Biodegradable disposable items

Abstract

The present invention provides a biodegradable disposable article comprising unmodified and naturally occurring food waste comprising in the range of about 5% to about 70% by weight cellulose or hemicellulose, less than about 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least about 2% by weight lignin, wherein the food waste has a mass fraction of at least 5000 kg / cm 2 and a temperature of at least 150° C., before being molded, the article being optionally dehydrated and / or optionally agitated to form a particulate solid material.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to biodegradable disposable articles and methods of making biodegradable disposable articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Any reference to any prior art methods, devices, or documents should not be construed as constituting any evidence or admission that they form or form part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Standard disposable plastic tableware, utensils and single-use plastic articles have numerous drawbacks. These articles are typically not biodegradable and are manufactured from non-biodegradable plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyurethane). These non-biodegradable plastics are now widely used to replace metal and paper products in many applications, especially those where cost, durability, ease of manufacture, material availability and convenience are primary considerations. However, disposal is one of their biggest problems, as these plastics degrade at very low, if any, rates.

[0004] More recently, biodegradable polymers have been developed for making disposable tableware, utensils and single-use plastic articles. These biodegradable polymers degrade enzymatically or hydrolytically. Some of the more commonly known biodegradable polymers include poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid) and its copolymers, polycaprolactone, poly(hydroxybutyric acid), starch, and cellulose. However, one of the main problems with the use of these materials for applications such as disposable utensils and tableware is the high cost associated with the manufacture of these biodegradable polymers. In some cases, it is also difficult to tailor the mechanical properties of these biodegradable polymers for use in the manufacture of disposable tableware and utensils. These problems apply to packaging materials as well.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to consider using alternative sources, such as biodegradable food waste, to manufacture disposable utensils and tableware, potentially reducing the manufacturing costs of biodegradable articles such as utensils and tableware.

[0006] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above problems and / or at least provide consumers with a useful or commercial alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a biodegradable disposable article comprising unmodified and naturally occurring food waste comprising cellulose or hemicellulose in the range of about 5% to about 70% by weight, less than about 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least about 2% by weight lignin, wherein the food waste is at least about 5000 kg / cm 2 and at a temperature of at least 150° C., optionally dehydrated and / or agitated to form a particulate solid material.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cellulose is present in a range of less than 60%, from about 5% to about 50%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 5% to about 25%, from about 8% to about 26%, or from about 5% to about 22%.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the carbohydrate is a soluble carbohydrate, including pectin. In one embodiment, the soluble carbohydrate is present in an amount less than about 30%, in the range of about 1% to about 30%. In an embodiment, the soluble carbohydrate is present in an amount of about 1% to about 10%, or in an amount of about 3% to about 8%. In certain embodiments, the soluble carbohydrate is present in an amount of about 10% to about 30%, about 14% to about 25%, about 15% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 27%.

[0010] In embodiments, lignin is present in a range of about 1% to about 30%, about 1% to about 26%, about 1% to about 25%, about 2% to about 7%, or about 3% to about 6%.

[0011] In some embodiments, the food waste further comprises protein in the range of about 1% to about 20%. In one embodiment, the protein is present in the range of about 1% to about 10%, about 2% to about 10%, or about 3% to about 10%. In certain embodiments, the protein is present in the range of about 10% to about 20%, or about 13% to about 19%.

[0012] In an embodiment, the food waste further comprises at least 1%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 12%, or about 1% to about 11% fat. In one embodiment, the fat is present in the range of about 1% to about 5%, or about 1% to about 4%. In one embodiment, the fat is present in the range of about 4% to about 12%, about 4% to about 11%. In one embodiment, the fat is crude fat.

[0013] In embodiments, the food waste has an ADF content of at least about 9%, or at least about 10%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 10% to about 25%, from about 10% to about 20%, or from about 40% to about 50%.

[0014] In an embodiment, the particulate solid material is placed into a preheated mold which is heated to a temperature of at least 150°C.

[0015] In embodiments, the food waste contains hemicellulose in an amount of at least about 5% by weight, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, or less than about 40%, between about 0% and about 60%, between about 20% and about 60%, between about 25% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 40%.

