## 1 Introduction  
The use of plastics is widespread, but it presents significant environmental challenges. The United Nations reports that approximately 11 \(\times\) 10\({}^{9}\) kg of plastic waste enters the oceans annually [1; 2], forming large plastic pollution patches and endangering marine life. A study published in _Science Advances_ reports that the global plastic production has been over 8.3 billion metric tons since the 1950s [3], with only a small portion of it recycled. The remaining plastic waste often ends up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter, taking hundreds of years to decompose. This necessitates the development of biocomposites (BCs) with tailored properties to suit specific applications. Biocomposites, composed of natural-fibre/particle-reinforced polymer matrixes, find diverse applications across various industries [4; 5; 6]. In the automotive sector [7], they contribute to the manufacturing of interior components, like door panels and dashboards, as well as exterior elements, such as body panels. The construction industry [8] benefits from biocomposites in structural elements like beams and insulation materials, as they offer eco-friendly alternatives. The versatile applications of biocomposites in consumer goods, the aerospace industry, electronics, and the medical field underscore their potential to create sustainable solutionsacross various industries [9]. In the biomedical field, surgical instruments benefit from the combination of strength and biocompatibility that they provide [9]. Ongoing research continues to expand the range of applications for these eco-friendly biocomposite materials. The packaging industry has witnessed a surge of interest in incorporating sustainable practices, prompted by mounting environmental concerns [5; 9]. Bioplastics have gained prominence as a promising solution due to their ability to replace fossil fuel-derived plastics and facilitate a transition towards a more sustainable future. The European Commission's Communication on the EU policy framework classifies bioplastics into compostable, biodegradable, and biobased plastics. Among these, there are biobased bioplastics that are non-degradable [10]. However, there are biodegradable biobased bioplastics that are fetching widespread interest [9; 11; 12]. Noteworthy are bioplastic options commonly considered in the packaging industry, which include polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyethylene furanoate, polybutylene succinate, as well as renewable forms of polyethylene and polypropylene [9]. These bioplastics hold immense potential to alleviate environmental pressures and foster a greener trajectory for the packaging sector. One strategy to enhance bioplastics' processing properties and strength involves the incorporation of starch into polyester blends [9; 11]. Nevertheless, the available literature [13] indicates that an elevation in the starch content reduces the tensile strength and melt flow index and also causes an increase in the moisture absorption within starch/polybutylene succinate blends. Furthermore, before blending, the starch must undergo a conversion process to become thermoplastic starch, typically involving the use of glycerol. This conversion process extends the production time and associated costs. The glycerol content is also important in the performance of the blends, as a higher glycerol content tends to shift the blends to the brittle side. However, adding glycerol facilitates the process and enhances the crystallinity content [13]. This research paper aims to investigate the use of tapioca starch and Siam weed, two readily available and renewable resources, as integral components in developing bioplastics with enhanced properties. Tapioca starch (TS), derived from the cassava plant, is widely employed in the production of a bioplastic variant known as thermoplastic starch [13]. TS exhibits desirable characteristics, such as renewability and biodegradability, while offering a processing compatibility akin to conventional plastics.