Applications of biodegradable materials in food packaging: A review

This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in biodegradable materials for sustainable food packaging applications. Biodegradable polymers offer an alternative to conventional plastics by undergoing decomposition into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Synthetic biopolymers like PLA, PHAs, and bio-based polyesters as well as natural biopolymers such as polysaccharides and proteins have shown promise as substitutes for non-biodegradable packaging. These materials provide sustainability, waste reduction, and carbon neutrality benefits. However, inferior barrier properties, low heat resistance, poor mechanical strength, and high costs are limitations. Strategies like plasticization,…