[0016] In an embodiment, the particulate solid material has a density of about 5000 kg / cm 2 ~About 1000000kg / cm 2 , about 5000kg / cm 2 ~About 100000kg / cm 2 , about 20000kg / cm 2 ~About 1000000kg / cm 2 , or about 20,000 kg / cm 2 ~About 100000kg / cm2 The molded product is subjected to a pressure in the range of 0.1 to 100 MPa.

[0017] In an embodiment, the particulate solid material is compacted for at least 1 second, and preferably for at least 10 seconds.

[0018] In embodiments, the particulate solid material is compacted at a temperature ranging from about 150°C to about 300°C, or from about 200°C to about 300°C.

[0019] In an embodiment, the naturally occurring food waste comprises one or more of the following: citrus peels, avocado seeds, pineapple skins, pineapple tops, wheat bran, coffee bean husks, spent coffee grounds, and barley bran. In an embodiment, the citrus peels comprise orange peels and / or lemon peels.

[0020] In an embodiment, the food waste has a moisture content of less than about 2%, or between 0.1% and about 1%. In one embodiment, the food waste is dehydrated to have a moisture content of less than about 2%, or between 0.1% and about 1%.

[0021] In some embodiments, the food waste comprises: Cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 30%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 1% to about 30%; About 1% to about 20% of the protein About 1% to about 15% fat Includes.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the food waste is Cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 25%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 10% to about 30%; About 1% to about 10% of protein, About 1% to about 5% fat Includes.

[0023] In an embodiment, the food waste is Cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 26%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 1% to about 10%; About 10% to about 20% of the protein Fat content of about 4% to about 11% Includes.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising the steps of: recovering unmodified and naturally occurring food waste comprising cellulose and / or hemicellulose in the range of about 5% to about 70% by weight, less than about 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least about 2% by weight lignin; Optionally, heating and dehydrating the food waste to obtain dehydrated or dried food waste; placing the particulate solid material in a mould, the mould being exposed to a temperature of at least 150°C and a pressure of at least 20 kg / cm 2 a pressure of is applied to the mold; The present invention relates to a method for forming a biodegradable disposable article, comprising:

[0025] In one embodiment, the method optionally further comprises agitating or pulverizing the dried food waste to form a particulate solid material. In an embodiment, the method further comprises agitating or pulverizing the dried food waste to form a particulate solid material.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising the steps of: Recovering unmodified and naturally occurring food waste, the unmodified and naturally occurring food waste comprising cellulose or hemicellulose in the range of about 5% to about 70% by weight, less than about 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least about 2% by weight lignin; Optionally, heating and dehydrating the food waste to obtain dehydrated or dried food waste; agitating or pulverizing the dried food waste to form a particulate solid material; placing the particulate solid material in a mould, the mould being exposed to a temperature of at least 150°C and a force of at least 5000kg / cm2 The step where pressure is applied to the mold The present invention relates to a method for forming a biodegradable disposable article, comprising:

[0027] The methods described in the second and third aspects, and the food waste and components thereof, are substantially as described for the first aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] Shown are simple starch and cellulose. [Diagram 2] 1 shows the linkage of monomers in polysaccharides. [Diagram 3] Lignin. [Figure 4] Pectin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention pertain primarily to biodegradable disposable articles. Accordingly, the articles and method steps are illustrated in the drawings in simple schematic form, showing only the specific details necessary to understand the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive details that will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this description.

[0030] Polysaccharide-based materials forming part of food waste have been utilized by the novel method of the present invention. The polysaccharide-containing food waste has a bicontinuous phase of a continuous hydrophobic polysaccharide phase and a discontinuous phase of dispersed hydrophilic unmodified polysaccharides, or both. These materials are substantially biodegradable and thermoplastic and therefore may be formed into a variety of manufactured articles that degrade in the post-use environment.

[0031] The term "polysaccharide" refers to a compound of the formula (CH 10 O5) nThe term "starch" typically applies to carbohydrates produced by plants that contain amylose and / or amylopectin. Amylose is a predominantly unbranched form of starch that generally consists of glucose residues in α-1,4 bonds. Amylopectin is the branched form, with approximately one α-1,6 bond for every 30 α-1,4 bonds. Both amylose and amylopectin are rapidly hydrolyzed by enzymes called α-amylases. Starch occurs in many plant cells as organized or structured granules or labels of various sizes and is hydrolyzed to several forms of dextrins and glucose.

[0032] As used herein, "thermoplastic" refers to a material that softens when heated and hardens when cooled, and "melt processing" refers to the processing of a thermoplastic material in its softened state into a useful article.

