Bio-based Packaging Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Black Seed/Cassava Bagasse Fiber-Reinforced Cornstarch-Based Hybrid Composites

Great advances have been made in the preparation of bioplastics and crude oil replacements to create a better and more sustainable and eco-friendly future for all. Here, we used cassava bagasse fibers at different ratios as reinforcement material to enhance the properties of black seed w-cornstarch films using the facile solution casting technique. The reinforced films showed compact and relatively smoother structures without porosity. The crystallinity values increased from 34.6 ± 1.6% of the control to 38.8 ± 2.1% in sample CS-BS/CB 9%, which reflects the mechanical properties of the composite. A gradual increase in tensile strength and elastic modulus was observed, with an increase in loading amounts of 14.07 to 18.22 MPa and 83.65 to 118.32 MPa for the tensile strength and elastic modulus, respectively. The composite film also exhibited faster biodegradation in the soil burial test, in addition to lower water absorption capacity. Using bio-based reinforcement material could significantly enhance the properties of bio-based packaging materials. The prepared hybrid composite could have a promising potential in food packaging applications as a safe alternative for conventional packaging.

A Conceptual Framework of the Sustainability Challenges Experienced during the Life Cycle of Biobased Packaging Products

Biobased packaging products are framed as products that have environmental value. They are promoted by many institutions and companies as a way of addressing climate change challenges by decreasing carbon footprints and providing alternatives for the fossil fuel-based economy. The use of biobased packaging products has started to become widespread, and they are increasingly commercially available. Despite the acknowledged benefits of such products, there are several challenges associated with the use of them. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of biobased packaging products and presents a conceptual framework of the sustainability challenges experienced over their life cycles. The framework categorizes the identified challenges by their environmental, social, and economic impact, as well in terms of the different life cycle stages, from beginning of life to middle of life to end of life. In addition to increasing the understanding of the challenges associated with biobased packaging materials and their use, the proposed framework benefits the analysis of these challenges in different organizations, the identification of potential greenwashing, and the development of mitigation strategies to overcome the challenges. Furthermore, this study reveals gaps in the literature to be considered in future research into biobased packaging products.

Property evaluation of bacterial cellulose nanostructures produced from confectionery wastes

Bacterial cellulose (BC) was produced using crude confectionery waste hydrolysates. The highest BC concentration (5.7 g/L) was achieved by Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans cultivated in static cultures at carbon to free amino nitrogen ratio of 24.5 g/g and pH 5. BC was treated with H2SO4, HCl and combined H2SO4-HCl at varying hydrolysis times to produce BC nanostructures (BCNs). FTIR spectra of all BCNs demonstrated typical cellulose vibration bands, while the peaks at 709 cm−1 and 746 cm−1 indicated the presence of Iα and Ιβ allomorphs. Dynamic light scattering analysis showed polydispersity, while lower hydrodynamic radiuses (Rh) of 56 nm and 385 nm were observed in the case of H2SO4-assisted hydrolysis after 48 h. The crystallinity index (CrI) of BC (77.9%) was lower than that of BCNs, which demonstrated CrIs up to 98.1%. The ζ-potential values of BCNs reached up to − 34.3 mV after 48 h hydrolysis using H2SO4. SEM micrographs showed rodlike-shaped nanocrystals with a strong tendency towards aggregation and overlapping. Overall, ex-situ modification of waste derived BC led to effective nanostructures production with distinct properties and potential applications as bio-based packaging reinforcing agent.

Effect of High-Pressure Processing on the Packaging Properties of Biopolymer-Based Films: A Review.

Suitable packaging material in combination with high-pressure processing (HPP) can retain nutritional and organoleptic qualities besides extending the product’s shelf life of food products. However, the selection of appropriate packaging materials suitable for HPP is tremendously important because harsh environments like high pressure and high temperature during the processing can result in deviation in the visual and functional properties of the packaging materials. Traditionally, fossil-based plastic packaging is preferred for the HPP of food products, but these materials are of serious concern to the environment. Therefore, bio-based packaging systems are proposed to be a promising alternative to fossil-based plastic packaging. Some studies have scrutinized the impact of HPP on the functional properties of biopolymer-based packaging materials. This review summarizes the HPP application on biopolymer-based film-forming solutions and pre-formed biopolymer-based films. The impact of HPP on the key packaging properties such as structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties in addition to the migration of additives from the packaging material into food products were systemically analyzed. HPP can be applied either to the film-forming solution or preformed packages. Structural, mechanical, hydrophobic, barrier, and thermal characteristics of the films are enhanced when the film-forming solution is exposed to HPP overcoming the shortcomings of the native biopolymers-based film. Also, biopolymer-based packaging mostly PLA based when exposed to HPP at low temperature showed no significant deviation in packaging properties indicating the suitability of their applications. HPP may induce the migration of packaging additives and thus should be thoroughly studied. Overall, HPP can be one way to enhance the properties of biopolymer-based films and can also be used for packaging food materials intended for HPP.

