Current status of biobased and biodegradable food packaging materials: Impact on food quality and effect of innovative processing technologies

Fossil-based plastic materials are an integral part of modern life. In food packaging, plastics have a highly important function in preserving food quality and safety, ensuring adequate shelf life, and thereby contributing to limiting food waste. Meanwhile, the global stream of plastics into the oceans is increasing exponentially, triggering worldwide concerns for the environment. There is an urgent need to reduce the environmental impacts of packaging waste, a matter raising increasing consumer awareness. Shifting part of the focus toward packaging materials from renewable resources is one promising strategy. This review provides an overview of the status and future of biobased and biodegradable films used for food packaging applications, highlighting the effects on food shelf life and quality. Potentials, limitations, and promising modifications of selected synthetic biopolymers; polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, and polyhydroxyalkanoate; and natural biopolymers such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, alginate, gelatine, whey, and soy protein are discussed. Further, this review provides insight into the connection between biobased packaging materials and innovative technologies such as high pressure, cold plasma, microwave, ultrasound, and ultraviolet light. The potential for utilizing such technologies to improve biomaterial barrier and mechanical properties as well as to aid in improving overall shelf life for the packaging system by in-pack processing is elaborated on.     

Biopolymer Coatings on Paper Packaging Materials

ABSTRACT: Increased environmental concerns over the use of certain synthetic packaging and coatings in combination with consumer demands for both higher quality and longer shelf life have led to increased interest in alternative packaging materials research. Naturally renewable biopolymers can be used as barrier coatings on paper packaging materials. These biopolymer coatings may retard unwanted moisture transfer in food products, are good oxygen and oil barriers, are biodegradable, and have potential to replace current synthetic paper and paperboard coatings. Incorporation of antimicrobial agents in coatings to produce active paper packaging materials provides an attractive option for protecting food from microorganism development and spread. The barrier, mechanical, and other properties of biopolymer‐coated paper are reviewed. Existing and potential applications for bioactive coatings on paper packaging materials are discussed with examples.     

Biodegradable films and composite coatings: past,present and future

Food packaging is concerned with the preservation and protection of all types of foods and their raw materials, particularly from oxidative and microbial spoilage and also to extend their shelf-life characteristics. Increased use of synthetic packaging films has led to serious ecological problems due to their total non-biodegradability. Continuous awareness by one and all towards environmental pollution by the latter and as a result the need for a safe, eco-friendly atmosphere has led to a paradigm shift on the use of biodegradable materials, especially from renewable agriculture feedstock and marine food processing industry wastes. Such an approach amounts to natural resource conservation and recyclability as well as generation of new, innovative design and use. Their total biodegradation to environmentally friendly benign products such as CO₂, water and quality compost is the turning point which needs to be capitalized and encashed. Polymer cross-linking and graft copolymerization of natural polymers with synthetic monomers are other alternatives of value in biodegradable packaging films. Although their complete replacement for synthetic plastics is just impossible to achieve and perhaps may be even unnecessary, at least for a few specific applications our attention and needful are required in the days to come. No doubt, eventually BIOPACKAGING will be our future.     

Poly‐Lactic Acid: Production,Applications, Nanocomposites,and Release Studies

Abstract: Environmental, economic, and safety challenges have provoked packaging scientists and producers to partially substitute petrochemical‐based polymers with biodegradable ones. The general purpose of this review is to introduce poly‐lactic acid (PLA), a compostable, biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable sources. PLA properties and modifications via different methods, like using modifiers, blending, copolymerizing, and physical treatments, are mentioned; these are rarely discussed together in other reviews. Industrial processing methods for producing different PLA films, wrappings, laminates, containers (bottles and cups), are presented. The capabilities of PLA for being a strong active packaging material in different areas requiring antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics are discussed. Consequently, applications of nanomaterials in combination with PLA structures for creating new PLA nanocomposites with greater abilities are also covered. These approaches may modify PLA weaknesses for some food packaging applications. Nanotechnology approaches are being broadened in food science, especially in packaging material science with high performances and low concentrations and prices, so this category of nano‐research is estimated to be revolutionary in food packaging science in the near future. The linkage of a 100% bio‐originated material and nanomaterials opens new windows for becoming independent, primarily, of petrochemical‐based polymers and, secondarily, for answering environmental and health concerns will undoubtedly be growing with time.     

