Recent Advances in Lipid Derived Bio-Based Materials for Food Packaging Applications

The utilization of lipids is presently in the spotlight of food industry as they are one of novel renewable and sustainable raw materials. Lipids derived materials are considered as a promising alternate to petro-based polymers as they are sustainable, biorenewable, biodegradable, and environmentally benign. These unique attributes draw the attention of scientific community for the use of lipids in food packaging applications with a potential to compete with fossil fuel derived polymers. This paper reviews recent advances in the use of lipids and their effect on the barrier, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and mechanical properties of films, coating and nanocomposites for food packaging applications. Modification of lipids and its chemical interactions with other biopolymers during processing for the synthesis of different materials are also discussed. Global patents and research trend in use of lipids for the preparation of biocomposites are also described. The role of lipids in the circular economy is highlighted and life cycle assessment of lipids derived products is outlined with examples. The review is concluded with synoptic view of existing and forthcoming potential use of lipids in various food packaging applications.