Advances in Eco-friendlyMaterials for SustainablePackaging and Single-Use Utensils: A Decade of Innovation in Preparation,Characterization, and Applications

Nano-scale innovations in packaging: Properties, types, and applications of nanomaterials for the future

Eugenol embedded zein and poly(lactic acid) film as active food packaging: Formation, characterization, and antimicrobial effects

Our living environment is being increasingly polluted by petroleum-based plastics and there is an increasing demand for biodegradable food packaging. In this study, the effect of various ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) treatments (0, 200 and 400 MPa) on the microstructure and thermal, barrier and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ZnO nanocomposite films was studied. The film-forming solution was processed using UHP technology. The crystallinity, strength and stiffness of the composite film after UHP treatment increased. In addition, barrier property analysis showed that the UHP treatment significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the oxygen permeability and water vapor permeability (WVP) coefficient of the PLA/ZnO nanocomposite film. Furthermore, the WVP value of the film treated at 400 MPa (50 g kg-1 nano-ZnO content) was the lowest and reduced by 47.3% compared with that of pure PLA film. The improvement in these properties might be due to the interaction between nano-ZnO and PLA matrix promoted by UHP treatment. Therefore, the application of UHP technology on the film-forming solution could improve the crystallinity and functional properties of the nanocomposite film, and has great potential in the production of food packaging films with ideal functions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The development of biodegradable packaging is a challenge, as conventional plastics have many advantages in terms of high flexibility, transparency, low cost, strong mechanical characteristics, and high resistance to heat compared with most biodegradable plastics. The quality of biodegradable materials and the research needed for their improvement for meat packaging were critically evaluated in this study. In terms of sustainability, biodegradable packagings are more sustainable than conventional plastics; however, most of them contain unsustainable chemical additives. Cellulose showed a high potential for meat preservation due to high moisture control. Polyhydroxyalkanoates and polylactic acid (PLA) are renewable materials that have been recently introduced to the market, but their application in meat products is still limited. To be classified as an edible film, the mechanical properties and acceptable control over gas and moisture exchange need to be improved. PLA and cellulose-based films possess the advantage of protection against oxygen and water permeation; however, the addition of functional substances plays an important role in their effects on the foods. Furthermore, the use of packaging materials is increasing due to consumer demand for natural high-quality food packaging that serves functions such as extended shelf-life and contamination protection. To support the importance moving toward biodegradable packaging for meat, this review presented novel perspectives regarding ecological impacts, commercial status, and consumer perspectives. Those aspects are then evaluated with the specific consideration of regulations and perspective in the European Union (EU) for employing renewable and ecological meat packaging materials. This review also helps to highlight the situation regarding biodegradable food packaging for meat in the EU specifically.

Initially, non-degradable plastics have been employed to fulfil the demand for food packaging. However, increasing environmental concerns associated with conventional packaging materials have prompted a search for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable polymer-based materials are emerging as significant options for packaging applications that align with the principles of sustainable development. Nevertheless, these materials frequently exhibit limitations in their properties when applied to food packaging. In response to these challenges, the development of bio-nanocomposites offers a novel approach to enhancing the properties of biodegradable materials. Incorporating nanosized fillers into biodegradable polymer matrices can facilitate the production of bio-nanocomposite food packaging. Carbon-based nanofillers have become a prominent strategy for generating nanocomposites with improved functionalities among the various methodologies. Noteworthy carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and graphitic carbon nitride have been identified as effective agents for enhancing the performance characteristics of biodegradable packaging. The present review aims to elucidate recent advancements concerning the impact of carbon-based nanomaterials on the barrier, functional, mechanical, thermal, visual, and biodegradability properties of polymers, particularly in the context of biodegradable food packaging applications, while also providing insights into future directions in this field.

Ginger oil and lime peel oil loaded PBAT/PLA via cast-extrusion as shrimp active packaging: Microbial and melanosis inhibition

Improved mechanical, functional and antimicrobial properties of corn starch-based biodegradable nanocomposites films reinforced with lemongrass oil nanoemulsion and starch nano-crystal

Conventional plastic packaging, while effective in food preservation, poses significant environmental threats due to its non-biodegradable nature. In response, biodegradable packaging materials enhanced with nanotechnology have emerged as promising alternatives, offering sustainable and functional solutions to extend food shelf-life. This paper reviews recent advancements in nano-enhanced biodegradable packaging, focusing on materials such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA) integrated with nanoparticles like nanoclay, silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. The inclusion of these nanoparticles significantly improves mechanical strength, barrier properties, and antimicrobial activity, thus effectively delaying spoilage and enhancing food safety. Experimental results from recent studies demonstrate improved shelf-life and reduced microbial contamination compared to conventional biodegradable and non-biodegradable packaging. Despite their potential, concerns regarding nanoparticle migration, consumer acceptance, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness must be addressed to facilitate widespread adoption. Overall, nano-enhanced biodegradable packaging represents a critical advancement toward sustainable food preservation technologies.

