The thermo-mechanical recyclability potential of biodegradable biopolyesters: Perspectives and limits for food packaging application

Up to now, recycling has been opposed biodegradability, although these two end-of-life options are complementary. If combined in an integrated system, creates after-use economy, while biodegradability eradicates definitely the issues of environmental spreading persistent plastic wastes. This paper reviews current state on recyclability some promising biodegradable polyesters, polylactide acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), bio-polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), with emphasis mechanical recycling. The effect reprocessing (multiple extrusion or injection-molding) chemical structure thermomechanical properties polymers is reported. In addition, application upgrading strategies such as blends and/or composites improve polyesters considered. A further decontamination step studied order achieve food contact aptitude for packaging application. Finally, challenges that should be faced future, promote addressed.