Tag: Biodegradable materials

According to scientific literature, protein-based biopolymers, including collagen, are widely studied as viable alternatives to synthetic packaging materials due to growing environmental concerns. This natural protein is, in fact, used as an edible coating to help preserve food products, especially within the meat industry.

Globally, over half of all textile usage is accounted for by synthetic fibers like polyester, a significant shift from the dominance of natural materials. Understanding what are the two main classifications of fibers is fundamental to appreciating the materials that form the fabrics shaping our world, from clothing to industrial applications.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, cassava is a major food staple for over 800 million people, and its starch offers impressive benefits that extend far beyond simple nutrition. Cassava starch is a natural, versatile ingredient with a wide range of applications in both food production and industry. This detailed guide explores the diverse benefits that make it a valuable commodity today.

Globally, starchy foods provide a major source of energy for billions of people. These complex carbohydrates are vital for nutrition and have a wide array of industrial uses, highlighting the numerous advantages of starch for both the human body and modern society.

According to the Italian company Orange Fiber, around 700,000 tons of citrus waste are produced in Italy alone each year. Orange fiber, an innovative and sustainable textile derived from this agricultural byproduct, is primarily used for creating silky, luxurious, and biodegradable fabrics for the fashion industry.

Starch, a fundamental carbohydrate in plants, accounts for 60-70% of the dry weight in many grains. This complex polysaccharide serves many purposes far beyond its simple nutritional value, acting as a versatile agent in numerous industries and a crucial energy reserve for plants and animals.

Natural fibers like cotton can absorb up to 25 times their weight in water, highlighting the incredible potential of these materials. Understanding what an absorbent fiber is means exploring the unique chemical and physical properties that allow it to attract, capture, and retain liquids within its structure.