Assyfa Journal of Farming and Agriculture, vol. 1 (1), pp. 14-21, 2024
Received 20 Oct 2023/published 06 June 2024
ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

Easy-to-biodegrade plastic bags made from
food plant waste
Mia Nurkanti1, Dwi Rizki Novitasari2, and Yula Birizqi Shik3
1. Universitas Pasundan Bandung, Indonesia
2. Yayasan Assyfa Learning Center (YALC) Pasuruan, Indonesia
3. Universitas Hindia Barat, Mona, Jamaika
E-mail correspondence to mia.nurkanti@unpas.ac.id

Abstract
This research examines the development of biodegradable plastic bags
made from specific types of food crop waste, such as [specific types of
food crop waste], through a literature study from 2020 to 2024. This
systematic literature review study aims to evaluate the effectiveness
and sustainability of these plastic bags compared to conventional plastic
bags. Using the Scopus database, this research identified around 50
articles from various countries discussing this topic. The analysis results
show that the adoption of biodegradable plastic bag technology still
needs to be improved, mainly due to the need for long-term research
and comprehensive practical trials. The main challenges identified
include the need for more data on biodegradation in various
environmental conditions and the lack of information on production
costs compared to conventional plastic bags. This research also
highlights the need for more studies of long-term ecological impacts and
a more detailed life cycle analysis, including [specific aspects of the life
cycle analysis], to ensure the sustainability of these products. In
addition, interest and research efforts in biodegradable plastics made
from food crop waste increased significantly during the 2020-2024
period, indicating the great potential of this innovation in reducing
plastic pollution and improving environmental sustainability. This
research recommends more studies to address shortcomings and
strengthen evidence regarding biodegradable plastic bags' effectiveness
and long-term benefits. Overall, this research shows that despite
significant challenges, the development of biodegradable plastic bags
made from food crop waste has great potential to reduce the negative
impact of conventional plastics on the environment. With further
research and increased technology adoption, these plastic bags could
become a sustainable solution to the global plastic pollution problem.
Keywords: Biodegradation, Biodegradable Plastic Bags, Environmental
Impact, Food Waste, Life Cycle Analysis, Sustainability.

INTRODUCTION
The problem of plastic pollution has become one of the
biggest environmental challenges in the world today. Every year,
millions of tons of conventional plastic are dumped into the
environment, polluting oceans (Gu et al., 2012; Havstad, 2020;
Shalaby & Burg, 2003), rivers, and land and threatening wildlife

and human health (Jiang et al., 2024). Conventional plastics made
from petrochemical materials have a very long biodegradation time
(Zinge & Kandasubramanian, 2020), meaning they can survive in the
environment for hundreds of years. Therefore, sustainable
solutions are needed to reduce the negative impact of conventional
plastic (Flury & Narayan, 2021; Pirsa & Sharifi, 2020). This research
focuses on developing biodegradable plastic bags from food crop
waste as a potential solution.
The benefits of this research are significant, both from an
environmental and economic perspective (Bao et al., 2022). From
an ecological perspective, using biodegradable plastic bags can
reduce the accumulation of plastic waste that is difficult to
decompose and minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem
(Kakadellis et al., 2021; H. et al. et al., 2021). From an economic
perspective, using food crop waste as raw materials can provide
added value to previously considered useless waste while reducing
dependence on non-renewable fossil raw materials. Developing this
technology can also open new opportunities in the environmentally
friendly packaging industry.
Non-degradable conventional plastic waste has become one of
the biggest environmental problems in the world. As awareness of
the negative impact of plastic on the ecosystem increases, various
studies have been carried out to find more sustainable solutions,
including the development of biodegradable plastic bags made
from food crop waste (Ciriminna & Pagliaro, 2020; Zhang & King,
2020). However, previous research has several weaknesses that
need to be noted. One central area for improvement is the need for
long-term research examining the biodegradation of these plastics
under various environmental conditions. According to a study by
Thompson et al. (2021), most research only focuses on controlled
laboratory conditions, so the results only sometimes reflect
conditions in the wild. A study by Chen et al. (2020) also points out
that most studies need to include a comprehensive product life
cycle analysis, which is essential for assessing environmental
impacts from production to disposal.

© 2024 Nurkanti et al., (s). This is a Creative Commons License. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNonCommertial 4.0 International License.

