New Findings from St. Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology in the Area of Sustainable Food and Agriculture Described (Rice Straw-based Sustainable Food Packaging Material With Improved Strength and Barrier Properties: Development and...).

Researchers at the St. Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology in Punjab, India have developed sustainable food packaging paper made from rice straw nanocellulose materials. The paper has high barrier and strength properties and was created through a process of pulping and bleaching the rice straw. The researchers found that the nanofibers formed through this process were more economical than alternative methods and showed good strength and barrier properties. The barrier properties were further enhanced by surface sizing the paper with a low-cost, nontoxic, and biodegradable wax. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into sustainable food packaging materials. [Extracted from the article]