Global Status of the Production of Biobased Packaging Materials

Bioplastics from renewable origin are a new generation of plastics able to significantly reduce the environmental impact in terms of energy consumption and green‐house ef‐fect in specific applications. Bioplastics perform as traditional plastics when in use and are completely biodegradable within a composting cycle. Today bioplastics and partic‐ularly starch‐based plastics are used in specific industrial applications where bio‐degradability is required. Examples are composting bags and sacks, fast food service‐ware (cups, cutlery, plates, straws, etc.), packaging (soluble foams for industrial pack‐aging, film wrapping, laminated paper, food containers), agriculture (much films, nur‐sery pots, plant labels), hygiene (diaper back sheet, cotton swabs).Moreover new sec‐tors are growing outside biodegradability, driven by improved technical performances of bioplastics versus traditional materials, as in the case of biofillers for tires. The market of starch‐based bioplastics in 1999 has been estimated at about 20,000 t/a, with a strong incidence of soluble foams for packaging and films. Bioplas‐tics from renewable origin, either biodegradable or non‐biodegradable, still constitute a niche market which requires high efforts in the areas of material and application devel‐opment; the technical and economical breakthroughs achieved in the last three years, however, open new possibilities for such products in the mass markets and specifical‐ly in food packaging. This paper will review the recent industrial achievements of bioplastics in the sector of packaging, taking in consideration their in‐use performances, biodegradation behav‐iour and environmental impact.     

Past, current and potential utilisation of active and intelligent packaging systems for meat and muscle-based products: A review

Interest in the use of active and intelligent packaging systems for meat and meat products has increased in recent years. Active packaging refers to the incorporation of additives into packaging systems with the aim of maintaining or extending meat product quality and shelf-life. Active packaging systems discussed include oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide scavengers and emitters, moisture control agents and anti-microbial packaging technologies. Intelligent packaging systems are those that monitor the condition of packaged foods to give information regarding the quality of the packaged food during transport and storage. The potential of sensor technologies, indicators (including integrity, freshness and time-temperature (TTI) indicators) and radio frequency identification (RFID) are evaluated for potential use in meat and meat products. Recognition of the benefits of active and intelligent packaging technologies by the food industry, development of economically viable packaging systems and increased consumer acceptance is necessary for commercial realisation of these packaging technologies.     

Natural antimicrobials and antioxidants added to polylactic acid packaging films. Part I: Polymer processing techniques

Currently, reducing packaging plastic waste and food losses are concerning topics in the food packaging industry. As an alternative for these challenges, antimicrobial and antioxidant materials have been developed by incorporating active agents (AAs) into biodegradable polymers to extend the food shelf life. In this context, developing biodegradable active materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and natural compounds are a great alternative to maintain food safety and non-toxicity of the packaging. AAs, such as essential oils and polyphenols, have been added mainly as antimicrobial and antioxidant natural compounds in PLA packaging. In this review, current techniques used to develop active PLA packaging films were described in order to critically compare their feasibility, advantages, limitations, and relevant processing aspects. The analysis was focused on the processing conditions, such as operation variables and stages, and factors related to the AAs, such as their concentrations, weight losses during processing, and incorporation technique, among others. Recent developments of active PLA-based monolayers and bi- or multilayer films were also considered. In addition, patents on inventions and technologies on active PLA-based films for food packaging were reviewed. This review highlights that the selection of the processing technique and conditions to obtain active PLA depends on the type of the AA regarding its volatility, solubility, and thermosensitivity.     

