Cactus fiber bio-bags 

Production of Bio-bags from natural polymers from cactus plants (Opuntia ficus-indica) found in the Maltese island.

The production of bio-bags from natural polymers derived from cactus plants (Opuntia ficus-indica) found on the Maltese island offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags.

Cactus plants are well-known for their ability to survive in dry climates with very little water, which makes them a good option for getting materials for bio-based products.

The method to make bio-bags from cactus
1. To produce bio-bags, the cactus plants are harvested and processed to extract the natural polymers present in their tissues.
2. These polymers are then purified and transformed into a biodegradable and compostable material suitable for bag production.

Advantages of using natural polymers to make bio-bags from cactus.

• Biodegradable
• Compostable
• Comparable strength and durability to traditional plastic bags
• Economic/ job opportunities for local communities on the Maltese island.
• The solution to the plastic waste problem by reducing plastic waste in the environment

The use of cactus plants to make bio-bags is in line with the ideas of sustainability and circular economy. 

This innovative idea of extracting natural polymers from cacti (Opuntia ficus-indica) that are locally found on the Maltese island will help to have a sustainable economy and environment since it reduces carbon emissions related to the production of plastic and also packaging reduction.

What will be done…

On the week that the EWWR happens I will be sending e-mails to the following companies to promote my idea.

• Junior Achievers
• Malta Enterprise
• Veco
• Corporate gifts Malta
• Traplas
• BASF
• UNCTAD

 

Name: Hanna Shaiby
Age: 13
Class: 9.8
Address: 33, Sanmar Place Triq Ir-Rebha Il-Gzira, Malta.