Bio-based polymer composites with agro-industrial residues for sustainable food packaging
Sustainable PLA-based composites reinforced with avocado peel and coffee silver skin residues offering improved mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier properties for food packaging applications. A scalable, bio-based alternative to conventional petroleum-derived packaging polymers.
Overview
This solution offers sustainable composite materials designed for food packaging, combining polylactic acid (PLA) with agro-industrial residues such as avocado peel and coffee silver skin. These abundant, renewable byproducts from the food industry are incorporated into a biodegradable polymer matrix to create packaging materials with enhanced mechanical strength, heat resistance, and barrier properties compared to neat PLA. The composites are suitable for packaging both dry and aqueous food products, addressing the growing demand for environmentally responsible alternatives to petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene and polystyrene.
By valorizing agricultural waste streams, this approach supports circular economy principles while delivering functional packaging performance. The research is led by a multidisciplinary team at Tecnológico de Monterrey with expertise in polymer science, materials engineering, and sustainable manufacturing.
Technical specifications
Material composition:
- Matrix: neat polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable biopolymer
- Reinforcement: avocado peel (AP) and coffee silver skin (CSS) particles at varying concentrations
- Agro-industrial residues selected for availability, compatibility with PLA, and capacity to improve packaging performance
Key features and benefits:
- Enhanced mechanical strength compared to neat PLA
- Improved thermal stability for broader packaging applications
- Better barrier properties suitable for protecting dry and aqueous food products
- Reduced dependence on petroleum-derived polymers such as PE and PS
- Utilization of abundant, renewable agro-industrial waste streams
- Biodegradable and compostable material profile
Processing methods:
- Laboratory-scale fabrication via solvent casting and particle leaching techniques
- Planned transition to extrusion-based pellet production for industrial scalability
- Pilot plant scale-up in progress to validate commercial manufacturing feasibility
Technology readiness level
The composites have been validated at the laboratory scale, with demonstrated improvements in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties across multiple residue concentration formulations. Composting and biodegradation assessments are currently underway, alongside application design studies for specific food packaging formats. The next phase involves scaling extrusion processing to pilot plant level and conducting comparative studies against conventional packaging polymers including pure PLA, polyethylene, and polystyrene. The project team plans to publish findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and compile a comprehensive technical report. The technology is positioned at an early-to-mid development stage, moving from laboratory validation toward pilot-scale demonstration.
About Tecnológico de Monterrey
Tecnológico de Monterrey is a leading private, multi-campus research university in Mexico, recognized for entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. Its Monterrey headquarters anchors an urban innovation district with open lab space, prototyping, and shared testing facilities that welcome corporate collaborators. An integrated health system supports clinical research and translation, while structured internships and challenge-driven partnerships connect companies with faculty and student talent year-round. Research is supported by competitive federal funding through Mexico’s national science and technology council, along with industry contracts and international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
delivered to your inbox.