Sustainable Packaging Materials Research Articles

Banana Pseudostem: An Innovative and Sustainable Packaging Material: A Review

Banana Pseudostem: An Innovative and Sustainable Packaging Material: A Review

Dimensional and Structural Instability of Electrospun Polylactic Acid Membranes in Liquid Environments: Role of Water, Ethanol, and Temperature

AbstractElectrospun nanofibres of polylactic acid (PLA) are suggested for a variety of uses, including scaffolds for tissue engineering, components of drug delivery devices, sustainable packaging materials and membranes for liquid filtration/purification. For all these applications, it is critical to consider the stability of the PLA electrospun materials once in operation. Exposure to certain liquids and temperatures can modify their dimensions, shape, surface topography and mechanical response and compromise their performance. In this study, electrospun PLA mats were exposed to water and ethanol solutions, at different temperatures and for defined time periods, and changes in their properties were analysed. It was found that the impact of water on area shrinkage and fibre arrangement strongly depended on temperature, particularly if the treatment was performed at the glass transition temperature of PLA. Ethanol, instead, induced significant alterations in the size, morphology, and elastic modulus of the electrospun mats, even at room temperature and determined the formation of crimped structures. This work provides insights into the conditions that can critically affect the properties of PLA electrospun fibres and, hence, impact on their usage.

Biopolymeric Blends of Thermoplastic Starch and Polylactide as Sustainable Packaging Materials.

The improper disposal of plastics is a growing concern due to increasing global environmental problems such as the rise of CO2 emissions, diminishing petroleum sources, and pollution, which necessitates the research and development of biodegradable materials as an alternative to conventional packaging materials. The purpose of this research was to analyse the properties of biodegradable polymer blends of thermoplastic potato starch (TPS) and polylactide, (PLA) without and with the addition of citric acid (CA) as a potential compatibilizer and plasticizer. The prepared blends were subjected to a comprehensive physicochemical characterization, which included: FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determination of thermal and mechanical properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water vapour permeability (WVP), as well as biodegradation testing in soil. The obtained results indicate an improvement in adhesion between the TPS and PLA phases due to the addition of citric acid, better homogeneity of the structure, and greater compatibility of the polymer blends, leading to better thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of the studied biodegradable TPS/PLA polymer blends. After conducting the comprehensive research outlined in this paper, it has been determined that the addition of 5 wt.% of citric acid serves as an effective compatibilizer and plasticizer. This supplementation achieves an optimal equilibrium across thermal, mechanical, morphological, and barrier properties, while also promoting material sustainability through biodegradation. In conclusion, it can be stated that the use of thermoplastic starch in TPS/PLA blends accelerates the biodegradation of PLA as a slowly biodegradable polymer. While the addition of citric acid offers significant advantages for TPS/PLA blends, further research is needed to optimize the formulation and processing parameters to achieve the desired balance between mechanical strength, thermal and barrier properties and biodegradability.

Impact of Food Packaging Materials on the Shelf-Life and Quality of Packaged Food Products

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the choice of packaging material significantly influenced the preservation and quality of food items. Various studies demonstrated that different materials, such as plastics, biodegradable polymers, and paper-based materials, offered distinct advantages depending on the specific food product. While plastics provided excellent barrier properties, concerns over environmental sustainability led to increasing interest in alternative materials. The study emphasized the importance of balancing functional requirements with environmental considerations and highlighted the need for ongoing research and innovation in developing sustainable packaging solutions. Overall, the findings underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the safety, freshness, and sustainability of packaged food products. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Diffusion theory, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Conservation of Resources theory may be used to anchor future studies on food packaging materials on the shelf-life and quality of packaged food products. The study provided several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of food packaging. It recommended further exploration into theoretical frameworks surrounding consumer behavior and perception, as well as the adoption of a holistic approach to packaging design and optimization. Additionally, the study advocated for the development of evidence-based guidelines and regulations, implementation of supply chain traceability initiatives, and labeling regulations to enhance consumer trust and encourage the use of sustainable packaging materials. These recommendations aimed to foster innovation, transparency, and accountability throughout the food packaging value chain to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of packaged food products.