Effect of interactions of locust bean gum and rosehip juice on the physical properties of gum tragacanth composite films

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the synergistic effect of natural polysaccharide hydrocolloids of locust bean gum and tragacanth gum combined with rosehip juice. It was shown that tragacantha gum has an excellent film-forming properties at low concentration and forms water-soluble, thin and transparent edible films with high application potential, which was demonstrated by selected physical properties of composite films obtained from a mixture of gum tragacanth and locust bean gum. Optical (color and opacity), thermal (thermogravimetric analysis), water vapor permeability and sorption kinetics were determined. The thickness of the films depends on the composition of the films, the process conditions, as well as the application techniques. The addition of locust bean gum resulted in an increase in the water content and consequently more elastic and less brittle gum tragacanth films. Films made only of gum tragacanth were characterized by greater hygroscopicity, as opposed to composite films. As the concentration of gum tragacanth increases, the value of water vapor permeability also increases, and the share of locust bean gum in the films caused the permeability to decrease. Composite films had a lighter color compared to those of pure gum tragacanth, and the carob contributed to a more transparent film and slower thermal degradation. In the films obtained, a synergistic effect was observed between the biopolymers in all the ratios used, and the addition of locust bean gum and rosehip juice had a strong influence on the properties of the obtained edible films. Practical applications The potential of using gum tragacanth to create edible films and coatings through their appropriate modification and optimization of the composition ratio of the created composites can become a challenge for their use in the food packaging industry. This study will be constructive for further research work focused on films and coatings and their application as protective coatings or bio-based packaging films.

Biobased Food Packaging Materials: Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Petrochemical Packaging Materials: A Review

Plastics as a packaging material in the food industry is highly preferable, but due to environmental concerns and government legislation, there is a need to develop biobased biodegradable packaging materials. This review includes the sources of biopolymers, methods of productions, future and applications of biobased packaging materials in food packaging. As bioplastic materials have some limitations in terms of mechanical and barrier properties in comparison with synthetic plastics. These limitations can be overcome by using suitable fillers, nanocomposites and certain additives in bioplastics production. The development of bioplastic has a high potential to replace non-biodegradable plastic packaging. Biopolymer with synthetic polymers blends is also an emerging area of research. Bench casting and continuous casting are the popular methods for bioplastic production in the scientific community. According to the global production capacities of the bioplastics report, the present bioplastics production is only 2% of the production volume of the synthetic polymers, it will increase 4% until 2023.

Multilayers of Renewable Nanostructured Materials with High Oxygen and Water Vapor Barriers for Food Packaging.

Natural biopolymers have become key players in the preparation of biodegradable food packaging. However, biopolymers are typically highly hydrophilic, which imposes limitations in terms of barrier properties that are associated with water interactions. Here, we enhance the barrier properties of biobased packaging using multilayer designs, in which each layer displays a complementary barrier function. Oxygen, water vapor, and UV barriers were achieved using a stepwise assembly of cellulose nanofibers, biobased wax, and lignin particles supported by chitin nanofibers. We first engineered several designs containing CNFs and carnauba wax. Among them, we obtained low water vapor permeabilities in an assembly containing three layers, i.e., CNF/wax/CNF, in which wax was present as a continuous layer. We then incorporated a layer of lignin nanoparticles nucleated on chitin nanofibrils (LPChNF) to introduce a complete barrier against UV light, while maintaining film translucency. Our multilayer design which comprised CNF/wax/LPChNF enabled high oxygen (OTR of 3 ± 1 cm3/m2·day) and water vapor (WVTR of 6 ± 1 g/m2·day) barriers at 50% relative humidity. It was also effective against oil penetration. Oxygen permeability was controlled by the presence of tight networks of cellulose and chitin nanofibers, while water vapor diffusion through the assembly was regulated by the continuous wax layer. Lastly, we showcased our fully renewable packaging material for preservation of the texture of a commercial cracker (dry food). Our material showed functionality similar to that of the original packaging, which was composed of synthetic polymers.