新型食品包装材料的发展概况及趋势

食品包装是食品的外部保护, 可以防止食品免受外界因素的影响而发生感官或营养成分的变化。传统的食品包装材料不仅会给环境带来巨大压力, 而且从食品包装迁移至食品中的化学物质也会给食品安全和质量带来负面影响。随着人们对食品包装材料的安全性越来越关注, 很多新型的食品包装材料成为研究热点。本文对几种具有较大应用前景的可降解材料、可食材料进行了综述, 包括天然高分子材料、微生物合成高分子材料、聚乳酸(poly lactic acid, PLA)等新型食品包装材料的研究现状和亟待解决的问题, 简要介绍了活性包装和智能包装的发展, 并对未来食品包装的发展趋势提出方向。     

表面酯化修饰纳米纤维素在聚乳酸复合膜中的应用

本文分别以纳米纤维素和酶促酯化改性后的纳米纤维素为增强材料,以聚乳酸为基质制备了聚乳酸-酯化纳米纤维素复合膜材料。通过对不同种类复合膜材料的透光性、拉伸性能、透湿率等各项性能指标的测定,对比研究了酯化改性前后纳米纤维素对聚乳酸膜、聚乳酸复合膜性能的影响;并探讨了脂肪酸链长对聚乳酸复合膜性能的影响。研究发现,纳米纤维素对聚乳酸的阻隔性能有一定的增强效果,但其不易分散于聚乳酸中,导致所制备的复合膜机械性能降低,膜表面出现明显的纳米纤维素聚团。经酯化疏水改性后所得到的纳米纤维素能分散良好于有机溶剂中,因而酯化改性对聚乳酸-酯化纳米纤维素复合膜的透明度影响甚小;同时,由于酯化纳米纤维素分散性良好,与聚乳酸具有更强的界面结合力,因此以酯化改性对酯化纳米纤维素-聚乳酸所制备的复合膜材料的机械性能、阻隔性能等较之未改性纳米纤维素-聚乳酸复合膜有了显著提高。这种新型复合膜可作为可降解性食品包装材料,在食品化工等领域有着良好的应用前景。     

Effect of novel food processing methods on packaging: structure, composition, and migration properties

Classical stabilization techniques (thermal treatments) usually involve food to be packed after being processed. On the contrary and increasingly, novel food processing methods, such as high pressure or microwaves, imply that both packaging and foodstuff undergo the stabilization treatment. Moreover, novel treatments (UV light, irradiation, ozone, cold plasma) are specifically used for disinfection and sterilization of the packaging material itself. Therefore, in the last several years a number of papers have focused on the effects of these new treatments on food-packaging interactions with a special emphasis on chemical migration and safety concerns. New packaging materials merged on the market with specific interest regarding the environment (i.e. bio-sourced materials) or mechanical and barrier properties (i.e. nanocomposites packaging materials). It is time to evaluate the knowledge about how these in-package food technologies affect food/packaging interactions, and especially for novel biodegradable and/or active materials. This article presents the effect of high pressure treatment, microwave heating, irradiation, UV-light, ozone and, cold plasma treatment on food/packaging interactions.     

Natural biopolymer-based nanocomposite films for packaging applications

Concerns on environmental waste problems caused by non-biodegradable petrochemical-based plastic packaging materials as well as the consumer's demand for high quality food products has caused an increasing interest in developing biodegradable packaging materials using annually renewable natural biopolymers such as polysaccharides and proteins. Inherent shortcomings of natural polymer-based packaging materials such as low mechanical properties and low water resistance can be recovered by applying a nanocomposite technology. Polymer nanocomposites, especially natural biopolymer-layered silicate nanocomposites, exhibit markedly improved packaging properties due to their nanometer size dispersion. These improvements include increased modulus and strength, decreased gas permeability, and increased water resistance. Additionally, biologically active ingredients can be added to impart the desired functional properties to the resulting packaging materials. Consequently, natural biopolymer-based nanocomposite packaging materials with bio-functional properties have a huge potential for application in the active food packaging industry. In this review, recent advances in the preparation of natural biopolymer-based films and their nanocomposites, and their potential use in packaging applications are addressed.     