[0033] Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0034] As used herein, the term "about" means that the quantity is nominally the number following the term "about," although the actual amount can vary from this exact number by an insignificant amount.

[0035] As used herein, the term "hydrophobic" refers to a material that absorbs 5% or less of its weight in water when immersed in water under ambient conditions. As used herein, the term "hydrophilic" refers to a material that absorbs more than 5% of its weight in water when immersed in water under ambient conditions.

[0036] As used herein, "%" refers to weight % unless otherwise indicated.

[0037] The present invention is premised at least on the discovery that suitable biodegradable disposable articles can be formed from food compositions. For ease of explanation, the present description is written in terms of food waste. However, it will be understood that non-food waste compositions can be utilized in the present invention. In an embodiment, the food waste is unmodified and naturally occurring food waste. In an embodiment, the method further comprises agitating or pulverizing the dried food waste to form a particulate solid material.

[0038] Through extensive testing and experimentation, the inventors have surprisingly discovered that food waste that meets the criteria of containing in the range of 5% to 70% by weight cellulose or hemicellulose, less than 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least 2% by weight pectin and / or lignin, when treated according to a novel series of processing steps, appears to be readily formed into biodegradable utensils.

[0039] Depending on the requirements of biodegradable disposable articles, the inventors have found that food waste that falls within certain criteria can be formed into useful biodegradable disposable articles. In this regard, through extensive testing, the results suggest that some food waste can be used for liquids (e.g. cups, bowls, etc.), and other food waste can be used for packaging materials (not necessarily including liquids).

[0040] In one embodiment, the cellulose is present in a range of less than 60%, from about 5% to about 50%, from about 5% to about 30%, from about 5% to about 25%, from about 8% to about 26%, or from about 5% to about 22%.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the carbohydrate is a soluble carbohydrate comprising pectin. In one embodiment, the soluble carbohydrate is present in an amount less than about 30%, in the range of about 1% to about 30%. In an embodiment, the soluble carbohydrate is present in an amount of about 1% to about 10%, or in an amount of about 3% to about 8%. In certain embodiments, the soluble carbohydrate is present in an amount of about 10% to about 30%, about 14% to about 25%, about 15% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 27%. In one embodiment, the soluble carbohydrate comprises primarily pectin. In one embodiment, the soluble carbohydrate is pectin.

[0042] In embodiments, lignin is present in a range of about 1% to about 30%, about 1% to about 26%, about 1% to about 25%, about 2% to about 7%, or about 3% to about 6%.

[0043] In some embodiments, the food waste further comprises protein in the range of about 1% to about 20%. In one embodiment, the protein is present in the range of about 1% to about 10%, about 2% to about 10%, or about 3% to about 10%. In certain embodiments, the protein is present in the range of about 10% to 20%, or about 13% to about 19%.

[0044] In an embodiment, the food waste further comprises at least 1%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 12%, or about 1% to about 11% fat. In one embodiment, the fat is present in the range of about 1% to about 5%, or about 1% to about 4%. In one embodiment, the fat is present in the range of about 4% to about 12%, about 4% to about 11%. In an embodiment, the fat is crude fat.

[0045] Acid detergent fiber (ADF) is the residue remaining after extraction with hot acid detergent solution. Typically, ADF contains lignin and cellulose, but no hemicellulose. In embodiments, the food waste has an ADF content of at least about 9% or at least about 10%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, or about 40% to 50%.

[0046] Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) is the residue remaining after extraction with a neutral detergent solution. Typically, NDF contains lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The main difference between NDF and ADF is the hemicellulose content.

[0047] In an embodiment, the particulate solid material is placed into a preheated mold which is heated to a temperature of at least 150°C.

[0048] In embodiments, the food waste contains hemicellulose in an amount of at least about 5% by weight, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, or less than about 40%, between about 0% and about 60%, between about 20% and about 60%, between about 25% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 40%.

[0049] In an embodiment, the particulate solid material has a density of about 5000 kg / cm 2 ~About 1000000kg / cm 2 , about 5000kg / cm 2 ~About 100000kg / cm 2 , about 20000kg / cm 2 ~About 1000000kg / cm 2 , or about 20,000 kg / cm 2 ~About 100000kg / cm 2 The molded product is subjected to a pressure in the range of 0.1 to 100 MPa.