Development of active packaging films based on liquefied shrimp shell chitin and polyvinyl alcohol containing β-cyclodextrin/cinnamaldehyde inclusion

To maintain the freshness of fruits and to meet environmental and consumer needs, a biobased packaging film with long-lasting antimicrobial activity was developed in this article. Liquefied ball-milled shrimp shell chitin/polyvinyl alcohol (LBSC/PVA) blend films containing varying concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 wt%) of the β-cyclodextrin/cinnamaldehyde (β-CD/CA) inclusion were prepared and characterized. The association between β-CD and CA and the sustained release behavior of CA were explored. The physicochemical property, antimicrobial activity and food preservation performance of the films were investigated. Results showed that CA was successfully encapsulated into the cavity of CD by host-guest interactions, which greatly improved the sustained release of CA. The 3 wt% β-CD/CA/LBSC/PVA blend film showed optimized mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 41.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 810 %. In addition, the incorporation of β-CD/CA inclusion significantly enhanced the antimicrobial activity and food preservation performance of the blend films. Moreover, the 3 wt% β-CD/CA/LBSC/PVA blend film exhibited evidently longer lasting antimicrobial activity and cherry tomato preservation performance than the 3 wt% CA/LBSC/PVA blend film, further demonstrating the critical role of β-CD in delaying CA release. These novel β-CD/CA/LBSC/PVA blend films may have a potential use in active food packaging.

Challenges for Sustainability in Packaging of Fresh Vegetables in Organic Farming

The policy of circular economy focuses on phasing out fossil-based packaging and replacing it with more sustainable alternatives. Companies face the challenge of choosing packaging for their products that are functional and affordable, and place relatively less pressure on the environment. This is especially important for organic farms that make voluntary commitments to undertake sustainable decisions regarding practices and methods of farming and types of packaging used. This publication attempts to analyze the determinants of the choices of sustainable packaging solutions made by organic farming companies with the example of Scilly Organic, an organic micro farm from the Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom—a producer of organic vegetables. There are many options for fresh vegetable packaging, which include fossil-based packaging, bio-based packaging, and packaging manufactured from material that is a mixture of synthetic, natural, or modified polymers. Biodegradable packaging, including compostable ones, is currently of particular interest because, when separated and disposed of in the correct manner in the waste management phase, they have sustainability potential. Biodegradable plastics constitute over 55.5% of global bioplastics production. Packaging is the largest market segment for bioplastic, with 48% of the total bioplastics market in 2021. Although the use of biobased packaging brings some advantages, it also comes with certain limitations that are the subject of intensive research. In this publication, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool was used and a critical review of the literature was carried out. Based on the analysis, the key factors and aspects influencing the environmental performance of selected types of packaging were identified. The LCA was carried out for the three selected packaging types, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags, polylactic acid (PLA) bags, and polyester starch biopolymer (PCSB) bags. The research showed that the selection of more sustainable packaging is not straightforward. The analysis performed was the basis for providing recommendations for improving the sustainability of organic farms with regard to the selection of packaging for fresh vegetables. The critical processes in the life cycle that have to be considered are, in the first place, the production of polymer-based materials, and to a lesser extent, the production of the packaging bags and post-consumption waste utilization. In the case of PLA bags, 51% of the total impact is attributed to the production of polymer material. For starch polyester bags, this share is 58%, and for LDPE it constitutes 41% of the total score. At the same time, the choice of packaging should be made in the context of the specific properties of the packaging material, the requirements for disposal methods, and local waste management systems.