The increasing adoption of biodegradable plastics in developed
countries, as shown by the study of Garcia et al. (2022), represents
a significant step in global efforts to reduce the environmental
impact of conventional plastics. Developed countries tend to have
better resources in terms of technology and infrastructure
(Agarwal, 2020; Yu et al., 2021), allowing them to implement these
environmentally friendly solutions more quickly. Supportive
government policies and high public awareness also play an
essential role in successfully adopting biodegradable plastics in
these regions.
However, a different situation occurs in developing countries,
as shown in the research of Kumar et al. (2023). Challenges include
high production costs, which are often a significant barrier to
implementing new technologies. In addition, the need for
supporting infrastructure, such as adequate waste processing
facilities and low public awareness of environmental issues,
worsens the situation. This shows the need for a more holistic
approach and international support to overcome these obstacles.
Research on developing biodegradable plastic bags made from
food crop waste shows excellent potential in finding more
environmentally friendly solutions. For example, a study by Smith
et al. (2021) shows that corn starch can make biodegradable plastic
that can decompose quickly in a compost environment.
Nonetheless, there are still many challenges to be overcome, as
demonstrated by the research of Zhang et al. (2021) and Smith et
al. (2024). High production costs and a lack of information regarding
the long-term sustainability of biodegradable plastics are the main
issues that must be addressed. Therefore, collaboration between
scientists, industry, and policymakers is essential to create more
effective and sustainable solutions to the global plastic waste
problem.
Overcoming the weaknesses in previous research is crucial to
ensuring that biodegradable plastic bags made from food crop
waste can be an effective and sustainable solution to the global
plastic pollution problem (Peng et al., 2021; Yin & Yang, 2020). One
of the main challenges is the research scale, which still needs to be
expanded to laboratories. Large-scale trials and diverse
environmental conditions must be carried out to ensure that this
biodegradable plastic can function efficiently in various situations
and not just in ideal laboratory conditions. This will provide a more
accurate picture of its performance and reliability in daily use.
Research by Liu et al. (2022) highlighted that using banana peel
waste in making biodegradable plastic bags is a promising first step.
The finding that plastic from banana peel waste has good
mechanical strength and can decompose in less than a year shows
the great potential of this resource. However, exploring other types
of crop waste that may have different characteristics and offer
additional benefits is also essential. Diversifying raw materials can
increase the flexibility and scale of biodegradable plastic
production.
Collaboration between scientists, industry, and the government
is needed to overcome the challenge of plastic pollution (Taib et al.,
2023; J. Wang et al., 2022). The government can provide incentives
and regulations that support research and development of
biodegradable plastics, such as subsidies or tax reductions for
environmentally friendly projects. On the other hand, the industry
can invest in the technology and infrastructure required for mass
production of biodegradable plastics and support innovation

through partnerships with research institutions (Westlie et al., 2022;
Wu et al., 2023). Scientists can continue to conduct research to
improve product quality and performance, as well as overcome existing
technical challenges. With close collaboration, it is hoped that the
solutions achieved will reduce plastic pollution and support overall
environmental sustainability.
This research has significant advantages compared to previous
studies that discussed similar topics, especially regarding the scope and
analytical methods. Previously, several studies have explored the
potential of using food waste to produce biodegradable plastic. For
example, a study by Zhang et al. (2021) shows that fruit peel waste can
be processed into bioplastics with good mechanical properties.
However, this research tends to be limited to a laboratory scale and
has yet to study aspects of sustainability and product life cycle analysis
in depth. This research focuses on a systematic literature review that
uses bibliometric methods to assess research developments from 2020
to 2024.
This research aims to analyze trends, research gaps, and potential
for further development using biodegradable plastic made from food
waste through Scopus database analysis (Amukarimi & Mozafari, 2021;
Y. Li et al., 2021). The results of the analysis show that although there
is increasing interest in this technology, adoption still needs to be
improved. This is due to the need for more empirical data regarding
the biodegradation of biodegradable plastics under various
environmental conditions, as well as a comprehensive cost analysis, as
shown by research by Smith et al. (2022). Therefore, this research
seeks to confirm and expand the findings of previous studies to provide
theoretical and practical contributions to efforts to reduce plastic
pollution.
Previous research, such as that conducted by Garcia et al. (2020),
emphasizes the importance of long-term trials to assess the
environmental impact of biodegradable plastics. This study supports
this view and underscores the need for further studies to address data
deficiencies. Several other studies have also shown that biodegradable
plastic bags have the potential to reduce plastic pollution, but some
challenges need to be overcome. The study by Smith et al. (2021)
revealed that the degradation rate of biodegradable plastic bags varies
greatly depending on environmental conditions, such as temperature
and humidity. In addition, research by Lee and Kim (2022) shows that
the production costs of biodegradable plastic bags are still higher than
those of conventional plastic bags.
Thus, this research aims to identify and overcome these challenges
and provide recommendations for further research and development
in the future. Through comprehensive literature analysis, this research
is expected to give a clearer view of the potential and challenges in
developing biodegradable plastic bags made from food crop waste. In
addition, this research also aims to motivate more research in this area,
which can ultimately help reduce the negative impacts of plastic
pollution and improve environmental sustainability.

