NUR NABILAH INSYIRAH BINTI SAMSUDIN SMK DATO' AHMAD MAHER
Bioplastic Innovation from Cactus Trees was developed as an environmentally friendly alternative to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics that are difficult to decompose and contribute significantly to environmental pollution. The increasing use of synthetic plastics has caused serious negative impacts on terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to their long decomposition period, which can take hundreds of years. Therefore, this innovation focuses on utilizing natural and renewable resources, specifically mucus and fiber extracted from cactus trees, to produce sustainable and biodegradable bioplastics. The production process involves extracting cactus gel and combining it with natural binding agents such as starch and glycerol to create a flexible and durable bioplastic material. The mixture is then processed and dried to form biodegradable plastic sheets suitable for various applications. The use of cactus as the primary material offers several advantages because cactus plants are widely available, require minimal water, and can grow in harsh environmental conditions. The findings of the project show that the produced bioplastic has good flexibility, biodegradability, and eco-friendly characteristics compared to conventional plastics. In addition, this innovation helps reduce plastic waste pollution while promoting the use of sustainable natural resources. In conclusion, Bioplastic Innovation from Cactus Trees has strong potential to support environmental conservation efforts and encourage the development of greener alternatives for future packaging and daily use products.