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From Food Processing Leftovers to Bioplastic: A Design of Experiments Approach in a Circular Economy Perspective

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Abstract

Aiming at reducing the environmental impact of low density polyethylene (LDPE) when employed as mulching film, this study was focused on the partial substitution of the material with proteins extracted from Hermetia illucens, also known as black soldier fly (BSF). Insects were reared on chicken manure and food leftovers in a circular economy perspective. To evaluate the effects of processing conditions and amount of BSF proteins on the properties of the final material the Design of Experiments technique was employed. Samples were obtained by hot mixing and compression molding, and their thickness, tensile stress, tensile strain, and Young modulus were measured and analyzed. According to mathematical models, the addition of BSF proteins in the mixture results in increased homogeneity and Young modulus of the material and in reduced tensile stress and strain. Results indicated that a LDPE-BSF proteins mixture of 50–50 wt%, processed at relative low temperature (130 °C) and time (3 min), ensures properties closer to pure molded LDPE (thickness = 0.8 mm, tensile stress = 6 MPa, tensile strain = 15% and Young modulus = 200 MPa) with lower environmental impact thanks to the high BSF proteins addition. Thereafter, BSF proteins can be employed as additive for LDPE for agricultural purposes, with processing methods feasible in an industrial perspective.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Emilia Romagna region in the framework of the project “ValoriBio” co-financed by 2014–2020 POR FESR. Emilia-Romagna Region. Italy. DGR 774/2015—CUP E42I15000110009 and the Rural Development Plan 2014–2020 Op. 16.1.01—GO EIP-Agri—FA 5C. Pr. “BIOECO-FLIES” and coordinated by CRPV. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Science and Methods for Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola 2, 42122, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Silvia Barbi & Monia Montorsi

  2. Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola 2, 42122, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Laura I. Macavei & Lara Maistrello

  3. Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43121, Parma, Italy

    Augusta Caligiani

  4. Interdepartmental Center for Agri-Food Biological Resources Improvement and Valorization, BIOGEST-SITEIA, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1, 42124, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Lara Maistrello

  5. Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research and Technology Transfer in the Field of Integrated Technologies for Sustainable Research, Efficient Energy Conversion, Energy Efficiency of Buildings, Lighting and Home Automation, EN&TECH, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1, 42124, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Monia Montorsi

Authors
  1. Silvia Barbi
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  2. Laura I. Macavei
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  3. Augusta Caligiani
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  4. Lara Maistrello
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  5. Monia Montorsi
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by all the authors. The first draft of the manuscript was written by SB and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Silvia Barbi.

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Barbi, S., Macavei, L.I., Caligiani, A. et al. From Food Processing Leftovers to Bioplastic: A Design of Experiments Approach in a Circular Economy Perspective. Waste Biomass Valor 12, 5121–5130 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-021-01376-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-021-01376-3

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