This year focuses on the creation of an innovative, compostable biopolymer, designed to minimize environmental impact by repurposing by-products from the seafood and paper industries. The foundation of this project lies in the strategic formulation of a composite material, which synergizes the unique properties of chitosan (derived from shrimp shells), partially hydrolyzed collagen (sourced from fish waste), and cellulose (obtained from paper waste), to significantly improve the material's physical properties and environmental performance.

Structured in a three-phase approach, the project begins with the development of a biopolymer film through the blending of chitosan, collagen, and cellulose in six different ratios. The subsequent phase entails a comprehensive evaluation of the bioplastic's mechanical durability, biodegradability, plant toxicity, moisture resistance, flexibility, and surface morphology through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The final stage leverages advanced predictive analytics, employing ARIMA and Holt's trend methodologies via Python, to forecast the material's performance attributes.

Analytical insights reveal that increasing the collagen content enhances the bioplastic's mechanical resilience and flexibility, albeit at a slight compromise to its moisture barrier properties and biodegradability. Surface examination confirms a uniform composition, with the collagen matrix playing a pivotal role in bolstering the bioplastic's structural integrity and elasticity. Meanwhile, chitosan contributes to moisture resistance through its hydrophobic qualities, and cellulose reinforces the material's strength, serving as an effective bulking agent. These findings highlight the project's contribution to environmental sustainability by transforming waste into valuable bioplastics, underscoring the potential for significant ecological impact through waste upcycling.