Author, Institution: Zita Markevičiūtė, Kaunas University of Technology
Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004
Scientific Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Visvaldas Varžinskas (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Dissertation Defence Board of Environmental Engineering Science Field:
Prof. Dr. Žaneta Stasiškienė (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004) – chairperson
Prof. Dr. Alessandra Bonoli (University of Bologna, Italy, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Prof. Dr. Gintaras Denafas (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Prof. Dr. Virginija Jankauskaitė (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008)
Prof. Dr. Arvydas Povilaitis (Vytautas Magnus University, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Dissertation defence meeting will be at Rectorate Hall of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio 73-402, Kaunas)
The doctoral dissertation is available at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (Gedimino 50, Kaunas) and on the internet: Z. Markevičiūtė el. dissertation.pdf
Annotation: Considering the increasing environmental requirements and the need to reduce the use of fossil-based plastics and packaging waste, this dissertation focused on the creation of a biodegradable material for single-use fast food packaging that complies with the principles of the circular economy. Initially, the criteria for environmental performance and integration of single-use packaging into the circular economy were defined, taking into account the origin of raw materials, their recyclability, and biodegradability. Optimal alternative packaging raw materials were identified, including primary wood pulp, grain processing by-products, and a Saccharomyces cerevisiae additive. During the experimental phase, laboratory-scale composites with various filler concentrations and yeast additive were developed. These composites were subjected to physical–mechanical, barrier, and biodegradation property assessments. The findings demonstrated that up to 40% of primary raw materials can be replaced with selected alternative fillers – wheat bran and wheat grain production residues – without compromising the functional characteristics of the material. It was also determined that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae additive increased the hydrophobicity of the material, indicating its potential for use in bio-based barrier coatings. Furthermore, both the yeast additive and selected fillers enhanced the biodegradability of the material under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The research confirmed that the developed material potentially meets the functional requirements for fast food packaging and is suitable for biological recycling.
June 17 d. 13:00
Rectorate Hall at Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio 73-402, Kaunas)
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