Chapter 18 - Biodegradable polymers- a greener approach for food packaging

Abstract

Traditional petrochemical polymers are not biodegradable and pose a serious risk to both human health and the environment. Biodegradable polymers come as a rescue in this regard as the alternative. This chapter provides a brief introduction, history, characteristics/criteria, and types of food packaging. Moreover, the need for and importance of biodegradable packaging has been discussed. Several polysaccharides, protein, and lipid-based biopolymers have been thoroughly discussed emphasizing their uses for food packaging. In addition, the role of the different ingredients used in the modification of biopolymers has been reported. Furthermore, different fabrication technologies employed in biodegradable packaging have been narrated. The different characterization and testing methodologies of the packaging material have also been summarized. However, the limitations of using biopolymers have also been explained. Moreover, the recent trends or advances made in packaging techniques have been jotted down. Overall, this review article gives an outline of all the vital elements referring to biodegradable food packaging.