PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE ALTERNATIVE FOOD CONTAINER (TAKEAWAY) FROM AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT

Abstract The increasing use of single use food containers, primarily made from nonbiodegradable plastics, has contributed significantly to global environmental pollution and waste accumulation. These containers, valued for their affordability, durability, and convenience, have become a major component of packaging waste generated through the rapid expansion of the global food delivery industry. However, their long decomposition period poses serious threats to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through the release of micro plastics, which disrupt soil structure, impair microbial activity, and threaten aquatic organisms and human health through bioaccumulation and bio magnification. This study aims to develop a biodegradable takeaway container using agricultural products such as groundnut shell, sorghum, and groundnut oil as raw materials. The objectives include designing and fabricating a biodegradable container, evaluating its physical, mechanical, and biodegradation properties, and assessing its environmental impact and potential applications. The research seeks to provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic containers by utilizing agricultural waste materials to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable packaging practices. The study on the production of takeaway made from biodegradable product was conducted using maize shell, Groundnut cake as essential raw material. A plastic takeaway was used as a mould to achieved the production of the final product. The formulated biodegradable takeaway have average length 13.5cm, width 8.5cm and height of 0.57 litres. The study's findings are expected to contribute to the global effort toward sustainable waste management, enhance the economic value of agricultural by products, and reduce dependency on synthetic plastics. Despite limitations related to scalability and variability in biodegradation rates under different environmental conditions, this study offers a practical step toward the adoption of biodegradable materials in food packaging industries