Modification of Poly(lactic acid) with Orange Peel Powder as Biodegradable Composite.

Traditional fossil-based plastic usage and disposal has been one of the largest environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature and high energy consumption during the manufacturing process. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a renewable polymer derived from natural sources with properties comparable to classical plastics and low environmental cost has gained much attention as a safer alternative. Abundantly generated orange peel waste is rich in valuable components and there is still limited study on the potential uses of orange peel waste in reinforcing the PLA matrix.