Researchers at the University of the South Pacific (USP) have developed an edible and biodegradable food coating made from cassava starch, aimed at improving fruit preservation and reducing reliance on plastic packaging.
Led by Associate Professor David Rohindra and his team from USP's Discipline of Chemistry, the project explores the use of cassava starch as a sustainable film-forming material. The new coating, enhanced with agar, glycerol, and clove essential oil, is designed to extend the shelf life of tropical fruits such as mangoes by accelerating the drying process and reducing fruit fly infestation.
"Cassava is a readily available resource in the Pacific, and its starch has excellent film-forming properties," said Associate Professor Rohindra. "By modifying it with natural additives, we've created a safe, edible, and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic packaging."
The cassava-based coating functions by promoting dehydration through osmosis while preventing fruit flies from laying eggs. The study, published in Sustainable Food Technology (2025) under the title "Development of edible food coating using cassava starch/agar blends infused with clove oil for the preservation of mangoes," builds on earlier research that demonstrated cassava starch coatings could help preserve eggs by reducing microbial growth and moisture loss.
Researchers suggest the technology could offer potential benefits beyond agriculture, particularly in reducing post-harvest losses in tropical regions. With increasing global demand for biodegradable packaging, the development could also present economic opportunities for Pacific countries like Fiji, where cassava is widely grown.
According to Rohindra, further research and investment will be needed to assess the feasibility of large-scale production and commercial application. "We are focusing on how this technology can be applied practically and safely in food preservation," he said.
The project reflects a broader regional focus on sustainable innovation using local agricultural materials. If successfully scaled, the cassava-based coating could serve as an alternative to conventional plastic wraps, contributing to efforts to address both food waste and plastic pollution in global food systems.
Source: Islands Business