Unlocking the potential of 2D nanomaterials for sustainable intelligent packaging

The demand for high food safety standards, spoilage prevention, and the minimization of food waste has spurred extensive investigation into intelligent food packaging. Within this field, considerable attention has been directed towards two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials owing to their exceptionally thin layered configuration and diverse physicochemical, electrical, optical, and thermal properties. These attributes render 2D nanomaterials highly suitable for enhancing sensing capabilities in intelligent packaging systems. This review delves into the forefront of research concerning the utilization of 2D nanomaterials in intelligent packaging applications. It provides a comprehensive survey of intelligent food packaging concepts and explores various 2D materials, including graphene-based materials, MXene, and silicate clay, investigated for their potential in intelligent packaging systems. Additionally, the review interprets the structure, properties, and utilization of 2D materials in diverse biosensing systems encompassing gas, moisture, pH, and bacteria sensors, indicators, or wireless tags. Moreover, it examines the influence of 2D materials on the mechanical, optical, thermal, barrier, and bioactive properties of smart packaging, while also deliberating on their respective advantages and limitations. By combining these foundational elements, this study offers a distinctive and thorough contribution to the domain of food packaging, laying the groundwork for the future development of sustainable and high-performance packaging materials.

Reinforcement of biodegradable SiO2NPs-modified cellulose-gelatin hydrogel films with antioxidant and antibacterial properties as potential food packaging composite

AbstractThis study proposed an innovative approach to the development of sustainable and biodegradable food packaging materials by incorporating inexpensive nano-silica (SiO2NPs) in designed hydrogel (CSG) film employing biodegradable polymers: synthetic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), natural polymer - carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and protein-based bio-polymer –gelatine, and a commercial crosslinker, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) through a conventional air-dry casting technique. The CSG hydrogel blends were modified with varying amounts of SiO2NPs (0.05g, 0.1g, 0.15g and 0.2g) and compared with the blend without SiO2NPs to determine the effect of SiO2NPs loading through various characterisation techniques and applications including antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Comprehensive characterizations of the CSG films revealed that CSG 0.1 (containing 0.1g SiO2NPs) exhibited the most favourable functional properties, low crystallinity, high flexibility, suitable pore size, thermal stability, adequate tensile strength, elongation at the breaking point and maximum stability by swelling and diffusion test. The addition of SiO2NPs consistently enhanced thermal and mechanical stability in all CSG films. Further, these CSG films were implemented for antioxidant test and antimicrobial activity against gram-positive Bacillus cereus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. SiO2NPs integration significantly elevated the antioxidant capacity in all films, with CSG 0.1 showing ⁓7% improvement. The antimicrobial activity of SiO2NPs-modified CSG films was also notable, with CSG 0.1 effectively inhibiting B. cereus by 1.2cm zone and E. coli by 0.5cm zone. A soil burial test was performed to pattern the biodegradability of CSG hydrogels. Therefore, the outstanding improvements in the intrinsic properties of CSG films, owing to SiO2NPs modification, positioned these CSG hydrogels as promising candidates for advanced food packaging materials in various industries.

Cellulose-based intelligent packaging films with antibacterial, UV-blocking, and biodegradable properties for shrimp freshness monitoring

The development of sustainable and functional packaging materials has become a very promising way to reduce pollution from traditional plastics. To address the shortcomings of natural materials with single function, poor antimicrobial and mechanical properties, and to develop more competitive green food packaging, a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose based multifunctional packaging film interspersed with wheat straw cellulose fibers (CF) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) was proposed in this study, where CF and CNF increased the surface area of the film and loading capacity of the functional materials at the micrometer and nanometer levels, respectively. A biodegradable supramolecular polymer, polydiacetylene (PDA), was introduced into the film. Then, ZnO nanoparticles and PDA carboxylate head group coordination self-assembly strategy was utilized to build a PDA/Zn2+ intercalation composite structure, which was able to produce a highly sensitive specific response to biogenic amine and endowed the film with the ability of visual indication, as well as to effectively improve the film’s antimicrobial, ultraviolet light shielding, gas barrier, and water resistance properties. Moreover, the dense structure enables the film to withstand more than 50 reciprocal folds of nearly 180°, far exceeding that of ordinary packaging paper (about 10 folds). Composite packaging film enabled effective quality retention and spoilage monitoring of high protein products, especially shrimp with high biogenic amine release. This study provides a valuable reference for the application of supramolecular polymers, such as PDA, in food packaging materials, and gives a diversified development idea for plastic alternative packaging and multifunctional food packaging.

