Pesquisa de aceitação de embalagens biodegradáveis desenvolvidas com farinha de trigo, PBAT e bagaço de malte

Abstract

A significant portion of the packaging used in the industry is made from plastic, which takes a long time to degrade and contributes to increasing environmental pollution. Biodegradable packaging offers a sustainable alternative, as it helps reduce the accumulation of non-biodegradable solid waste. Several studies have focused on developing biodegradable materials using starch, flours, proteins, and synthetic polymers such as poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). One promising material is malt bagasse (BM), a byproduct of the brewing industry that has low added value but is rich in fibers and proteins, making it a potential ingredient for biodegradable film production. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory acceptance of biodegradable packaging produced from wheat flour and PBAT films, incorporating different concentrations of BM through blow extrusion. Sensory analyses were conducted, where volunteer participants filled out questionnaires regarding their perception of the packaging. The hedonic scale was used to measure satisfaction, ranging from 1 (strongly disliked) to 9 (strongly liked), with the scale divided into acceptance (values 6 to 9) and rejection (values 1 to 4) regions. The results indicated that consumers value both the environmental benefits and the practicality of the packaging. The sensory analysis revealed a high level of acceptance for the samples, demonstrating that color and texture had less impact on purchasing decisions. Approximately 81% of participants expressed a willingness to pay more for products packaged in biodegradable film. Therefore, it can be concluded that this type of packaging has a high potential for market acceptance, particularly among younger consumers with higher levels of education.