Development of biodegradable plastic using Metapenaeus Intermedius’s shell extract towards a sustainable future

Due to the rise in the use of products made of plastic, the demand for plastic has increased globally, placing additional strain on the waste management system. There is much interest in reducing the usage of plastics made from petroleum, which pollute the environment on a large scale. Metapenaeus intermedius (udang kertas) currently has high commercialization potential in the Malaysian market. The high protein content of shrimp is crucial for sustaining and assisting in developing new growth cells. Additionally, it might aid in the replacement of harmed tissue cells. Omega-3 is another component of shrimp that promotes heart health by lowering blood vessel fat levels. The innovation project aims to produce biodegradable plastic using Metapenaeus intermedius’s shell extract. Additionally, biodegradable plastic has recently become more popular due to its remarkable biodegradability. It is very simple to bend and can reduce carbon emissions. Biodegradable plastic helps to mitigate the greenhouse impact by not releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Agricultural, consumer, medical, and automotive industries have all used bio-plastic packaging. Additionally, this novel concept is in line with SDG 14: "Life below water," developed by the United Nations.