UV blocking edible films based on corn starch/moringa gum incorporated with pine cone extract for sustainable food packaging

Corn starch (CS) is a good alternative to synthetic polymers due to its sustainability; nevertheless, because of its weak tensile strength, the matrix requires another polymer. Therefore, 0.5 % (w/v) moringa gum (MG) was added. The purpose of this study was to assess how pine cone extract (PCE) affected the physiochemical and mechanical properties of corn starch and moringa gum (CS/MG) films and their use as UV-blocking composites. The findings suggest that the PCE improved the elongation at break from 3.27 % to 35.2 % while greatly reducing the tensile strength. The hydrogen bonding between CS/MG and PCE was visible in the FTIR spectra. The XRD graph indicated that the films were amorphous. In comparison to CS/MG films, PCE-incorporated edible films demonstrated significant UV-blocking ability indicating their potential as sustainable packaging material for light-sensitive food products.

Coconut husk-lignin derived carbon dots incorporated carrageenan based functional film for intelligent food packaging

Carbon dots (CDs) derived from sustainable natural feed-stocks like lignin have gained wide acceptance by virtue of their renewability and promising potential in intelligent sensing applications. The precursor lignin is isolated from agro-biomass waste, coconut husk through sodium hydroxide based extraction process. CDs are synthesised from amine functionalized lignin through solvothermal process and integrated into carrageenan biopolymer matrix (1, 2 and 3 wt%). The composite film with 2 wt% CDs (CARR2CD) showed optimum fluorescent emission intensity, excellent pH dependent fluorescent color change in the food pH range, reasonable tensile strength (46.50 ± 1.32 MPa) and 27 % increase in elongation at break. CDs imparted UV-light blocking properties (70 % UV-light) and enhanced hydrophobicity of the carrageenan matrix. CARR2CD film showed 84 % visible light transparency, 79 % reduction in oxygen transmittance rate (OTR), 81 % reduction in CO2 gas permeability and excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties (against E. coli and S. aureus). As a practical application, the developed responsive packaging material is used to track pH change associated with milk spoilage via noticeable color change in fluorescent emission of the composite film. Thus, the developed responsive composite film paves a way for use as green and sustainable transparent intelligent food packaging material.

Green and facile fabrication of multifunctional cellulose nanocrystal and carvacrol together reinforced chitosan bio-nanocomposite coatings for fruit preservation

The continuous development of sustainable food-active packaging materials and practices with high performance is a response to the increasing challenges posed by microbial food safety and environmental contamination. In this study, a multifunctional bio-nanocomposite composed primarily of chitosan, cellulose nanomaterials and carvacrol was proposed as a conformal coating for fruit preservation. The coating exhibits excellent antioxidant and antibacterial activities owing to the incorporation of the carvacrol. The inhibition rate of the coating on E. coli and S. aureus is enhanced by 57.13 % and 62.18 %, respectively. And its antioxidant activities is also improved by 77.45 %. In addition, the oxygen permeability (OP) and water vapor permeability (WVP) of this CS/CNC coating are significantly lowered by 67 % and 46 %, respectively, comparing with the CS coating. The coating exhibited excellent biosafety and cytocompatibility because of over 90 % of the HepG2 cells remained alive in each concentration of the coating after 24 h incubation. Additionally, the efficacy of the coating in prolonging the freshness and visual appeal of perishable fruits is substantiated by the experiment involving two fruit specimens. Furthermore, the coating's ease of production, ingestibility, washability, and utilization of cost-effective and easily accessible biomaterials, including renewable waste materials, indicate its potential as a viable economic substitute for commercially accessible fruit coatings.

Development of Sustainable and Active Food Packaging Materials Composed by Chitosan, Polyvinyl Alcohol and Quercetin Functionalized Layered Clay.

