Abstract
The use of biodegradable packaging material as an alternative to conventional petrochemical-based polymers is based on the environmental issues associated with conventional materials. This review aims to update the existing knowledge regarding the application of starch-based biodegradable films for food packaging. From the review, it was evident that starch stands out among biopolymers due to its abundance and cost effectiveness. This review is the first of its kind, having reviewed over 100 articles/publications on starch-based biodegradable films, consolidating their current state of research and their applications for food packaging; therefore, this review provides an insight into the utilization of nanomaterials to improve the shelf life of packaging of food.
Highlights
The use of plastic for food packaging in the food industry has shown an annual growth rate of 5% over recent decades
This review succinctly accounted for the current state of research and applications of starch-based biodegradable films for food packaging
The study was motivated by the necessity of finding a substitute for the conventional synthetic plastic currently in use
Summary
The use of plastic for food packaging in the food industry has shown an annual growth rate of 5% over recent decades. Plastic is recorded as the second most widely used material for food packaging [1]. This packaging process is essential as it prevents foods from being infected by microbes, thereby prolonging their shelf life. The food packaging sector is in pursuit of lightweight biodegradable packaging for reducing materials use, waste, and transportation costs. The process of biodegradation (see Figure 1) is engineered by the activities of microorganisms present in the environment. During this process, microorganisms consume degradable plastics, thereby producing carbon dioxide, water, and biomass that is returned to nature by the bio cycle process [2]
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