Potential Use of Oil Palm Fronds for Papermaking and Application as Molded Pulp Trays for Fresh Product under Simulated Cold Chain Logistics
Lerpong Jarupan, Ratanapat Hunsa-Udom, Nattinee Bumbudsanpharoke
Abstract
Waste paper from newsprint, a key feedstock for molded pulp trays, is globally deficient due to digital shifts. Hence, the alternative fiber source needs to be explored. The potential use of fiber from oil palm fronds for protective packaging under humid conditions was studied. Fibers were isolated from petioles by sulfate pulping with 30.72% yield. The high α-cellulose content (38%) showed valuable for papermaking. Runkle’s ratio (0.63), rigidity coefficient (38.46), and slenderness value (100) suggested that the paper would have excellent mechanical properties. Under cold chain logistics, packaging must withstand high humidity and low temperature (90%RH, 12°C). Addition of 1.4% cationic starch and 0.5% AKD significantly enhanced water absorption resistance from 59 to 23250 sec and improved the burst (6.68%) and tensile index (26.47%). The molded pulp trays fabricated from 70% sized frond fibers and 30% OCC fiber provided 7.71% higher compressive strength than neat OCC tray. All physical properties indicated that the as-prepared trays have potential use for protective material. A simulation with green apple demonstrated that the trays were impractical for use with soft-skinned fruit as the dense and rough surface of the packaging. Further study to evaluate cushioning performance for harder skin fruit is, therefore, necessary.