[0050] In an embodiment, the particulate solid material is compacted for at least 1 second, and preferably for at least 10 seconds.

[0051] In embodiments, the particulate solid material is compacted at a temperature ranging from about 150°C to about 300°C, or from about 200°C to about 300°C.

[0052] In an embodiment, the naturally occurring food waste comprises one or more of the following: citrus peels, avocado seeds, pineapple skins, pineapple tops, wheat bran, coffee bean husks, spent coffee grounds, and barley bran. In an embodiment, the citrus peels comprise orange peels and / or lemon peels.

[0053] In an embodiment, the food waste has a moisture content of less than about 2% or between 0.1% and about 1%. In one embodiment, the food waste is dehydrated to have a moisture content of less than about 2% or between 0.1% and about 1%. It will be appreciated that if the moisture content is within the desired range, the food waste does not necessarily need to be dehydrated.

[0054] In some embodiments, the food waste is Cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 30%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 1% to about 30%; About 1% to about 20% of the protein About 1% to 15% fat Includes.

[0055] Results from the tests suggest that biodegradable disposable articles made from food waste have highly advantageous properties with respect to water absorption, as follows. In this regard, the results suggest that biodegradable disposable articles made from food waste are suitable for use with liquids (e.g., cups and bowls). In an embodiment, the food waste is Cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 30%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 1% to about 10%; About 10% to about 20% of the protein Fat content of about 4% to about 11% Includes.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the food waste is Cellulose in an amount of about 8% to about 26%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 3% to about 8%; About 13% to about 19% of the protein content, Fat content of about 4% to about 11% Includes.

[0057] In further embodiments, the food waste further comprises hemicellulose in an amount of about 5 to about 50%, about 10% to about 40%, or about 11% to about 40%.

[0058] Results from the tests suggest that biodegradable disposable articles formed from food waste as follows have sufficient properties with respect to water absorption for use as packaging and similar products. In an embodiment, the food waste is Cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 25%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 10% to about 30%; About 1% to about 10% of protein, About 1% to about 5% fat Includes.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the food waste is Cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 22%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 15% to about 28%; About 3% to about 10% of the protein About 1% to about 4% fat Includes.

[0060] In further embodiments, the food waste further comprises hemicellulose in an amount between about 0% and about 60%, between about 0% and about 56%, between about 25% and about 56%, or between about 25% and about 26%.

[0061] Specifically, the inventors have found that food waste that meets the above criteria is first dewatered and then optionally subjected to a mixing or pulverizing step to break down the dewatered food waste into particulate solid material, preferably obtaining a non-limiting average particle size in the range of about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. In one embodiment, the average particle size of the dewatered food waste is in the range of 0.01 mm to about 1 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, or about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm. Any large particulates or agglomerates may be removed using a separation step by using a sieve or any other related method. It should be understood that the dewatering or mixing method herein does not depend on any particular dewatering or mixing step, and the particular technique employed may depend on the characteristics of the food waste that meets the above initial composition criteria.

[0062] Optionally, once a substantially uniform particle size has been achieved by the mixing step, the dewatered food waste particles are placed into a mold that is heated to a temperature of at least about 150° C. As is evident in the preceding examples, the mold temperature may be varied and increased for at least some non-limiting embodiments. Once the particulate solid food waste is placed into the preheated mold, the particles are heated to a temperature of about 5,000 to about 100,000 kg / cm. 2 The mixture is compressed in a mold where a pressure in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 is applied for at least 1 second. Experiments have required compression for relatively short periods of time, such as 30 seconds.

[0063] Polysaccharides make up the majority of food waste during processing and are chains of monosaccharide units joined by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides are the most abundant form of carbohydrates. Some of the most common types are cellulose, starch, glycogen and pectin. The glucose units of cellulose are linked by β1-4 glycosidic bonds and the glucose units of starch are linked by α1-4 or α1-6 glycosidic bonds. Pectin is a unique fiber found in fruits and vegetables, pectin has a linear shape containing galacturonic acid molecules linked by glycosidic bonds. When heated in the presence of liquid, the polysaccharides of the presently described embodiments swell and form a gel.

[0064] Monomeric glucose units are linked in different ways in different types of polysaccharides. When polysaccharides come into contact with water, the glycosidic bonds are broken (shown in pink and purple in Figure 2). Oxygen atoms react with the water molecules, leaching / decomposing the molecule. This event is called hydrolysis, as defined in the previous section.

