Biodegradable sheet developed to preserve fruits, veggies

KARACHI:

A group of students has developed an innovative solution to reduce food wastage: a biodegradable protective sheet designed to preserve fruits and veggies during transportation. This ecofriendly innovation, developed by students from the Food Science and Technology Department at Hamdard University, aims to tackle one of the most pressing issues in the country - food spoilage.

The biodegradable sheet is made from a blend of waste materials, including sugarcane byproducts, eggshells, bentonite, and clay as a binding agent. This sheet is designed to be placed in cartons or crates during the transportation of fruits and vegetables. They absorb excess moisture, a major cause of food spoilage, which helps prevent fruits and veggies from rotting.

In Pakistan, an estimated 30-40% of food is lost, largely due to the high moisture content in produce and microbial contamination. The innovative sheet offers a solution to this issue by extending the shelf life of food, reducing spoilage during transportation, and promoting ecofriendly practices.

Dua Usmani, one of the students involved in the project, said that their team, which also involved Khushbakht Urooj and Konain, focused on the theme 'Waste to Wonder' to address food safety. "Climate change is accelerating, and people are facing increasing challenges due to inflation and environmental stress."