Recent trends in nanotechnology applications of bio-based packaging

Nanotechnology has reached to almost every sector and amazed the world by offering various potential applications in these sectors. Since nanostructure materials have been known for their unique physical and chemical properties and enhanced performance, hence preferred over their macrostructure counterparts. Food industry is one of the areas in which nanotechnology has transformed the way of preserving, processing, testing and packaging of foods. Nanotechnology based advanced packaging has made it possible to transport food items safely without spoiling the taste, nutrition and quality. Moreover, it also prevents contamination and sustains mechanical, physiological, physical and chemical properties of food items. Various nanomaterials have been used in food packaging to provide improved, active, bio-based, and smart/intelligent packaging. Smart/intelligent packaging ensures food safety by detecting contamination, gases, moisture, temperature and other food parameters by means of sensors. On the other hand, bio-based packaging employs biodegradable and biocompatible packaging material in place of conventional plastic for the protection from any kind of food spoilage. Although, more efforts are needed to resolve cost and other property related issues of bio-based packaging materials. There are many studies available on nanopackaging such as improved, active and intelligent packaging but only a few have focused on bio-based packaging. Bio-based packaging is next generation packaging that encourages the use of natural polymers instead of conventional plastics. This paper summarizes different types of nanopackaging materials with special focus on bio-based packaging and unique features and attributes of improved, active and intelligent packaging. Recent advances in bio-based packaging and presumed risk of nanoparticle migration have also been discussed.

Morphology and permeability of bio-based poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blend films control shelf-life of packaged bread

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) were blended to produce bio-based packaging via blown-film extrusion. Blend ratios modified morphology, crystallinity and relaxation temperatures (T α ) of the films. Binary mixtures caused phase separation and non-homogeneous fibrous microstructures of immiscible polymers. Bio-based blend films containing LLDPE (LLDPE/PBAT and LLDPE/PBS) gave less homogeneous structures than PBAT/PBS films. The formation of oriented fibrous networks subsequently controlled mechanical and barrier properties of the blend films. LLDPE blending modified C=O carbonyl groups in PBAT and PBS, forming voids in topographic images indicating incompatibility. PBAT and PBS blends showed good compatibility and adhesion of polymer interface, causing smooth and compact structures with minimal surface roughness. Incorporation of PBAT and PBS sharply reduced crystallinity of LLDPE/PBAT and LLDPE/PBS films. LLDPE/PBAT blends had lower T α than neat PBAT and LLDPE, while T α of PBAT/PBS blends proportionally decreased at increasing PBS which indicated diverse polymer miscibility and molecular mobility. Water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) fitted with polynomial and exponential equations, respectively and depended on blend ratios. Films containing higher PBS had combined higher WVP and lower OP, delaying fungal growth in packaged bread due to dehydration. Ratios of PBAT, PBS and LLDPE blend films clearly affected mold growth and crumb hardness during storage. Regardless of film components, the firmness of bread crumbs increased linearly with package WVP. Conversely, mold growth had insignificant correlation with OP. Moisture loss from bread crumbs due to high WVP showed dominant effects on microbial growth. Blending PBAT and PBS modified the morphology and permeability of bio-based films and increased the shelf-life of packaged bread. • Systematic investigations for packaging properties in bio-based PBAT/PBS/PE blends. • FTIR intensity ratios effectively monitor bonding and morphology modifications. • H 2 O and O 2 permeability in PBAT/PBS/PE blends fitted to cubic and exponential model. • Hardness of packaged bread linearly increased with water vapor permeability. • Water vapor permeability majorly affected mold growth and increasing crumb hardness.

Development and characterization of PLA and Cassava starch‐based novel biodegradable film used for food packaging application

Pure starch like PLA is an outstanding substitute to prepare packaging film, nevertheless, because of its greater hydrophilicity, mixing it with other starch become essential. Cassava is a root vegetable that is an excellent source of starch, and it can be used to prepare bio-based packaging materials. The packaging films were developed by blown film extrusion method using 10% and 20% cassava starch, blended with PLA. The water vapor barrier property, and other physico-chemical properties of the packaging films were determined, and it was observed that the film characteristics of PLA and Cassava starch up to 20%, were equally suitable for packaging application to virgin PLA-based film. The biodegradable film developed for MA packaging, had a potential to retain the quality attributes of capsicum up to 12 and 24 days at 25°C and 8°C, respectively as compared to the shelf-life of unpackaged capsicum viz. 4 and 9 days at respective temperatures. Novelty impact statement The film characteristics like haze %, tensile strength, OTR and WVTR parameters for PLA, and 20% cassava starch were found to be 89.68%, 25.16 MPa, 123.92 cc/m2/day, and 217 gm/m2/day, respectively. The physico-chemical characteristics of the developed packaging films were found to be better as compared to other starch and PLA blended film. The outcomes of biodegradable film-based MA packaging were compared to a non-biodegradable film-based MA packaging of capsicum, it was observed that the application of biodegradable film offers a new alternative over the non-biodegradable polymeric film for MA packaging of fresh produce without compromising its quality.

A Review on Antimicrobial Packaging from Biodegradable Polymer Composites.