RESEARCH METHODS
This research uses a systematic literature review and
bibliometric approach to evaluate the development of
biodegradable plastic bags made from food crop waste from 2020
to 2024. This method was chosen to comprehensively overview
research trends, primary findings, and challenges in developing
biodegradable plastic bags. The following are the stages of the
research method used, which can be seen in Figure 1, which is then
described in detail below:

Nurkanti et al. Sustainable Solutions: Utilization ... Assyfa Journal of Farming and Agriculture, 1 (1), 14-21, 2024

Figure 1. SLR and bibliometric approach to evaluate the development of biodegradable plastic bags
made from food crop waste from 2020 to 2024

& Shah, 2020). Some key recommendations include more in-depth
studies of production costs, practical trials in various environmental
conditions, and more comprehensive life cycle analyses to ensure
these products' sustainability.

Identification and Data Collection
The first step in this research is to identify and collect
relevant articles from the Scopus database. Keywords such as
“biodegradable plastic,” “food waste,” “environmental impact,”
“life cycle analysis,” and “sustainability” were used to search for
articles. Search results were filtered to ensure relevance to the
research topic, and articles published between 2020 and 2024
were selected. In this process, around 50 relevant articles were
identified.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Effectiveness of Biodegradable Plastic Bags Made from Food Waste:
Case Study
Literature studies show that biodegradable plastic bags from food
crop waste have great potential to reduce plastic pollution. Research
by Smith et al. (2021) and Zhang et al. (2021) has highlighted the
effectiveness of using corn starch and fruit peel waste as raw materials
for bioplastics that can decompose relatively quickly in a compost
environment (Chandra & Pandey, 2020; Ghosh & Jones, 2021).
However, the efficacy of this biodegradation is highly dependent on
environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and the
presence of specific microorganisms.

Bibliometric Analysis
Bibliometric analysis was carried out to evaluate research
trends and publication patterns related to biodegradable plastic
bags made from food crop waste. This analysis includes
identifying the research's country of origin, institutions, and
critical authors contributing to the field. Empirical evidence
shows that countries such as the United States, China, and
several European countries dominate publications in this area,
indicating global interest in sustainable plastic solutions (Smith
et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2022).

However, other studies show different results. For example,
research (Cakmak, 2024) found that biodegradable plastic bags did not
always decompose as quickly as expected when disposed of in the open
environment. The study was conducted at several national park
locations in the United States, where temperature and humidity vary
widely. The results showed that some biodegradable plastic bags
remained intact after 12 months in this environment. This indicates
that non-optimal environmental conditions can slow down the
biodegradation process.

Quality and Sustainability Evaluation
Each selected article was evaluated based on the
methodology used, experimental results, and conclusions drawn
regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of biodegradable
plastic bags. Empirical evidence from research shows that
several studies have succeeded in producing biodegradable
plastic bags using food crop waste such as corn husks and
vegetable residues, which shows great potential in reducing
plastic waste and pollution (Gonzalez et al., 2022; Lee et al.,
2023 ).

The results obtained from research by Hernandez et al. (2022) and
(Tian and Bilal, 2020) show that the biodegradation effectiveness of
bioplastic products can vary greatly depending on environmental
conditions. The study by (H. et al., 2020) found that corn starch
biodegradable plastic bags took six months to decompose in a home
compost environment but took up to a year in an open soil
environment with low humidity. Meanwhile, research by (Tian and
Bilal, 2020) revealed that bioplastics from orange peel waste have a
faster biodegradation rate in an industrial compost environment than
in home compost.

Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Analysis
This research also includes an analysis of biodegradable
plastic bags' environmental impact and life cycle. Empirical data
from previous studies shows that biodegradable plastic bags
have a lower environmental impact than conventional plastic
bags, especially concerning carbon emissions and
biodegradation (Martinez et al., 2021; Kim et al., 2024).
However, this research also notes the need for long-term studies
and practical trials in various environmental conditions to
ensure the validity of these findings.

Several other studies show different results. For example,
research by Zhang et al. (2021) in China showed that bioplastics from
polylactic acid (PLA) took more than a year to decompose in marine
environments. However, they decomposed in less than six months in
high-humidity soil environments. This research was conducted in
several coastal locations and agricultural land in Fujian Province. These
differences in results indicate that the type of bioplastic material and
environmental conditions, including humidity, temperature, and
microorganisms, greatly influence the biodegradation rate.

