Development of biodegradable packaging thanks to cactus and pineapple waste

In Peru, a university project is conducting research to recover the waste generated during the marketing and consumption of fruit. With production based on the circular economy.

 

 

 

UJCM (Universidad José Carlos Mariátegui), CITE Agroindustrial de Moquegua, with the support of Concytec and the World Bank, are conducting research to develop biodegradable packaging with cellulose extracted from cactus residues (Opuntia ficus-indica) and pineapple.

 

 

 

The objective is to achieve a production based on the circular economy having as main added value the reuse and recovery of organic waste.

 

 

The commercial opportunities arising from this project could be significant: Peru produces around 461,000 tonnes of pineapple and 88,000 tonnes of cactus per year, generating 15% and 35% of waste respectively.