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ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide due to the non-biodegradable nature of conventional plastics. In Malaysia, plastic waste contributes significantly to environmental degradation, especially in landfills and marine ecosystems. According to global environmental reports, Malaysia is ranked among the top ten countries with the most plastics-polluted oceans, largely caused by the excessive use of single-use plastics and poor waste management practices.

The BioCentella Project was developed as a green innovation that utilizes Centella asiatica (pegaga) extract to produce biodegradable plastics as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials. Therefore, the objective of this research is to formulate bioplastic using natural ingredients such as corn starch, glycerin, agar powder, and Centella asiatica extract, aiming to reduce dependency and promote eco-friendly materials.

The results indicated that BioCentella bioplastics exhibited good flexibility, moderate resistance and faster decomposition compared to conventional plastics. The inclusion of Centella asiatica extract enhanced the texture and slightly delayed microbial degradation, extending its shelf life.

In conclusion, the BioCentella Project demonstrates that natural ingredients can be innovatively applied to create sustainable bioplastics that help mitigate plastics pollution. This green innovation aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters environmental awareness within schools and communities

Keywords: Bioplastics, Centella asiatica, green innovation, biodegradable, sustainability.