In order to solve the problems of insufficient active functions (antibacterial and antioxidant activities) and the poor degradability of traditional plastic packaging materials, biodegradable chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite active films reinforced with natural plant polyphenol-quercetin functionalized layered clay nanosheets (QUE-LDHs) were prepared by a solution casting method. In this study, QUE-LDHs realizes a combination of the active functions of QUE and the enhancement effect of LDHs nanosheets through the deposition and complexation of QUE and copper ions on the LDHs. Infrared and thermal analysis results revealed that there was a strong interface interaction between QUE-LDHs and CS/PVA matrix, resulting in the limited movement of PVA molecules and the increase in glass transition temperature and melting temperature. With the addition of QUE-LDHs, the active films showed excellent UV barrier, antibacterial, antioxidant properties and tensile strength, and still had certain transparency in the range of visible light. As QUE-LDHs content was 3 wt%, the active films exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 58.9 MPa, representing a significant increase of 40.9% compared with CS/PVA matrix. Notably, the UV barrier (280 nm), antibacterial (E. coli) and antioxidant activities (DPPH method) of the active films achieved 100.0%, 95.5% and 58.9%, respectively. Therefore, CS/PVA matrix reinforced with QUE-LDHs has good potential to act as an environmentally and friendly active packaging film or coating.

Achieving sustainable development with sustainable packaging: A natural‐resource‐based view perspective

AbstractSustainable packaging is a pivotal aspect of sustainable development, involving multi‐faceted issues such as stakeholder management and environmental policy compliance. Despite the efforts to find packaging solutions, the extant literature is largely fragmented, featuring a high level of heterogeneity among studies that spread across different disciplines, with the majority examining important packaging issues in isolation. A study that systematically consolidates findings of different important areas of sustainable packaging implementation is lacking. This challenges companies' adoption of research findings in business strategy development. Thus, this paper conducts a systematic literature review combining keyword co‐occurrence analysis, thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis to uncover major research domains, consolidate important findings and reveal unsolved research gaps, which are crucial to advancing sustainable packaging management. The findings reveal four major research domains: (1) sustainable packaging materials and properties, (2) management practices of sustainable packaging, (3) consumer behaviours towards sustainable packaging and (4) packaging waste management. Drawing on the natural‐resource‐based view (NRBV) theory and the review findings, this study proposes four future research directions: (1) identifying ways to enhance the commercialisation of sustainable packaging technological innovations, (2) uncovering reasons for insufficient social aspect investigation in sustainable packaging research, (3) exploring strategies to enhance stakeholder integration in sustainable packaging management and (4) examining contingency factors of packaging waste management effectiveness. The research agenda is important to provide practical and managerial insights for business strategy development in sustainable packaging to achieve pollution prevention, product stewardship and sustainable development capabilities to gain future growth and competitive advantage.

Sheep's Second Cheese Whey Edible Coatings with Oregano and Clary Sage Essential Oils Used as Sustainable Packaging Material in Cheese.

Sheep's second cheese whey (SCW), the by-product resulting from whey cheese production, was used as a component of cheese coatings containing oregano (Origanum compactum) and clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oils (EOs). SCW powder was obtained by the ultrafiltration/diafiltration of SCW followed by reverse osmosis and freeze drying. The coatings were produced with a mixture of SCW and whey protein isolate (WPI) using glycerol as plasticizer. Model cheeses were produced with cow´s milk and those containing SCW:WPI coatings; those with and without EOs were compared to controls without coating and with a commercial coating containing natamycin. At the end of ripening (28 days), the cheeses containing EOs presented higher water activity (ca. 0.930) and moisture content, as well as lower titratable acidity. Concerning color parameters, significant differences were also observed between products and as a result of ripening time. However, the use of SCW:WPI coatings did not significantly influence the color parameters at the end of ripening. Regarding texture parameters, the cheeses containing SCW:WPI coatings presented significantly lower values for hardness, chewiness, and gumminess. Significant differences were also observed for all microbial groups evaluated either between products and as a result of ripening time. In all cases, lactobacilli and lactococci counts surpassed log 7-8 CFU/g, while the counts of yeasts and molds increased steadily from ca. log 3 to log 6 CFU/g. The lowest counts of yeasts and molds were observed in the samples containing natamycin, but nonsignificant differences between products were observed. In conclusion, SCW:WPI cheese coatings can successfully substitute commercial coatings with the advantage of being edible packaging materials manufactured with by-products.