[0065] Due to the presence of CO2H (carboxyl group), pectin is an acid and lignin is an alcohol. Pectin, as an acid, is more reactive than alcohol. Lignin has additional alkyl chains, which is evident from the image below highlighted by the alpha, beta, and gamma groups. The presence of hydroxyl groups on the alkyl chains makes it more stable along with starch and cellulose when lignin comes into contact with water and heat. Due to this effect, when food waste containing coffee bean husks, coffee grounds, and wheat bran is treated according to the novel method of the present invention, the biodegradable article becomes very stable and less reactive with water, making it suitable for use as a disposable biodegradable utensil.

[0066] The presence of either pectin (Figure 4) or lignin (Figure 3) in an amount of at least 2% by weight is important. The similarity between pectin and lignin is that their hydroxyl groups react in a similar manner to starch and cellulose.

[0067] The following examples detail the treatment of a particular type of food waste that meets the above criteria, containing cellulose and / or hemicellulose in the range of 5% to 70% by weight, less than 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least 2% by weight pectin and / or lignin. EXAMPLES

[0068] [Example 1] Environmentally friendly, biodegradable tableware is made from coffee bean shells, coffee grounds, pineapple tops, pineapple skins, avocado seeds, and lemon peels.

[0069] Seven different organic food waste products were treated as follows (shown in Table 1).

[0070] The processing steps include one or more of the following: washing the waste with water, slicing it in a grinder, and then drying it in a dehydrator at 70°C.

[0071] [Table 1]

[0072] [Example 2] To produce environmentally friendly, biodegradable edible tableware from wheat bran. Procedure: Wheat bran (WB) was procured from a supplier and milled at 32,000 RPM for 2 minutes. The powder was then placed in a die and crushed at 50000 kg / cm. 2 The resulting articles were examined and tested as described below. Microwave resistance test: 450W for 1 minute Oven compatibility test: 100℃ for 1 minute Semi-liquid test: 2 hours Water test: 40 minutes

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] As detailed above, in some experiments jaggery was added as a binder.The mould temperature was varied from 200°C to 300°C.

[0075] The results from Example 2 confirm that biodegradable utensils formed from wheat bran are microwave and oven safe unless combined with a binding material. Tomato sauce was used to test the utensils for leaching, with no leaching observed for up to 2 hours. In water, the utensils began to degrade after 20-35 minutes, with sample 3 compressed at 250°C lasting the longest. For use with dry foods and semi-liquid materials such as thick soups, it is clear that the utensils formed following the steps outlined in Example 1 are suitable for use.

[0076] [Example 3] If necessary, the raw materials were mixed with binder material and milled at 32,000 RPM for 2 minutes. As part of this experiment, 30 g of powder was placed in a preheated mold at 150-300°C and compressed at 50,000 kg / cm 2 The resulting utensils and dishes were then examined and tested under the following conditions: Microwave resistance test: 450W for 1 minute Oven compatibility test: 100℃ for 1 minute Semi-liquid test: 2 hours Water test: 40 minutes

[0077] [Table 3]

[0078] Although the various organic food waste materials tested during this experiment consisted of different amounts of polysaccharides with different compositions, they were all found to be capable of deforming and reforming their shape under heat and pressure.

[0079] Table 4 shows the compositional characteristics of the main food waste materials used in the examples discussed in the previous section.

[0080] [Table 4]

[0081] It will be appreciated that the water absorption time and semi-liquid seepage time will depend on the thickness of the article. In this regard, the thicker the article, the longer the time frame it can withstand water and semi-liquid before losing structural integrity.

[0082] Since the means described herein include preferred forms for carrying out the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described.

[0083] The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims as appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A biodegradable disposable article comprising unmodified and naturally occurring food waste, comprising cellulose or hemicellulose in the range of about 5% to about 70% by weight, less than about 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least about 2% by weight lignin, The food waste is at least about 5000 kg / cm ２ and a temperature of at least 150°C to form a particulate solid material.