The development of antimicrobial packaging has been growing rapidly due to an increase in awareness and demands for sustainable active packaging that could preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of foods and products. The addition of highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles, antifungals, and antioxidants to biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers has become a significant advancement trend for the packaging evolution. Impregnation of antimicrobial agents into the packaging film is essential for impeding or destroying the pathogenic microorganisms causing food illness and deterioration. Higher safety and quality as well as an extended shelf life of sustainable active packaging desired by the industry are further enhanced by applying the different types of antimicrobial packaging systems. Antimicrobial packaging not only can offer a wide range of advantages, but also preserves the environment through usage of renewable and biodegradable polymers instead of common synthetic polymers, thus reducing plastic pollution generated by humankind. This review intended to provide a summary of current trends and applications of antimicrobial, biodegradable films in the packaging industry as well as the innovation of nanotechnology to increase efficiency of novel, bio-based packaging systems.

Novel active biopackaging incorporated with macerate of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) to extend shelf-life of stored Atlantic salmon fillets (Salmo salar L.).

Two antioxidant bio-based packaging materials incorporated with an 8% aqueous solution of carob seed ethanol macerate (CSE) or 8% aqueous solution of carob seed acetone macerate (CSA) were developed. Fresh salmon fillets were packaged in active and control films and stored at refrigeration temperature at 4 ± 1 °C. The quality was evaluated by sensory analysis, color, pH, water holding capacity and drip loss, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total volatile basic nitrogen. The CSE and CSA samples presented satisfactory off-odor and overall acceptability results than the control samples until the 5th storage day. For color analysis, active samples preserved better the characteristics of fresh salmon than the controls during the first storage days. The fresh salmon fillet covered with active packaging presented on the 5th storage day a lower values of pH (6.54 ± 0.05 and 6.60 ± 0.11), drip loss (3.17 ± 0.76 and 2.83 ± 0.29), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (0.056 ± 0.033 and 0.088 ± 0.054) and total volatile basic nitrogen (30.04 ± 3.54 and 32.67 ± 4.81), whereas, the highest water holding capacity values (92.23 ± 1.09 and 92.91 ± 3.07) for CSE and CSA respectively, as compared to those of blank biopackaging.

Biobased materials for active food packaging: A review

A large portion of food is lost due to the damage caused by different environmental factors such as moisture, oxidation, irradiation, microbial contamination, and others. Thus, food should be protected from such damages by developing strategies, such as packaging, to enhance its quality, stability, and shelf-life. The usage of conventional petroleum-based packaging materials is a great risk to health and environmental safety. In contrast, the utilization of biobased films and coatings for food packaging applications could be a safe approach, both from human health and environmental perspective. This review briefly overviews the desired properties of biobased packaging materials. It mainly discusses the potential of different natural (polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins) and synthetic polymers for their film and coating-forming abilities considering their abundance, biological properties (biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic), and morphological and physiological features. It also discusses the role of different additives and nanomaterials for their potential to impart additional structural and functional properties to packaging materials.

Oxygen permeability properties of nanocellulose reinforced biopolymer nanocomposites

Dry powder products are highly sensitive to oxygen and water vapour and must have a long shelf life. Currently, they are vacuum-packaged in sachets whose walls are made of a composite film that stops oxygen and water vapour from entering the package. Most of these composites are not biodegradable, a situation that the most agricultural company now wants to change to gain in sustainability. According to National Geography (2019), every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down. Over the years, there is huge interest in the development and use of biobased packaging materials, however, most of these materials are brittle and have low mechanical properties. Thus, in order to overcome these drawbacks, blended polymers with the reinforcement of nanocellulose are recommended. The aim of this paper is to review packaging films with oxygen barrier properties similar to those of the conventional films but also having biodegradable properties. From the literature, the oxygen permeability coefficient improved with the high strength, modulus, and ductility, as the nanocellulose was reinforcing with biopolymer. This might be due to nanocellulose that contributes to the higher stretchability of the composite biofilms. A fine dispersion of nanocellulose throughout the polymer host promoted several improved properties of the composite biofilms. In addition, nanocellulose had greatly enhanced oxygen and water vapour barrier properties. It would indeed push the usability of biopolymers forward, and certainly, prompt wider application of biodegradable polymers in the fields of environmental protection such as biodegradable food packaging.