Design and Development of Sustainable Polyurethane Foam: A Proof‐of‐Concept as Customizable Packaging for Cultural Heritage Applications

World cultural heritage is an invaluable resource and must be preserved. Conventional packaging materials, such as polystyrene, polyurethane (PU) foams, paper‐like tissue, and nylon fabric, are petrol‐based. According to Agenda 2030, and Green Deal directives, the development of alternative bio‐based materials has gained significant scientific and technological relevance. In this scenario, a new sustainable packaging material for safe storage and transporting of the artifacts, based on a sustainable PU foam filled with 6 wt% of Zeolite 4A, is proposed. Zeolite 4A dispersion into PU matrix imparts higher compression strength and energy absorption capability with respect to unloaded materials (7‐fold increase), owing to its remarkable cell nucleating effect. The proposed foam can adsorb water vapor, up to 29 wt%, thus contributing to regulating the humidity around the artifact. A remarkable advantage of the developed foam is the possibility to use it as plaster for precisely casting the article to protect, resulting in strongly improved handling, protection, and transportation safety with respect to conventional packaging solutions. A proof‐of‐concept workflow is proposed, consisting of: 1) three‐dimensional (3D) scanning of the original artifact; 2) its replication through 3D printing; 3) the use of such a replica to prepare a tailored cast of the artifact shape.

Effect of epichlorohydrin treatment on the coating process and performance of high-barrier paper packaging

The fabrication of coated papers using hydrophilic and biodegradable polymers is important for developing sustainable packaging materials with high barrier and superior mechanical properties. However, water, which is used as the solvent in the paper coating process using hydrophilic polymers, deforms the shape of the paper and deteriorates performance. Therefore, we propose a new coating process that treats Kraft paper (KP) with epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a binder before the coating process. Crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol is coated on the ECH-treated KP using a solution casting method. ECH maintains the shape of the paper and improves coating uniformity; significantly enhances interfacial interactions, which increases barrier properties and sealing strength; and extends the shelf life of biscuits by reducing oxygen and moisture permeability. An ecotoxicity test using Lolium multiflorum demonstrates an insignificant phytotoxicity level for the as-prepared coated papers. Thus, ECH-treated KP is a potential candidate for high-barrier food packaging.

Eco-friendly lignin nanocomposite films as advanced UV protective and antimicrobial sustainable packaging materials

Lignin is a renewable, biodegradable, and cost-effective biopolymer present in agri-biomass. This bioresource could be utilized as a sustainable alternative for biomaterial development. Bio-based and biodegradable polymers are ideal for sustainable polymer packaging too. In this study, lignin was extracted from wheat straw using the soda method with 18–20% yield followed by its characterization. The purified soda lignin was utilized for the synthesis of lignin nanoparticles (PNSL) and copper oxide nanoparticles (L@CuONPs) followed by their incorporation into the PVA-PEG film (PVA-PEG-PNSL-L@CuONPs nanocomposite films). The antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, and Candida albicans of nanocomposite films reached up to 5 log reduction (∼99.999%). Furthermore, the UV protective activity of these lignin-based biodegradable nanocomposite films was validated which paves its way as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable biomaterial. Moreover, lignin-based films derived from renewable sources have potential applications in the food packaging industry because of their low cost, biocompatibility, flexibility, and transparency.