2. 1. A method of forming a biodegradable disposable article, comprising: recovering unmodified and naturally occurring food waste comprising cellulose and / or hemicellulose in the range of about 5% to about 70% by weight, less than about 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least about 2% by weight lignin; Optionally, heating and / or dehydrating the food waste to obtain dehydrated or dried food waste; Optionally, agitating or pulverizing the dried food waste to form a particulate solid material; placing the particulate solid material in a mold, the mold being exposed to a temperature of at least 150°C and a pressure of at least 20 kg / cm ２ applying a pressure of A method comprising:

3. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the cellulose is present in a range of less than 60%, between about 5% and about 50%, between about 5% and about 30%, between about 5% and about 25%, between about 8% and about 26%, or between about 5% and about 22%.

4. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the carbohydrate is a soluble carbohydrate including pectin.

5. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the soluble carbohydrates are present in an amount less than about 30%, in a range of about 1% to about 30%.

6. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the soluble carbohydrate is present in a range of about 1% to about 10%, or about 3% to about 8%.

7. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the soluble carbohydrate is present in a range of about 10% to about 30%, about 14% to about 25%, about 15% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 27%.

8. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the lignin is present in a range of about 1% to 30%, about 1% to about 26%, about 1% to about 25%, about 2% to about 7%, or about 3% to about 6%.

9. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the food waste further comprises protein in the range of about 1% to about 20%.

10. 8. The biodegradable disposable article or method of claim 7, wherein the food waste further comprises protein in the range of about 1% to about 10%, about 2% to about 10%, or about 3% to about 10%.

11. 7. The biodegradable disposable article or method of claim 6, wherein the food waste further comprises protein in the range of about 10% to about 20%, or about 13% to about 19%.

12. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the food waste further comprises fat in the range of at least 1%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 12%, or about 1% to about 11%.

13. 8. The biodegradable disposable article or method of claim 7, wherein the food waste further comprises fat in the range of about 1% to about 5%, or about 1% to about 4%.

14. 7. The biodegradable disposable article or method of claim 6, wherein the food waste further comprises fat in the range of about 4% to about 12%, about 4% to about 11%.

15. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the food waste has an ADF content of at least about 9%, or at least about 10%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, or about 40% to 50%.

16. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the particulate solid material is placed in a preheated mold that is heated to a temperature of at least 150°C.

17. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the food waste comprises hemicellulose in an amount of less than about 60%, less than about 50%, or less than about 40%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 20% to about 60%, from about 25% to about 60%, or from about 10% to about 40%.

18. The particulate solid material has a viscosity of about 5000 kg / cm ２ ~Approx. 1000000kg / cm ２ , about 5000kg / cm ２ ~Approx. 100000kg / cm ２ , about 20000kg / cm ２ ~Approx. 1000000kg / cm ２ , or about 20,000 kg / cm ２ ~Approx. 100000kg / cm ２ 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the biodegradable disposable article is molded under a pressure in the range of

19. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the particulate solid material is molded at a temperature in the range of 150°C to about 300°C, or in the range of about 200°C to about 300°C.

20. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the particulate solid material is molded for at least 1 second, and preferably for at least 10 seconds.

21. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the naturally occurring food waste comprises one or more of the following: citrus peels, including orange peels and lemon peels, avocado seeds, pineapple skins, pineapple tops, wheat bran, coffee bean shells, spent coffee grounds, and barley bran.

22. 3. The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein the food waste has a moisture content of less than about 2%, or from 0.1% to about 1%.

23. Food waste, cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 30%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 1% to about 30%; Protein in an amount of about 1% to about 20%; Fat in an amount of about 1% to about 15% The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, comprising:

24. Food waste, cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 25%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 10% to about 30%; Protein in an amount of about 1% to about 10%; Fat in an amount of about 1% to about 5% The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, comprising:

25. Food waste, cellulose in an amount of about 5% to about 26%; soluble carbohydrates, including pectin, in an amount of about 1% to about 10%; protein in an amount of about 10% to about 20%; Fat in an amount of about 4% to about 11% The biodegradable disposable article of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, comprising:

26. 1. A method of forming a biodegradable disposable article, comprising: recovering unmodified and naturally occurring food waste comprising cellulose and / or hemicellulose in the range of about 5% to about 70% by weight, less than about 80% by weight carbohydrates, and at least about 2% by weight lignin; Optionally, heating and dehydrating the food waste to obtain dehydrated or dried food waste; placing the particulate solid material in a mold, wherein the mold is subjected to a temperature of at least about 150°C and a pressure of at least 20 kg / cm ２ a pressure of A method comprising:

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