This work investigates the construction of biodegradable packaging film based on polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with a novel antibacterial hybrid nanofiller to improve barrier and mechanical properties. The study focuses on incorporating silver‐ingrained silica particles (Ag–In–Si) into PLA matrix to prepare the packaging film (Ag–In–SiPLA) that has superior antibacterial, and barrier property with negligible oxygen and water vapour penetration. The Ag was synthesized using natural neem leaf extract as a reducing agent. To ingrain silver over rice husk silica (Si) an in situ technique was adopted. Hence called Ag‐In‐Si bio‐filler. The Ag–In–SiPLA films were fabricated using melt blending and sheet extrusion methods by means of a micro‐compounder. The addition of rice husk silica served the purpose of cost‐effectiveness of the packaging film along with the enhancement of the oxygen and water barrier properties of the films. The optimized sample (PLA loaded with 3% Ag–In–Si), exhibited optimum transparency, moisture resistance, and barrier properties compared with control PLA film. The experiments on Muntingia calabura (Jamaica cherry) preservation have verified the remarkable effectiveness of Ag–In–SiPLA films in preserving their quality for an extended period. These biodegradable packaging films, composed of food‐grade materials and sustainable ingredients, have the potential to provide a compostable and environmentally friendly solution for various packaging applications. This research shed light on the antibacterial Ag–In–SiPLA film as a long‐term, high‐performance fruit packaging solution.Highlights Novel antibacterial PLA composite with enhanced barrier and mechanical properties. Silver‐ingrained silica particles improve antibacterial and barrier properties. Green synthesis of silver using neem leaf extract Melt blending and sheet extrusion used to create cost‐effective packaging films. Ag–In–SiPLA films extend Muntingia calabura preservation, proving effective.

Ternary PLA–PHB–Limonene blends intended for biodegradable food packaging applications

To mitigate the escalating environmental pollution caused by plastic packaging films and the associated health risks of the migration of microplastics into food, the development of biodegradable food packaging materials has been recognized as an urgent research priority. In this review, recent advancements in chitosan-anthocyanin composite films (C-As) over the past decade are systematically summarized. First, the key antibacterial and antioxidant mechanisms of chitosan and anthocyanins that contribute to their functional properties are elucidated. Next, the influence of anthocyanin incorporation on the physicochemical characteristics of C-As, including mechanical strength, barrier properties, and thermal stability, is examined. Furthermore, the controlled release behavior of anthocyanins within these C-As and their implications for prolonged bioactivity are explored. Finally, the practical applications of these films in preserving fresh food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meat, are discussed. This review provides a comprehensive framework for designing and optimizing chitosan-anthocyanin-based packaging materials, offering valuable insights for developing sustainable, high-performance food preservation strategies with significant industrial and environmental implications.

In recent years, scientists have focused on research to replace petroleum-based components plastics, in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner, with plant-derived biopolymers offering suitable mechanical properties. Moreover, due to high environmental pollution, global warming, and the foreseen shortage of oil supplies, the quest for the formulation of biobased, non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer films is still emerging. Several biopolymers from varied natural resources such as starch, cellulose, gums, agar, milk, cereal, and legume proteins have been used as eco-friendly packaging materials for the substitute of non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic-based packaging materials. Among all biopolymers, starch is an edible carbohydrate complex, composed of a linear polymer, amylose, and amylopectin. They have usually been considered as a favorite choice of material for food packaging applications due to their excellent forming ability, low cost, and environmental compatibility. Although the film prepared from bio-polymer materials improves the shelf life of commodities by protecting them against interior and exterior factors, suitable barrier properties are impossible to attain with single polymeric packaging material. Therefore, the properties of edible films can be modified based on the hydrophobic–hydrophilic qualities of biomolecules. Certain chemical modifications of starch have been performed; however, the chemical residues may impart toxicity in the food commodity. Therefore, in such cases, several plant-derived polymeric combinations could be used as an effective binary blend of the polymer to improve the mechanical and barrier properties of packaging film. Recently, scientists have shown their great interest in underutilized plant-derived mucilage to synthesize biodegradable packaging material with desirable properties. Mucilage has a great potential to produce a stable polymeric network that confines starch granules that delay the release of amylose, improving the mechanical property of films. Therefore, the proposed review article is emphasized on the utilization of a blend of source and plant-derived mucilage for the synthesis of biodegradable packaging film. Herein, the synthesis process, characterization, mechanical properties, functional properties, and application of starch and mucilage-based film are discussed in detail.

To improve the tensile properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biodegradable packaging film, mango seed wax (MSW), an agro‐industrial waste from the mango fruit processing industry has been used as a plasticizing additive. Four different weight ratios of MSW (3, 5, 7, and 9 wt%) in pristine PLA were considered for optimization. The mechanical properties comprising tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus were studied. Characterizations such as Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry were studied. Oxidation induction time (OIT) analysis of samples was also conducted. Other studies such as thermal, barrier, and optical properties were also evaluated. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed better compatibility between MSW and PLA matrices. A small decrease in glass transition temperature (10%), and melting point (3%) was observed when increasing the percentage of MSW in PLA. Moreover, the visual transparency of MSW/PLA systems was intact when increasing the loading. The addition of 9% MSW results in a 700% enhancement in elongation at break than that of pristine PLA. The optimized sample (PLA with 5% MSW) showed a 26% improvement in the hydrophobicity of the PLA matrix. The barrier properties (55.6% in WVTR and 10% in oxygen transmission rate (OTR) were also improved by the presence of MSW. These are promising systems as a suitable material for biodegradable food packaging thermoplastic material.

Effect of plant extracts on the techno-functional properties of biodegradable packaging films

Valorization of agricultural residues in the development of biodegradable active packaging films