ABSTRACT Sustainable packaging requires starch-based biocomposites that combine low-impact processing with effective lignocellulosic reinforcement. Here, banana pseudostem fibers (PBF) were upgraded through a solvent-minimized sequence and used to reinforce deep-eutectic-plasticized thermoplastic starch (TPS). A one-step peracetic acid (PAA) treatment reduced lignin and hemicellulose and improved fiber structure, increasing cellulose content from 23% to 64%, crystallinity from 51% to 67%, and thermal onset from 110 to 260°C. The bleached fibers were then functionalized via solvent-free citric esterification, providing the highest carboxyl density among the routes examined (–COOH ~3.28 mmol g−1) and exceeding TEMPO oxidation and maleic-anhydride modification under the conditions studied. When compounded at 15 wt% into choline chloride:glycerol (ChCl:Gly) deep eutectic solvent plasticized TPS (TPS–DES), citric-modified fibers increased tensile strength to 7.4 MPa (vs. 4.4 MPa for bleached-fiber composites) and Young’s modulus to 122 MPa (vs. 1.6 MPa for neat TPS–DES), with reduced elongation (~12%). DMA, supported by second-heating DSC, indicated an upward shift in glass transition and distinct damping behavior consistent with interphase-controlled chain confinement. SEM fractography confirmed improved interfacial cohesion with reduced pull-out, and surface moisture resistance increased (water contact angle ~61°). Overall, this scalable route enables biodegradable starch composites suitable for packaging films/sheets, thermoformed trays, and short-lifetime molded components from agricultural residues.

Intelligent and sustainable food packaging utilizing quaternary ammonium chitosan with porphyrin structure for extended antibacterial drug release.

Marine polysaccharide-based edible film as degradable alternative to plastic packaging: Preparations, applications and recent advances.

Plastic Waste to Green Economy through Green Products and Green Packaging on Consumer Purchase Decisions of Micro Small Medium Enterprises in East Java Tourism

Emerging strategies for polysaccharide modification and functional enhancement in food systems.

Development and assessment of antimicrobial films based on geraniol-loaded ZnO/pectin-carrageenan nanocomposite for sustainable packaging applications.

Consumer preferences for alternative eco-packaging: A field experiment on wine.

Deep eutectic solvent: a promising way to enhance the physicomechanical and antimicrobial properties of pullulan/carboxymethyl chitosan films impregnated with zein–nisin nanofillers for sustainable food packaging

Flexible and sustainable PBAT@g-C3N4/MWCNT nanocomposite films for the packaging of green grapes.

Metal-oxide nanolaminate barrier coatings to enable large-scale manufacturing of sustainable flex packaging

Antioxidant and antimicrobial films for sustainable food packaging based on mushroom waste biomass

Enlarging calcium alginate liquid-core capsules: Manufacturing, microstructure, and beverage packaging applications.

A starch-based AS/PEI/MAC smart packaging film: Dual-mode freshness monitoring through color display and signal perception.

Laccase-catalyzed grafting of phenolic acids onto pectin: Engineering bioactive films for food preservation.

Evaluation of sustainable paper-based consumer packaging materials for shelf life extension of turmeric and nutmeg powder

Consumer purchase behaviour of eco-friendly packaging products: the roles of perceived green value, attitudes, ecological concerns, advertisement, and construal level.

Compatibilization strategies and mechanical performances of starch-based blends for sustainable packaging

The growing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has intensified research into sustainable, biodegradable alternatives for food packaging. Among bio-derived polymers, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) has attracted increasing attention due to its abundance, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and excellent film-forming ability. Nevertheless, the intrinsic hydrophilicity and limited mechanical strength of neat CMC restrict its direct application in packaging systems. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of recent strategies developed between 2015 and 2025 to enhance the performance of CMC-based films for food packaging applications. Emphasis is placed on physical and chemical modification routes, including polymer blending, polyelectrolyte complex formation, incorporation of functional fillers and nanomaterials, and ionic or covalent crosslinking approaches. The influence of these strategies on key functional properties, such as mechanical behavior, water barrier performance, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, is systematically discussed. Particular attention is given to CMC-rich systems, enabling meaningful comparison across studies. By highlighting structure–property relationships and identifying current limitations, this review aims to provide guidance for the rational design of advanced CMC-based materials as viable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.

The environmental impact of petroplastics that do not readily biodegrade has intensified the search for sustainable packaging materials. Polysaccharides derived from plant and marine sources are biodegradable and renewable, but their hydrophilicity and weak mechanical and barrier properties limit their use in high-performance packaging. Chemical modification offers an effective solution by introducing hydrophobic or functional groups that enhance physicochemical performance, making modified polysaccharides strong candidates for sustainable packaging applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the chemical modification and development of plant-based polysaccharides (starch, cellulose and its derivatives, and pectin) and marine-based polysaccharides (agar, carrageenan, alginate, and chitosan) for food packaging applications. Emphasis on how chemical modifications influence key functional properties relevant to sustainable packaging, including barrier performance, biological activities, and freshness-monitoring capabilities. Film fabrication techniques such as solution casting, extrusion, coating, and electrospraying are also discussed regarding their impact on material performance. Overall, the reviewed studies demonstrate that chemical modification can substantially enhance the functional properties of polysaccharides and enable active and intelligent packaging functionalities. While challenges related to food safety, scalable production, environmental impact, and real-world performance remain, chemically modified polysaccharides show strong potential as sustainable and functional materials for the next generation of food packaging.

The demand for sustainable food packaging is increasing. This study developed a novel ternary composite film based on gellan gum (GG), chitosan (CS), and melatonin (MT) for preserving fresh blueberries. For the first time, MT was incorporated as a functional agent into a GG/CS matrix. Films with varying compositions were prepared and characterized. The GG-dominant film with the highest MT content (G2C-M50, 2:1:0.5 w/w) exhibited optimal properties, including high tensile strength, enhanced flexibility, and a superior moisture barrier. In a 7-day storage trial, this film dramatically extended blueberry shelf-life, reducing the spoilage rate to 2.2% while maintaining 80.5% of the initial anthocyanin content. This success is attributed to the synergy between the robust GG/CS physical network and the multifunctional (antioxidant, antimicrobial) activities of MT. This work presents a highly effective strategy for active food packaging.