Recycled Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) as Food Packaging: Effect of Multiple Melt Processing on Packaging Performance and Food Contact Suitability

Abstract This study examines the opportunity of using recycled poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) as food packaging. The recyclability was evaluated by assessing effect repeated polymer processing (up to four extrusion cycles) on structural and barrier properties material, well its ability produce neo-formed chemicals susceptible migrate into food. It shown that increasing number cycles results in a decrease molecular weight, leading mechanical properties, balanced maintenance crystalline structure thermal stability. oxygen water vapour transfer were also maintained after suggesting r-PHBV-based packaging can retain property use panel. specific migration crotonic acid, one main products thermomechanical degradation PHBV measured three different simulants. In all cases, it did not exceed limit (SML) set at 0.05 mg/Kg food, revealing contact suitability non-contaminated under test conditions.