Role of Green Polymers in Food Packaging

Abstract

The environmental impacts of non-degradable oil-derived polymers cause green polymers to be considered as an alternative. However, the development of bio-based packaging materials depends on different factors such as the global demand for energy and food resources, legislative and political changes. The structure and characteristics of advanced bio-based materials for food packaging applications need to be evaluated to avoid adverse effects during storage. Biodegradable and synthetic polymers are discussed in this review to approve the potential applications of green polymers in food packaging. The major groups of these polymers are briefly characterized regarding the features required for food packaging materials, such as biodegradability, permeability, and mechanical properties based on the information reported in the literature and future perspectives.