Bioplastics from waste biomass of marine and poultry industries

Plastics are indispensable and typically derived from non-renewable sources. The extensive production and indiscriminate use of synthetic plastics pose a serious threat to the environment and lead to problems due to their non-biodegradability. Various forms of plastics that are used in daily life should be limited and replaced by biodegradable materials. To deal with the challenges of sustainability or environmental issues that occur due to the production and disposal of synthetic plastics, biodegradable and environment-friendly plastics are crucial. Utilizing renewable sources such as keratin derived from chicken feathers and chitosan from shrimp cell wastes as an alternative to obtain safe bio-based polymers has gained much attention because of rising environmental issues. Approximately, 2-5 billion tons of waste are produced by the poultry and marine industries each year, adversely impacting the environment. These polymers are more acceptable and eco-friendly compared with conventional plastics due to their biostability, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties. The replacement of synthetic plastic packaging with biodegradable polymers from animal by-products significantly reduces the volume of waste generated. This review highlights important aspects such as the classification of bioplastics, properties and use of waste biomass for bioplastics production, their structure, mechanical properties, and demand in industrial sectors such as agriculture, biomedicine, and food packaging.