Abstract
Performance requirements for packaging films may include barrier properties, transparency, flexibility, and tensile strength. Conventional packaging materials, such as plastic films and laminates, are typically made from petroleum-based polymers. Currently, there is a drive to develop sustainable packaging materials. These alternative materials must be able to be manufactured economically and on a commercial scale, exhibit barrier properties and transparency, and provide adequate mechanical performance. As a biobased, renewable material, cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) are ideally suited to be used in sustainable packaging applications. CNs include cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and each can provide benefit to packaging films. Manufactured CNF films can be used as packaging films or laminates and have been shown to have good strength properties and good barrier properties, particularly at low humidity. Both CNCs and CNFs can be added to other polymers to improve strength and barrier properties. The flexibility of CNs to be used in a variety of ways in packaging applications has resulted in considerable attention and research activity. This article summarizes the current applicability for CNs in packaging films and discusses the future trends and opportunities for these materials.
Highlights
The U.S plastic film industry has been forecast to grow to 15.4 billion pounds with a value estimated at $24.9 billion by 2018 [1]
As we look to use renewable resources to fulfill our material needs, there becomes a growing interest in replacing petroleum-based polymers with sustainable materials [3]
There are two different types of cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) extracted from lignocellulosics that are applicable to packaging films: cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nano crystals (CNCs), each of which exhibits different properties
Summary
The U.S plastic film industry has been forecast to grow to 15.4 billion pounds with a value estimated at $24.9 billion by 2018 [1] This includes applications such as food packaging, medical packaging, and consumer goods such as trash bags. As we look to use renewable resources to fulfill our material needs, there becomes a growing interest in replacing petroleum-based polymers with sustainable materials [3]. Sustainable packaging materials, those that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable, must be both environmentally acceptable and commercially viable [4]. Cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) have great potential for use in packaging applications which maintain product quality, increase product safety, and provide convenience in an environmentally friendly way
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