Review of Bio-Based Biodegradable Polymers: Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Packaging

Autor: Maricica Stoica, Cezar Ionuț Bichescu, Carmen-Mihaela Crețu, Maricela Dragomir, Angela Stela Ivan, Geanina Marcela Podaru, Dimitrie Stoica, Mariana Stuparu-Crețu
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Foods, Vol 13, Iss 19, p 3027 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2304-8158
DOI: 10.3390/foods13193027
Popis: Conventional passive packaging plays a crucial role in food manufacturing by protecting foods from various external influences. Most packaging materials are polymer-based plastics derived from fossil carbon sources, which are favored for their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. However, the extensive use of these materials poses significant environmental challenges due to their fossil-based origins and persistence in the environment. Global plastic consumption for packaging is expected to nearly triple by 2060, exacerbating the ecological crisis. Moreover, globalization has increased access to a diverse range of foods from around the world, heightening the importance of packaging in providing healthier and safer foods with extended shelf life. In response to these challenges, there is a growing shift to eco-friendly active packaging that not only protects but also preserves the authentic qualities of food, surpassing the roles of conventional passive packaging. This article provides a comprehensive review on the viability, benefits, and challenges of implementing bio-based biodegradable polymers in active food packaging, with the dual goals of environmental sustainability and extending food shelf life.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals