Document Type

Article

Abstract

The solution to plastic lies in alternative materials, like bioplastics. One such possibility is keratin-based films. They are made from sources that are already deemed to be waste and that all regions of the world are abundant in. Manufacturing values a one-size-fits-all solution and keratin being plentiful worldwide fulfills that set standard. The films’ properties, which are important to the basic needs of a package, vary with different additives and the type of keratin used. α-keratin and β-keratin have different strengths and are found in nature in different sources. The resource focused on was chicken feathers, which produce more β-keratin than α-keratin. With the combined resources of the top exporters of plastic and keratin that would otherwise be waste, film to replace petroleum-based plastic can be sourced, created, and used locally. As data involving the amount of keratin in each meter squared of the film was only found for α-keratin, it was focused on. The two types of α-keratin film have very different applications that could replace billions of meters squared of petroleum-based plastics in just a year by sourcing only chicken feathers from the top ten exporters of plastic. The keratin/glycerin/gelatin/curcumin film would be best used at high temperature food applications like microwaveable meals. The keratin/citric acid film would be able to replace stretch film or cling wrap for food.

Publication Date

Spring 5-1-2024

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