Chapter 17 - Biopolymer-Based Composite Packaging Materials with Nanoparticles

Abstract

Concerns on environmental waste problems caused by non-biodegradable petrochemical-based plastic packaging materials as well as consumers' demand for high quality food products has caused an increasing interest in developing biodegradable packaging materials using annually renewable natural biopolymers. However, inherent shortcomings of natural polymer-based packaging materials, such as low mechanical properties and low water resistance, are causing a major limitation for their industrial use. The recent advent of nanocomposite technology raised renewed interest in the use of natural biopolymers in food packaging applications. Polymer nanocomposites, especially natural biopolymer-layered silicate nanocomposites, exhibit markedly improved packaging properties due to their nanometer size dispersion. These improvements include increased mechanical strength, gas barrier, and water resistance without sacrificing the biodegradability and optical clarity of the packaging material. Additionally, biologically active ingredients can be added to impart the desired functional properties to the resulting packaging materials. Such biopolymer-based nanocomposite packaging materials with bio-functional properties have huge potential for application in the active food packaging industry.