ESTM - Mestrado em Economia Azul e Circular
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Browsing ESTM - Mestrado em Economia Azul e Circular by advisor "Augusto, Ana Luísa de Sousa"
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- Development of Biodegradable Absorbent for Food PackagingPublication . Barreira, Magda Simões; Augusto, Ana Luísa de Sousa; Lisboa, Ana Catarina CadimaThe impact of plastic pollution has intensified global environmental concerns, driving initiatives and policies to reduce plastic use. The main objective of this study was to develop an absorbent pad for strawberry packaging using alternative materials, such as biodegradable solutions derived from natural and renewable resources, especially in the packaging industry. First, different polymers, such as agar, starch, pectin, alginate, plasticisers, and dried fruit by-products, were tested in film formulations to determine the best material for the final application. The films were evaluated under various environmental conditions. Pectin, apple by-products, and sorbitol-based prototypes showed the best surface homogeneity and were selected for further analysis. The absorbent pads, made primarily from dried fruit by-products and pectin, were tested for water solubility and absorption, microbiological stability, thickness, moisture, water activity, and biodegradability. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the effects of three factors, pectin content (%), by-product content (%), and solution weight per cm², were evaluated on these properties. The optimal formulation, containing 5% pectin, 10% sorbitol, 30% apple by-products, and a total solid content of 0.330 g/cm², showed integrity, microbiological stability and some absorption capacity when in contact with water. All samples exhibited a high biodegradability rate of up to 80% in soil. Market analyses included the assessment of environmental concerns, food safety, subjective norms, willingness to pay, and perceived barriers to understanding consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. The study was conducted among students at the Polytechnic of Leiria. The analysis identified factors influencing consumer attitudes and willingness to purchase packaging with biodegradable absorbents. In this scenario, the willingness to pay, consumer attitudes, and environmental concerns can impact the intention to purchase the packaging with biodegradable absorbents. Environmental concerns, perceived barriers, and subjective norms can influence consumer attitudes. The present study supports waste valorisation and aligns with circular economy and zero-waste principles.