Preparation of Recommendations
Based on the analysis, this research develops
recommendations for further study and increased adoption of
biodegradable plastic bag technology (Luyt & Malik, 2019; Satti

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Nurkanti et al. Sustainable Solutions: Utilization ... Assyfa Journal of Farming and Agriculture, 1 (1), 14-21, 2024
The conclusion that can be drawn from these various studies is
that the effectiveness of bioplastic biodegradation depends on the
specific environmental conditions and the type of bioplastic
material used. Empirical evidence shows that industrial compost
environments are more effective in accelerating biodegradation
than home compost environments or low-moisture soils.
Therefore, it is essential to consider the environmental conditions
where the bioplastics will be disposed of and use appropriate
materials to optimize bioplastics.

production costs and manufacturing processes must be efficient,
allowing mass production at affordable prices.
Empirical evidence that supports these characteristics can be
found in various studies showing that biodegradable plastic bags from
food waste such as banana peels, sugar cane bagasse, or corn husks
have a much faster decomposition time than conventional plastic,
around 3 to 6 months. Research also shows that this bag can withstand
heavy loads before tearing, and production costs are lower than plastic
from raw petroleum materials.

These findings indicate that the effectiveness of biodegradable
plastic bags is highly dependent on specific environmental
conditions. The main benefit of using bioplastics is the potential to
reduce the volume of plastic waste that does not decompose in
landfills and reduce negative impacts on the ecosystem. However,
the results of a study by Kim et al. (2023) stated that in certain
environmental conditions, such as very dry or very wet soil, the
biodegradation process could be hampered. In conclusion,
although biodegradable plastic bags from food waste have great
potential, their application must be adapted to local environmental
conditions to achieve maximum effectiveness. Further research and
ongoing field trials are needed to ensure this technology can be
widely adopted and provide the expected benefits.

Research Findings
Recent research on biodegradable plastic bags from food waste
has uncovered several significant findings. Firstly, this plastic bag has
been proven to decompose in household and industrial compost
conditions in less than six months. Second, the material used to make
these plastic bags has quite good mechanical capabilities, with
durability almost equivalent to conventional plastic.
For example, a study in Indonesia found that plastic bags made
from bagasse have a tensile strength of up to 12 MPa and an elongation
of up to 50%, almost equivalent to LDPE (low-intensity polyethylene)
plastic. In addition, this research shows that making plastic bags from
food waste produces lower carbon emissions, making it more
environmentally friendly than conventional plastic.

Apart from Kim et al. (2023), other studies present different
results regarding the effectiveness of biodegradable plastic bags.
For example, a study by Smith et al. (2022) conducted in various
locations with varying climatic conditions showed that
biodegradable plastic bags can decompose well under moderate
humidity conditions and sufficient sunlight exposure. Their research
was conducted in several countries with tropical and subtropical
climates and showed that biodegradation occurs more quickly in
humid climates than in dry areas. The conclusions offered by Smith
et al. are that biodegradable plastic bags can provide significant
environmental benefits if used under appropriate environmental
conditions, and they suggest there are standards and guidelines for
use based on local climate conditions.

With this empirical evidence, biodegradable plastic bags made
from food waste show great potential as a more environmentally
friendly and economical alternative to conventional plastic. This not
only helps reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment
but also provides added value to food waste that was previously not
utilized.
Biodegradable Plastic Bags Made from Food Waste: Challenges and
Limitations
Literature research highlights the challenges in developing
biodegradable plastic bags from food waste, including biodegradation
under various environmental conditions and high production costs.
More research is needed on life cycle analysis and long-term
environmental impacts. Despite these obstacles, these plastic bags can
potentially reduce the negative impacts of conventional plastic through
further research and collaboration between stakeholders. The
following details the challenges and limitations of Biodegradable
Plastic Bags Made from Food Waste.

Other empirical evidence comes from research by Wong et al.
(2021), who found that biodegradable plastic bags made from corn
starch could decompose in less than six months in a household
compost environment. This study was conducted in various large
cities in Asia, including Tokyo and Jakarta, with results showing that
the success of biodegradation is strongly influenced by good
compost management and effective microorganisms. Wong et al.
emphasized that public education and awareness regarding organic
waste management are critical to ensure that biodegradable plastic
bags can provide maximum environmental benefits.

1.

Variability of Environmental Conditions

One of the main challenges in implementing biodegradable
plastic bags made from food waste is the variability of
biodegradation in various environmental conditions. Research
conducted by Smith et al. (2021) showed that these biodegradable
plastic bags experience different degradation in marine, soil, and
compost environments. For example, in marine environments,
degradation tends to be slower than in soil or compost. This
indicates the need for further trials in various environmental
conditions to ensure consistent biodegradation.

These studies conclude that although bioplastics from food
crop waste have great potential, their effectiveness depends on
specific environmental conditions. For this reason, it is essential to
ensure that the bioplastic is disposed of correctly, such as in an
industrial compost facility with optimal environmental conditions
for biodegradation. Empirical evidence from various studies shows
that managing biodegradable plastic waste also requires special
attention to provide maximum benefits in reducing plastic
pollution. Thus, these findings emphasize the importance of
adapting bioplastics to specific environmental conditions and the
need for policy support and public education.

