ZeaPackage: The potential of corn husk (Zea mays L.) for biodegradable paper bags as a strategy for waste reduction and implementation of circular economy concept

Background: Plastic waste has become a global issue, including in Indonesia, where its growing impact has prompted the need for sustainable alternatives. Corn husk, an abundant agricultural waste in Indonesia, presents a potential raw material for producing biodegradable paper bags, aligning with circular economy principles and addressing the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging. Method: This study uses a comprehensive literature review, drawing from scientific journals, textbooks, and official publications. Data analysis is conducted through descriptive and comparative techniques, including SWOT analysis, to assess the viability of corn husk-based biodegradable paper bags as an alternative to plastic. Findings: The study reveals that ZeaPackage, a biodegradable paper bag made from corn husks, is a promising alternative to plastic bags. Corn husks' high cellulose content and abundance make them ideal for large-scale production, offering an eco-friendly solution while supporting circular economy goals. Conclusion: ZeaPackage has significant potential as an environmentally sustainable alternative to plastic bags. By leveraging the abundant supply of corn husks, it contributes to waste reduction and aligns with circular economy principles, though challenges in implementation remain. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the innovative use of corn husk as a raw material for biodegradable packaging, offering a practical solution to plastic waste while adding value to agricultural by-products in Indonesia.

背景：塑料废弃物已成为全球性议题，印度尼西亚亦受其影响——该问题日益凸显的冲击促使该国亟需可持续替代方案。玉米壳作为印尼产量丰富的农业废弃物，是生产可生物降解纸袋的潜在原料，既契合循环经济原则，又能响应环保包装不断增长的需求。
方法：本研究采用综合文献综述法，数据来源涵盖科学期刊、教科书及官方出版物。数据分析通过描述性与比较性技术开展，包括SWOT分析（SWOT analysis），旨在评估玉米壳基可生物降解纸袋作为塑料替代品的可行性。
发现：研究表明，以玉米壳为原料制备的可生物降解纸袋ZeaPackage是塑料包装袋极具前景的替代品。玉米壳纤维素含量高且储量充足，使其成为规模化生产的理想原料，既能提供环保解决方案，又能助力循环经济目标的实现。
结论：ZeaPackage作为塑料包装袋的环境可持续替代品具有显著潜力。通过利用印尼丰富的玉米壳资源，该方案可减少废弃物并符合循环经济原则，尽管其实施仍面临若干挑战。
创新性：本研究凸显了将玉米壳创新性应用于可生物降解包装原料的价值，既为塑料废弃物问题提供了切实可行的解决方案，又提升了印尼农业副产品的附加值。