Development of Greaseproof Paper from Banana Pseudostem Fiber for Packaging of Butter

A study was undertaken to make greaseproof packaging paper using banana pseudostem fiber. Kraft pulp produced from banana fiber was beaten to the freeness of 60°SR and 70°SR, and handsheets (40 ± 1 g/m2) produced were coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (3% and 5% w/v) and sodium alginate (3% and 5% w/v). Handsheets were compared based on differences in their mechanical (tensile index and bursting strength) and barrier properties (contact angle, grease resistance, and air resistance). Significant differences among the treatment were found for all the responses studied. Results obtained for ‘turpentine oil test’ showed that handsheets made at 70°SR and subsequently coated with 3% and 5% carboxymethyl cellulose had grease resistance properties. It was observed that handsheets (70°SR) coated with 5% carboxymethyl cellulose possess maximum tensile index (65.00 ± 3.46 Nm/g), burst strength (3.76 ± 0.21 kg/cm2), contact angle (41.27 ± 0.45º), and air resistance (29.95 ± 0.38 s/100 ml). However, if the amount of coating absorbed per unit area of the sheet is taken into consideration, handsheets produced with 70ºSR pulp freeness in combination with 3% carboxymethyl cellulose coating seem to be more efficient and can be used for packaging of butter.