Towards Greener Packaging: Tapioca Starch-Based Biocomposites with Siam Weed Extract and Flax Seed Gel as Sustainable Antibacterial Packaging Material

This paper delves into the development of biocomposite (BC) packaging material from tapioca starch (TS), flax seed gel (FS), and Siam weed (SW) extract, considering the increased demand for sustainable, eco-friendly packaging materials. The BCs—BC1 (40 mL), BC2 (80 mL), and BC3 (120 mL), prepared by varying the concentration of SW—were subjected to morphological, structure, thermal, and optical characterisations. The BC with a fragmented, agglomerated morphology shows cellulosic peaks in the X-ray diffraction pattern, indicating the C-type crystalline structure in TS. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the BC’s safe use up to 300 °C, with a minimal 40% weight loss. Differential scanning calorimetry plots identified heat absorption during gelatinisation, with an endothermic peak at 300 °C marking a phase transition. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–visible spectra revealed functional groups that attribute antibacterial potential to the BC. The optical analyses show greater absorption and fewer emissions, resulting in the increased enthalpy responsible for the microbial activities. Antibacterial studies demonstrated BC2’s efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, while the stability against humidity and the minimal weight loss underscored the BC’s robust thermal stability. FTIR spectra of post-heating at 80 °C confirmed the structural integrity, positioning the BC as a promising material for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Fabrication of hydrophobic coatings on paper substrates using silicone oil impregnated silica: a promising sustainable packaging material

Fabrication of hydrophobic coatings on paper substrates using silicone oil impregnated silica: a promising sustainable packaging material

Morphological and mechanical properties of chitosan/cellulose nanofibrils/aspirin polymer nanocomposite films

This study examined the mechanical properties of composite films composed of chitosan, cellulose nanofibrils, and aspirin. This biomaterial has promising characteristics and holds potential for various applications. The composite material, which was synthesised using precise fabrication techniques, consists of chitosan as a biocompatible substrate, cellulose nanofibrils for enhancing structural integrity, and aspirin for additional therapeutic benefits. The composite material exhibited increased tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break. The experimental results demonstrate that the tensile strength and tensile modulus exhibit an upward trend as the loading of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) increases. This observation suggests a synergistic improvement in mechanical robustness, which can be attributed to the combined effects of chitosan and CNFs. A reduction in elongation at break was seen as the loading of CNFs increased. The adaptability of the material is further emphasised by its tensile modulus and elongation at break. This study presents opportunities for the development of sustainable packaging materials, as the biodegradable properties of chitosan and cellulose are in line with current environmental priorities. The composite films composed of chitosan, cellulose nanofibrils, and aspirin demonstrate a notable combination of mechanical robustness and therapeutic properties. This research establishes the foundation for future attempts in biomaterial design by introducing a versatile composite that has the potential to significantly influence various sectors, including materials science and healthcare.

A sustainable packaging composite of waste paper and poly(butylene succinate-co-lactate) with high biodegradability

The challenge of global climate change has drawn people's attention to the issue of carbon emissions. Reducing the use of petroleum-derived materials and increasing the use of biodegradable materials is a current focus of research, especially in the packaging materials industry. This study focused on the use of environmentally friendly plastics and waste paper as the main materials for packaging films. Poly(butylene succinate-co-lactate) (PBSL) was modified with maleic anhydride (MA) to form a biobased compatibilizer (MPBSL), which was then blended with a mixture (WPS) of waste-paper powder (WP) and silica aerogel powder (SP) to form the designed composite (MPBSL/WPS). The modification of PBSL with MA improved interfacial adhesion between PBSL and WPS. The structure, thermal, and mechanical properties, water vapor/oxygen barrier, toxicity, freshness, and biodegradability of MPBSL/WPS films were evaluated. Compared with the PBSL/WP film, the MPBSL/WPS film exhibited increased tensile strength at break of 4–13.5 MPa, increased initial decomposition loss at 5 wt% of 14–35 °C, and decreased water/oxygen permeabilities of 18–105 cm3/m2·d·Pa. In the water absorption test, the MPBSL/WPS film displayed about 2–6 % lower water absorption than that of the PBSL/WP film. In the cytocompatibility test, both MPBSL/WPS and PBSL/WP membrane were nontoxic. In addition, compared with PBSL/WP film and the control, the MPBSL/WPS film significantly reduced moisture loss, extended the shelf life, and prevented microbial growth in vegetable and meat preservation tests. Both MPBSL/WPS and PBSL/WP films were biodegradable in a 60-day soil biodegradation test; the degradation rate was 50 % when the WP or WPS content was 40 wt%. Our findings indicate that the composites would be suitable for environmentally sustainable packaging materials.