Innovative strategies for sustainable materials: developing protein-based bioplastics from rapeseed by-products for a circular economy

Bioplastics derived from coproducts or waste materials offer the advantage of exploiting pre-existing, underutilized resources. Among these, natural biopolymers, specifically proteins, emerge as an attractive alternative to petroleum-based materials both in terms of potential applications and environmental impact.2 The presented study is a proof-of-concept of the development of a protein-based cross-linked material with plastic response for multiple applications. Whole rapeseed protein-rich meal has been chosen as main ingredient and pression-moulding process was evaluated as efficient method to produce a protein-based material.