食品绿色包装材料的研究进展

绿色包装又可以称为无公害包装和环境之友包装,指对生态环境和人类健康无害,能重复使用和再生,符合可持续发展的包装。近年来随着生活质量的不断提高,人们对食品包装材料的要求也越来越高,因此新型的环保的包装材料也越来越受到重视,目前应用最多的就是纸质包装材料、可降解包装材料、可食性包装材料和其它新型材料。用绿色包装材料包装食品,可以提高食品的安全性,保护人类的健康,同时保护环境,对社会的可持续发展起着重要的作用。     

中国白酒生态化包装材料的研究进展

中国白酒包装的突破和发展很大程度上取决于包装材料的创新和升级,白酒包装要实现生态化包装,首先必须选用生态包装材料。文章综述中国白酒包装材料生态化的必要性和基本特性、分类及发展趋势,实现白酒包装材料的生态化,有利于促进消费者的健康和保护生态环境。白酒生态化包装材料的4大基本特性为:优良的产品保护特性,优良的加工使用特性,优良的视觉设计特性,优良的回收利用特性。白酒生态化包装材料可分为3类:可直接自然降解的材料,可回收再循环利用的材料,可回收再制能降解的材料。白酒包装将进入生态包装阶段,包装材料生态化的发展趋势体现在安全无毒化、简朴原生态化、纳米功能化、用材轻量化、塑料可降解化、资源再利用化等6个方面。     

Recent advances in biopolymers and biopolymer-based nanocomposites for food packaging materials

Plastic packaging for food and non-food applications is non-biodegradable, and also uses up valuable and scarce non-renewable resources like petroleum. With the current focus on exploring alternatives to petroleum and emphasis on reduced environmental impact, research is increasingly being directed at development of biodegradable food packaging from biopolymer-based materials. The proposed paper will present a review of recent developments in biopolymer-based food packaging materials including natural biopolymers (such as starches and proteins), synthetic biopolymers (such as poly lactic acid), biopolymer blends, and nanocomposites based on natural and synthetic biopolymers. The paper will discuss the various techniques that have been used for developing cost-effective biodegradable packaging materials with optimum mechanical strength and oxygen and moisture barrier properties. This is a timely review as there has been a recent renewed interest in research studies, both in the industry and academia, towards development of a new generation of biopolymer-based food packaging materials with possible applications in other areas.     

Transglutaminase crosslinked pectin- and chitosan-based edible films: a review

The production of biodegradable and edible films with desired mechanical characteristics and gas barrier properties represents one of the most advanced challenges in the field of food wrapping and coating. New edible films can serve not only to provide food with physical protection but also to reduce loss of their moisture, to restrict absorption of oxygen, to lessen migration of lipids, to improve their mechanical handling features, and as materials, to apply in direct contact with internal food to realize a multilayer food packaging. Polymers derived from natural products, like carbohydrates and proteins, offer the greatest opportunities as component of edible films since their biodegradability and environmental compatibility are assured and they can also supplement the nutritional value of specific foods. However, excessive water solubility and poor water vapor barrier properties, and often poor mechanical resistance, have their application limited until the present time. Numerous studies have been carried out to improve their properties by preparing composite and multi-component films or by physically and chemically crosslinking their natural components. In the present review we summarize the main results obtained by crosslinking with the enzyme transglutaminase different proteins contained in multi-component pectin- and chitosan-based edible films, having the aim to create environmentally-friendly "bioplastics" with mechanical and permeability properties similar to the ones exhibited by plastics of petrochemical origin.     

Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review and Future Trends

Innovations in food packaging systems will help meet the evolving needs of the market, such as consumer preference for “healthy” and high‐quality food products and reduction of the negative environmental impacts of food packaging. Emerging concepts of active and intelligent packaging technologies provide numerous innovative solutions for prolonging shelf‐life and improving the quality and safety of food products. There are also new approaches to improving the passive characteristics of food packaging, such as mechanical strength, barrier performance, and thermal stability. The development of sustainable or green packaging has the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of food packaging through the use of edible or biodegradable materials, plant extracts, and nanomaterials. Active, intelligent, and green packaging technologies can work synergistically to yield a multipurpose food‐packaging system with no negative interactions between components, and this aim can be seen as the ultimate future goal for food packaging technology. This article reviews the principles of food packaging and recent developments in different types of food packaging technologies. Global patents and future research trends are also discussed.     

PLA/PBAT/CNTs-COOH防静电包装材料的制备与性能研究

可降解防静电包装材料在保留传统防静电材料性能的前提下,可完全生物降解,符合环保要求。为了制备具有优异力学和导电性能的可生物降解防静电包装材料,本研究先对碳纳米管(CNTs)进行羧基化,然后通过熔融共混法制备PLA/PBAT/CNTs-COOH复合材料。采用傅立叶变换红外光谱仪(FTIR)和差示扫描量热仪(DSC)对制备的复合材料的链结构和热性能进行表征,并且通过万能材料试验机、数字冲击试验机和多功能数据采集仪研究了复合材料的力学和导电性能。结果表明:将CNTs-COOH引入PLA/PBAT体系中,可在不降低拉伸强度的同时,有效提高冲击强度,降低表面电阻率,CNTs-COOH的最佳添加量为1wt%~1.5wt%。该PLA/PBAT/CNTs-COOH复合材料可用于静电敏感产品的防静电包装。     

Biopolymers as green-based food packaging materials: A focus on modified and unmodified starch-based films

The ideal food packaging materials are recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Starch from plant sources, such as tubers, legumes, cereals, and agro-industrial plant residues, is considered one of the most suitable biopolymers for producing biodegradable films due to its natural abundance and low cost. The chemical modification of starch makes it possible to produce films with better technological properties by changing the functional groups into starch. Using biopolymers extracted from agro-industrial waste can add value to a raw material that would otherwise be discarded. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has driven a rise in demand for single-use plastics, intensifying pressure on this already out-of-control issue. This review provides an overview of biopolymers, with a particular focus on starch, to develop sustainable materials for food packaging. This study summarizes the methods and provides a potential approach to starch modification for improving the mechanical and barrier properties of starch-based films. This review also updates some trends pointed out by the food packaging sector in the last years, considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perspectives to achieve more sustainable food packaging toward a more circular economy are drawn.     

食品包装用生物塑料研究进展

在白色污染和石油危机日趋严重的今天,具有生态友好特征和可持续性的生物基质-生物分解塑料有望替代部分石油基塑料成为一种新型基础原材料,在农业、包装、生物医用等领域已开始显示出巨大的市场潜力。本文介绍了聚乳酸、淀粉基塑料、聚羟基烷酸酯等几类最有可能率先实现产业化并用于食品包装材料的生物基质-生物分解塑料,对其在食品包装材料应用方面所具有的优势和存在的问题进行了评价,并对目前国内外在这几类材料的生产和应用技术及产业化等方面的最新进展进行了归纳。     

Antimicrobial activity of biodegradable polysaccharide and protein-based films containing active agents

Significant interest has emerged in the introduction of food packaging materials manufactured from biodegradable polymers that have the potential to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional packaging materials. Current technologies in active packaging enable effective antimicrobial (AM) packaging films to be prepared from biodegradable materials that have been modified and/or blended with different compatible materials and/or plasticisers. A wide range of AM films prepared from modified biodegradable materials have the potential to be used for packaging of various food products. This review examines biodegradable polymers derived from polysaccharides and protein-based materials for their potential use in packaging systems designed for the protection of food products from microbial contamination. A comprehensive table that systematically analyses and categorizes much of the current literature in this area is included in the review.