Colombia and with the aim of developing sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, the utilization of cocoa pod husk (CPH), the most abundant agricultural by-product during cocoa post-harvest, which represents between 70 and 80% of the total fruit weight, was explored. The production of biopolymers from this waste represents a significant step toward a circular economy in the cocoa value chain. This study evaluated the functionality of cellulose extracted from CPH and its suitability for biocomposite film production, comparing its performance with biocomposite films made from commercial cellulose. Two biocomposite films were formulated using the casting method: Film A, with commercial cellulose, and Film B, with cellulose extracted from the CPH of the Colección Castro Naranjal (CCN51) clone, both containing starch, xanthan gum, cellulose, and sorbitol as a plasticizer. Several characterization analyses were conducted to evaluate their properties, including moisture content, ash percentage, water solubility, chemical resistance, oil permeability, microscopic structure and light transmittance. The results showed that CPH cellulose has properties comparable to those of commercial cellulose, confirming its potential for the development of eco-friendly biocomposite films. This approach offers an innovative and sustainable solution for the utilization of agricultural by-products and contributes to waste reduction in cocoa production processes.