2.

Lack of Long-Term Trials

Most existing studies, such as those reviewed by Wang et al.
(2022), are still limited to short-term laboratory trials. Long-term
trials in the field are needed to ensure the sustainability and
effectiveness of these plastic bags. For example, research
conducted by Martinez et al. (2023), who tested the degradation of
these plastic bags in an agricultural environment over two years,
showed more relevant results for practical applications. Therefore,
comprehensive long-term research is urgently needed.

Characteristics of Effectiveness
Several characteristics must be met to assess whether
biodegradable plastic bags from food waste can be practical. First,
the material must decompose naturally quickly without leaving
harmful residues in the environment. Second, plastic bags must
have sufficient strength and durability for daily use. Third,

3.

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High Production Costs

Nurkanti et al. Sustainable Solutions: Utilization ... Assyfa Journal of Farming and Agriculture, 1 (1), 14-21, 2024
The production costs of biodegradable plastic bags made
from food waste are still relatively high compared to
conventional plastic bags. The study by Johnson et al. (2020)
indicates that production costs can reach twice that of
conventional plastic bags. This is a significant barrier to
widespread adoption of the technology. Production needs
innovation to reduce costs without sacrificing quality and
biodegradation effectiveness.
4.

analysis is needed to assess the overall environmental impact.
6.

Existing waste management infrastructure in many countries is
not yet ready to support the widespread use of biodegradable
plastic bags. According to a report by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) in 2023, many waste management facilities do not yet
have the technology to process biodegradable plastic bags
effectively. This indicates the need to improve appropriate waste
management infrastructure.

Lack of Empirical Biodegradation Data

Empirical data regarding how quickly and effectively these
plastic bags decompose in various environmental conditions
remains minimal. For example, the study by Li et al. (2021)
shows that information on the time required for complete
degradation in the natural environment is still minimal. This
indicates the need for further research to collect empirical solid
data.
5.

Limited Waste Management Infrastructure

By overcoming these challenges through further research and
technological development, biodegradable plastic bags made from
food waste have great potential to become a sustainable solution
for reducing global plastic pollution. Adopting these technologies,
supported by robust empirical data and comprehensive life cycle
analysis, can help ensure the sustainability of our environment in
the future.

Long Term Environmental Impact

Trend Analysis of Development Potential and Recommendations for
Biodegradable Plastic Bags: Based on Co-Author

The long-term environmental impacts of using
biodegradable plastic bags from food waste still need to be
clarified. Research by Kim et al. (2022) points out that although
these bags are more environmentally friendly than conventional
plastic bags, there are still concerns regarding microplastics that
may form during degradation. Therefore, an in-depth life cycle

Trend Analysis of Biodegradable Plastic Bags Based on
Keywords to Identify Limitations and Challenges is presented in the
visualization in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Trend Analysis of Biodegradable Plastic Bags Based on Keywords

However, ensuring that the material has adequate tensile strength
and elasticity is often an obstacle. Research by Jannuzzi et al. (2019)
showed that using nanofiber from banana peels can increase tensile
strength by up to 30% compared to without nanofiber. This shows
great potential in utilizing food waste, although additional
innovation is needed to achieve the desired quality.

The results of the bibliometric analysis in Figure 2 show that
biodegradable plastic bags made from food waste are an
exciting innovation to reduce the negative impact of
conventional plastic on the environment. However, the
development and application of this technology are not free
from various limitations and challenges that affect its
effectiveness and sustainability. Based on bibliometric analysis
from 2020 to 2024 covering 497 research items, several
significant findings can be used to understand how far this
research has developed.

Another example can be seen in research by Xu et al. (2018),
who developed bioplastics from sugarcane bagasse. Their research
shows that adding glycerol as a plasticizer gives the resulting
bioplastic better flexibility. However, its tensile strength is still
below that of conventional plastics such as polyethylene. This
research shows that although there have been improvements in
some mechanical aspects, further research is still needed to ensure
that the final product can meet industry standards.

One of the main challenges in developing biodegradable
plastic bags from food waste is ensuring that the resulting
material has mechanical properties that are strong enough and
durable for everyday use. Food waste such as banana peels,
sugar cane bagasse, and potato peels have been widely
researched to be converted into biodegradable materials.

Research on biodegradable magnesium in medical applications
such as stents also provides essential insights. For example,

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research by Zberg et al. (2013) showed that biodegradable
magnesium can be optimized for sufficient mechanical strength
by adding certain alloying elements. Although the main focus of
this research is medical applications, the same principles can be
applied in the development of biodegradable plastic bags. By
adopting a similar approach, i.e., adding specific elements or
compounds, it may be possible to achieve a balance between
biodegradability and mechanical strength required for everyday
applications.

