Biopolymer-based UV protection functional films for food packaging

Abstract

Developing environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging materials is a major challenge in food packaging. Advances in the design of biopolymer composites for packaging applications have been established with considerations such as biodegradability, environmental friendliness, mechanical properties, cost, and safety. Among them, the UV protection properties of composite materials designed for sustainable packaging are very important in protecting the quality of packaged foods from photochemical damage caused by UV rays. UV protection is important to prevent loss or change in the unique chemical, physical and biological properties of foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages throughout the supply chain. The UV protection properties of packaging materials can be controlled by adding small amounts of biocompatible materials with maximum light absorption in the UV region (200–400 nm). This review discusses and summarizes recent information on using UV-blocking materials in food packaging applications. It also highlights the principles of UV light protection and the design of composite films, including the properties and applications of biopolymer composites for UV-protected sustainable packaging. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of sustainable UV protective packaging are also discussed to provide insight into the future of next-generation packaging technologies that will facilitate the commercialization of safe and sustainable biopolymer-based packaging in the food industry.