Biodegradable Bowls Using Rice Bran: A Sustainable Pathway for Small-scale Farmers

Abstract

India holds the third position worldwide in the generation of single-use plastic (SUP) waste, contributing above 5 million tonnes per year. The escalating issue of environmental pollution due to plastic waste has intensified the search for sustainable alternatives, particularly within the food packaging sector. The plentiful rice husk (RH), a by-product of rice farming, offers a promising avenue for the production of biodegradable containers that could replace single-use plastics. This research aims to explore the development and feasibility of biodegradable bowls made from rice bran, an agricultural waste material. The focus of this study is to creating of biodegradable containers from Rice husk through thermo-pressing techniques. We assessed the effects of the RH to starch ratio (w/w %), pressing temperature (°C), and duration (minutes) on the hardness, colour variation, and density of the bowls, with the goal of optimizing the manufacturing process. A cost-effective manual die machine has been designed to process agricultural residues, enabling rural smallholders and women entrepreneurs to produce valuable products, thereby fostering circular economies and sustainable income. This research presents an innovative approach to addressing plastic waste while simultaneously enhancing the livelihoods of individuals in rural communities through the introduction of biodegradable rice bran bowls.