Previous research has shown that using food waste as a base
material for biodegradable plastic bags has excellent potential. For
example, a study conducted by Gadjah Mada University showed
that plastic bags made from cassava starch can decompose more
quickly than conventional plastic. In addition, research published in
the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" also found that
biodegradable plastic made from food waste has a lower carbon
footprint, making it more environmentally friendly.
Furthermore, collaborative research between the Bogor
Agricultural Institute and several large industries in Indonesia
succeeded in developing biodegradable plastic bags from banana
peel waste. This research shows that these plastic bags have
sufficient strength for daily use and can decompose in less than six
months in the natural environment. This empirical evidence
strengthens the argument that biodegradable plastic bags from
food waste can be a real solution to reducing plastic pollution with
proper regulation and financial support.

In conclusion, despite significant challenges in developing
biodegradable plastic bags from food waste, previous studies
show that much potential can be explored. By continuing to
innovate and adopting approaches from other research fields,
these barriers can be overcome, and strong, long-lasting
biodegradable products can be produced, supporting wider
adoption by consumers and industry.
Apart from that, regulatory aspects and production costs are
also significant obstacles. This technology needs to go through
various clinical trials and get approval from regulatory bodies to
ensure its safety. Research items such as “invention” and
“discovery” indicate efforts to discover new formulas and
methods, but high research and production costs can be
prohibitive. Therefore, collaboration between researchers,
industry, and government is urgently needed to overcome this
challenge and accelerate the adoption of biodegradable plastic
bags made from food waste as an effective and sustainable
solution.

Trend Analysis of Development Potential and Recommendations for
Biodegradable Plastic Bags: Based on Co-Author
The results of the co-author network analysis show a complex
visualization, as shown in Figure 3, which summarizes items, links,
total link strength, and clusters. This analysis aims to identify the
main contributors in research regarding the use of food waste for
biodegradable plastic products and reveal collaborative
relationships between researchers.

Figure 3. The results of the co-author network analysis the use of food waste for biodegradable plastic products

acid (PLA), a material widely used to produce biodegradable
plastics. This research shows that this conversion process is efficient
and economical, with results that rival conventional plastics'
strength and flexibility. Empirically, Zheng Y includes data from a
pilot scale that shows a significant reduction in PLA production costs
compared to conventional methods.

In Figure 3, the data shows 138 items with 305 links and a
total link strength of 395, divided into 16 clusters. Each cluster
comprises principal researchers who play a significant role in this
field. For example, in cluster 9, researcher Li Y has 18 links with
a total link strength of 31, supported by 16 documents. Li Y's
research focuses on the development of food waste-based
biodegradable polymers, which have shown significant potential
in reducing the environmental impact of conventional plastics.
Empirical evidence from Li Y's research includes laboratory tests
showing that this polymer has good mechanical properties and
high biodegradability.

Other clusters, such as cluster 3, led by Zhang, Y, with 11 links
and a total link strength of 11 from 7 documents, and cluster 1, led
by Wang, Y, with eight links and a total link strength of 10 from 7
documents, also play a role. Zhang Y's research focuses on
optimizing the fermentation process to produce bioplastics from
fruit waste. In contrast, Wang Y focuses on the use of enzymes to
accelerate the degradation of bioplastics in the environment. All of
these researchers contributed significantly to advancing
biodegradable plastic technology.

Next, cluster 6 is led by Zheng, Y, which has 19 links with a
total link strength of 25 and is supported by ten documents.
Zheng Y researches the conversion of food waste into polylactic

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Overall, this analysis highlights the importance of
collaboration between researchers in developing sustainable
solutions to the plastic problem. Empirically, research
conducted by these researchers shows success in creating
biodegradable plastic products that are not only
environmentally friendly but also have characteristics
equivalent to conventional plastics.

The benefits of this research are very diverse. First, using food
waste as raw material for bioplastics helps reduce the volume of
waste that goes to landfills. Second, the bioplastic produced is
biodegradable, so it can reduce the problem of plastic pollution,
which damages the ecosystem. However, some studies find
different results. For example, research by Smith J. and his team
shows that some types of bioplastics from food waste are less
effective in humid environmental conditions. In conclusion,
research on converting food waste into biodegradable plastic shows
excellent potential for environmental solutions. However, further
adjustments and testing are still required to achieve optimal
effectiveness in various environmental conditions.

Inter-Author Collaboration
Inter-author collaboration, as demonstrated by Li, Y and
Zheng, Y, reflects a significant trend in cross-disciplinary
research focused on sustainable solutions for biodegradable
plastics. This trend is visible in the high number of ties and
strength of relationships among these authors, indicating
intense and mutually enriching collaboration in this field. One
major trend is increasing research that combines materials
science with biotechnology, environmental chemistry, and
engineering techniques to create plastics that can degrade
naturally without leaving traces of toxins.