Cakes in plastic: A study of implicit associations of compostable bio-based versus plastic food packaging

This paper explores the disjuncture between consumers’ expressed preferences for ecologically benign packaging and their subsequent purchase decisions. We investigate consumers’ attitudes towards compostable bio-based food packaging, in contrast to fossil-based plastic packaging, framing our study within analysis of implicit attitudes. We address a gap in knowledge about the moderating effects of consumers’ reported health consciousness on the relationship between implicit health associations with compostable packaging and subsequent purchase intentions. Specifically, across four studies employing Implicit Associations Tests (IATs), we analyse the relationship between implicit and explicit attitudes, relating packaging associations with consumers’ behavioural intentions. Our findings confirm positive implicit (and explicit) perceptions of compostable bio-based packaging (vs. fossil-based plastic) regardless of the healthiness of the food contained. This is reflected in consumers’ purchase intentions. We build on this to incorporate the effects of consumers’ self-reported health consciousness. We find that low health-conscious consumers are more likely to be guided in their compostable packaging decisions by their unconscious and automatic health-packaging associations, than consumers with high health consciousness. We contribute to policy discussion about effective ways of reducing fossil-based plastic packaging use and note that environmental claims for non-plastic alternatives aimed at consumers with low-health consciousness should make appeals based on health benefits, tapping into implicit attitudes to evoke automatic responses.

Preparation and Characterization of Bioactive Chitosan-Based Films Incorporated with Olive Leaves Extract for Food Packaging Applications

Chitosan films with olive leaf extract (OLE) incorporated at different concentrations were characterized regarding their antimicrobial, antioxidant and some relevant physical properties (i.e., solubility, water vapor permeability, and tensile properties). Results indicate that the active films have substantial antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter jejuni mostly extending the microorganisms lag phase. A lower level of inhibition was found in the case of Escherichia coli. However, the OLE seems not to improve the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of the chitosan itself, except for C. jejuni. These results were confirmed with in situ testing using chicken. The chitosan films with OLE exhibited antioxidant activity, increasing with the OLE concentration, from 0.04 to 0.15 g/L ascorbic acid equivalents, corresponding to films with 10%–30% OLE relative to the chitosan. Chitosan films loaded with OLE exhibited a higher solubility in food simulants and a reduced permeability against water vapor. Overall, the combination of OLE and chitosan allows to obtain a promising active bio-based packaging solution for addressing safety and quality issues.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) of bio-based packaging solutions for extended shelf-life (ESL) milk.

The dairy market is one of the most important sectors worldwide, and milk packaging contributes to over one-third of the global dairy packaging demand. The end of life of the disposable packages is a critical stage of their life cycle, as demonstrated by the fact that disposable bottles are one of the litter items that are most found on beach shores. The aim of this paper is to analyse the performance of bioplastic bottles compared to other alternatives currently in use in the milk packaging sector, using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Bio-compostable plastic can be a powerful means to create a circular economy for disposable items. A PLA-based bottle is compared to a PET bottle, a HDPE bottle, a multilayer carton, and a glass bottle. In the analysis, also secondary and tertiary packaging is included. The functional unit chosen is “the packaging needed to contain 1 L of ESL milk and to guarantee a shelf life of 30 days”. Two sensitivity analyses are also performed in order to assess the influence of the end-of-life stage on the total impact. The results show that, in accordance with the assumptions of an ideal scenario, bioplastic system has a better performance than fossil-based systems and multilayer carton in the categories of climate change, ozone depletion, human toxicity, freshwater eutrophication, particular matter, and land use. The recycling scenario strongly changes the impact of the glass packaging system in the considered categories.

Trends in sustainable biobased packaging materials: a mini review

Petroleum-based polymers have served the packaging industry in numerous ways as films, pouches, rigid containers, foamed containers, and other components for food, medical, and other packaging applications. However, growing concerns about environmental impact, awareness of greenhouse gas emission and their adverse effects, increased oil prices, and disposal and landfill issues are forcing researchers and the industry to develop sustainable packaging. Biobased materials, those derived from biological sources rather than petroleum sources, are ideally suited to meet these new sustainability requirements. Although biobased materials such as paper have been used for packaging extensively, packaging with increased functionality and performance is needed. Therefore, the movement toward sustainable packaging will include both improving current biobased packaging and development of new biobased materials such as biopolymers. The aim of this mini review was to offer a summary of the current state of biobased packaging as well as provide insight into current and future trends of sustainable paper- and bioplastic-based materials for packaging industry.