Corn Waste a Sustainable Solution for Plastic Pollution: A Mini Review

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue leading to extensive ecological damage and posing health risks due to the persistence of petrochemical-derived plastics. Biodegradable films particularly those derived from renewable resources like corn waste offer a promising solution to this issue. Corn waste including husks, stalks and cobs are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin making it suitable for biodegradable film production. Various methods such as chemical treatments, enzymatic hydrolysis and mechanical processes are used to extract useful components from corn waste followed by film formation techniques like casting and extrusion. Corn waste films exhibit mechanical and barrier properties comparable to conventional plastics with the added benefit of faster biodegradability. These films have potential applications in packaging and agriculture reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainable practices.