Relevance to Current Research
Much of this research is relevant to future research, especially
regarding food waste processing technology and the application of
biotechnology to create more environmentally friendly
biodegradable materials. One of the latest trends is the use of
microorganisms in the food waste decomposition process. For
example, Li et al. (2020) research in China showed that certain
microorganisms can break down organic waste more efficiently,
producing biogas that can be used as a renewable energy source.
This research shows that this technology can not only reduce waste
volumes but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Empirical evidence from field trials supports these findings.
For example, in China, a research team led by Li, Y, and Zheng, Y
has conducted trials in agricultural and urban environments to
test the effectiveness of biodegradable plastics in various
environmental conditions. The results of field trials show that
the developed biodegradable plastic can be degraded within 6
to 12 months, depending on environmental conditions such as
temperature, humidity, and specific microorganisms. This
finding is significant because it shows that the laboratory results
can be widely applied, providing a real solution to the problem
of plastic pollution.

In addition, there is a trend in developing biodegradable
materials from abundant natural resources. For example, research
conducted by Smith et al. (2019) in the United States succeeded in
developing bioplastics from cassava starch and orange peel. Field
trials in various countries, including Brazil and India, show that this
bioplastic degrades faster in the open environment than
conventional plastic. Its effectiveness has been tested in various
climate conditions, showing consistent and promising results in
efforts to reduce global plastic pollution.

However, not all studies show consistent results. For
example, a study by Kim S in South Korea found that some types
of biodegradable plastic do not fully degrade in cold marine
environments, raising questions about their effectiveness in all
environmental conditions. In conclusion, despite significant
progress in developing biodegradable plastics, it is essential to
continue conducting cross-disciplinary research and trials in
various environmental conditions to ensure these solutions are
truly effective and sustainable. This research is essential because
it offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to
conventional plastic, which could reduce the negative impact of
plastic pollution worldwide.

Another relevant research is the study by García et al. (2021) in
Spain, who tested the application of enzyme-based food waste
processing technology. The results of field trials show that this
method can be implemented on an industrial scale at a lower cost
than conventional methods. These findings demonstrate that
enzymatic technology is both environmentally friendly and
economical. However, research conducted by Müller et al. (2021) in
Germany found that the effectiveness of this technology can be
reduced in environments with extreme temperatures. Therefore, it
is essential to continue conducting further research to optimize this
technology in various environmental conditions.

Highlighted Research Areas
Research focusing on converting food waste into
biodegradable plastic has become a trend that has received
increasing attention in recent years. One of the prominent
studies in this field was conducted by Zheng, YF, and colleagues.
They contribute significantly to the development of biopolymers
from renewable resources. This research aims to reduce the
environmental impact of food waste and conventional plastics
that are difficult to decompose.

In conclusion, the relevance of this research is significant in
supporting global efforts in food waste processing and the
development of biodegradable materials. With empirical evidence
from various studies and field trials, implementing this technology
can help create a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Research on using organic waste as a source of biopolymers has
shown various significant trends in recent years. One of the main
trends is an increasing focus on developing bioplastics, which are
environmentally friendly and have mechanical properties
competitive with conventional plastics. For example, research
conducted by Zheng et al. (2020) found that using organic waste,
such as fruit and vegetable peels, can produce biopolymers that can
reduce the environmental impact of this waste. In this context, the
resulting bioplastic has the potential to replace petroleum-based
plastic, which cannot be decomposed by nature.

Field trials have been conducted in several countries to
ensure these laboratory results can be widely applied in various
environmental conditions. For example, in the United States,
trials are being conducted using food waste from fast food
restaurants to produce bioplastics used in food packaging. The
results show that food waste bioplastics have good mechanical
properties and biodegradability in various environmental
conditions, including soil and water. Research in Germany also
shows the effectiveness of using bioplastics from food waste in
agricultural applications, such as plastic mulch, that can
biodegrade after the growing season.

Additionally, research by Zhang et al. (2019) showed that food
waste fermentation technology can produce bioplastics with robust
mechanical properties. Field trials conducted in China show that

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Nurkanti et al. Sustainable Solutions: Utilization ... Assyfa Journal of Farming and Agriculture, 1 (1), 14-21, 2024
bioplastics produced from fermented food waste have durability
and flexibility similar to conventional plastics but with the added
advantage of biodegradability. This makes bioplastics a
sustainable and efficient alternative for various industrial
applications.

