From Food Processing Leftovers to Bioplastic: A Design of Experiments Approach in a Circular Economy Perspective

Aiming at reducing the environmental impact of low density polyethylene (LDPE) when employed as mulching film, this study was focused on partial substitution material with proteins extracted from Hermetia illucens, also known black soldier fly (BSF). Insects were reared chicken manure and food leftovers in a circular economy perspective. To evaluate effects processing conditions amount BSF properties final Design Experiments technique employed. Samples obtained by hot mixing compression molding, their thickness, tensile stress, strain, Young modulus measured analyzed. According to mathematical models, addition mixture results increased homogeneity reduced stress strain. Results indicated that LDPE-BSF 50–50 wt%, processed relative temperature (130 °C) time (3 min), ensures closer pure molded LDPE (thickness = 0.8 mm, 6 MPa, strain 15% 200 MPa) lower thanks high addition. Thereafter, can be additive for agricultural purposes, methods feasible an industrial