Current trends in biopolymers for food packaging: a review

Non-biodegradable plastics have been extensively used for food packaging due to their outstanding properties that preserve quality during transportation and shelf-life. The global awareness of plastic pollution has led the development environmentally friendly technologies such as biodegradable polymers, edible films coatings, active or smart packaging. However, petroleum-based polymers market seems not be interested in setting back current waste management strategies continue deficient both technical economic aspects. This work aimed provide insights into state-of-the-art based on advances made improve moisture, heat, barrier novel materials could close gap conventional terms performance costs. literature review takes a multidisciplinary approach, focusing required potential impact physicochemical products. aim is identify gaps between demand impede alignment industry with environmental policies. Several sustainable options were identified, biopolymers like PLA PBAT. most successful solutions are up PVA, chitosan, gelatin, proteins. In cases, addition essential oils, natural extracts, nanoparticles material demonstrated its effectiveness improving ensuring preservation over an extended period shelf. significant research identified regarding scaling despite technology appearing sufficiently advanced practical implementation. Hence, it necessary only optimize parameters enhance functionality mechanical but demonstrate feasibility industrial production. Furthermore, assess impact. It important evidence real-world applications new developed, demonstrating under critical storage conditions different groups.