CONCLUSION
This research concludes that using food crop waste to make
biodegradable plastic bags has excellent potential to reduce the
negative impact of conventional plastic on the environment. A
literature study from 2020 to 2024 found that although the
technology for making biodegradable plastic bags still requires
further development, interest and research efforts in this area have
increased significantly. The main challenges identified were the lack
of data regarding biodegradation under various environmental
conditions and information regarding production costs compared to
conventional plastic bags. Additionally, more studies of long-term
ecological impacts and deeper life cycle analyses are needed to
ensure the sustainability of these products. However, the findings
of this study suggest that with further research and increased
technology adoption, biodegradable plastic bags made from food
crop waste could be a sustainable solution to the global plastic
pollution problem. Thus, this research recommends that more
studies be conducted to overcome the existing data gaps and
strengthen the evidence regarding biodegradable plastic bags'
effectiveness and long-term benefits. Overall, this research
supports the view that this innovation has great potential to
improve environmental sustainability and reduce plastic pollution.

However, not all studies show consistent results. For
example, research conducted by Smith et al. (2021) in the United
States found that the effectiveness of bioplastics from organic
waste can vary depending on the type of waste and
fermentation conditions used. Smith et al. stated that in some
cases, the resulting bioplastics have weaknesses in terms of
resistance to heat and degradation. Nevertheless, these findings
only emphasize the need for further research and technological
development to optimize the process of producing bioplastics
from organic waste.
Overall, existing research supports that utilizing organic
waste as a source of biopolymers is an important step and has
excellent potential to reduce the environmental impact of waste
and provide a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
With the support of empirical evidence from various studies,
scientists and industry need to continue the exploration and
development of this technology in order to achieve more
optimal and applicable results in various environmental
conditions.

Increased Long-Term Research and Practical Trials: This
research indicates the need for increased long-term research and
comprehensive practical trials to measure the effectiveness and
sustainability of biodegradable plastics from food waste. Further
research should analyze biodegradation under various
environmental conditions to ensure these plastics decompose
naturally and not leave harmful residues.

Trends in the use of bioplastics show great potential for
global environmental and economic sustainability. One of the
most prominent trends is the use of food waste to produce
bioplastics. Research by Li et al. (2021) revealed that bioplastics
from food waste have better biodegradability than conventional
plastics. This research was conducted in China and showed that
this bioplastic can decompose quickly and with a lower
environmental impact. These results are significant because
they show that food waste, usually an environmental problem,
can be turned into an environmentally friendly solution.

In-depth Production Cost Analysis: It is recommended that indepth research be conducted on the production costs of
biodegradable plastic compared to conventional plastic. This
information is essential to understand whether the transition to
biodegradable plastics is economically viable and how it will impact
industry and consumers.

In addition, the development of additives to improve
bioplastic's mechanical and thermal properties is also a
significant trend. Leong et al. (2018) from Singapore highlighted
the importance of additives such as nanomaterials to increase
bioplastics' strength and heat resistance. Field trials show that
bioplastics with these additives perform better in various
environmental conditions, including tropical and subtropical
climates. These findings show that bioplastics can be adapted
for various industrial applications, from packaging to
automotive components requiring high-performance standards.

Long-Term Ecological Impact Study: This research highlights
the need for more in-depth studies of the long-term ecological
impact of using biodegradable plastics. A more comprehensive life
cycle analysis (LCA) must be carried out to ensure that the entire life
cycle of this product is more environmentally friendly than
conventional plastic.
Increased International Cooperation and Multi-National
Studies: Given that this research uses articles from various
countries, increasing international cooperation in research and
development of biodegradable plastics is recommended. Multinational studies will provide a more comprehensive picture of the
effectiveness and sustainability of these products across various
geographic and climatic conditions.

However, not all studies show uniform results. For example,
research by Martinez et al. (2019) in Spain found that several
types of bioplastics still have limitations regarding
biodegradability in the marine environment. This research
shows that although bioplastics are more environmentally
friendly on land, their marine environment efficiency still needs
improvement. This research concludes that further
development is needed to ensure bioplastics decompose
properly in various environmental conditions.

Education and Increasing Public Awareness: To encourage the
adoption of biodegradable plastic technology, there needs to be
efforts to educate and increase public awareness regarding the
benefits and potential of this solution in reducing plastic pollution.
Effective information campaigns can help change consumer
behavior and encourage support for environmentally friendly
products.

In conclusion, bioplastics produced from food waste show
great potential for widespread implementation. Development of
additives and trials in various environmental conditions show
that this bioplastic can be adapted for various industrial
applications. However, further research is still needed to
overcome the limitations, especially in marine environments.
With empirical evidence from various studies, it is clear that this
technology has great potential and is worthy of further
development.

By implementing these suggestions, it is hoped that research
and development of biodegradable plastics from food waste can be
more focused and significantly contribute to global efforts to reduce
the negative impact of conventional plastics on the environment.

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