Production and Testing of Biodegradable Packaging Film from Cassava Starch Blends in Oyo State

The growing environmental burden of conventional petroleum-based packaging has stimulated interest in biodegradable alternatives derived from agricultural resources. This study investigates the production and characterisation of biodegradable packaging films fabricated from cassava starch blended with polyvinyl alcohol and glycerol as plasticiser, using cassava varieties cultivated in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Films were prepared by solvent casting at varying starch-to-polyvinyl alcohol ratios of 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 by weight. Physical and mechanical properties evaluated include thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapour transmission rate, and moisture content. Biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests conducted over a 90-day period. Results demonstrated that films with a 60:40 starch-to-polyvinyl alcohol ratio achieved the most balanced combination of tensile strength at 14.2 MPa and elongation at break at 32 percent, making them suitable for light-duty food packaging applications. Water vapour transmission rates were highest for pure starch films, indicating greater moisture sensitivity, which was reduced by increasing polyvinyl alcohol content. Soil burial tests confirmed complete visual disintegration within 75 days for all formulations, validating biodegradability under tropical soil conditions. The findings demonstrate that cassava-based starch blends offer a viable and locally sourced alternative to conventional packaging polymers. The study recommends further exploration of natural plasticisers and crosslinking agents to enhance moisture resistance for broader commercial packaging applications in Nigeria. Keywords: cassava starch, biodegradable film, polyvinyl alcohol, packaging, biodegradability