Advancing Sustainable Food Packaging with Plant-Based Polymers
摘要
The growing concern over petroleum-based plastics has sparked significant interest in eco-friendly alternatives for food packaging. Plant-based polymers have emerged as promising alternatives due to their natural breakdown, reusability, and reduced ecological impact. This chapter examines the development of plant-derived polymers in contemporary food packaging, focusing on their origins, extraction techniques, functional properties, and current industrial applications. We examine how well plant-based materials, such as starch, cellulose, lignin, and plant proteins, function in preserving food and extending its shelf life. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using biopolymers instead of traditional plastics, as well as emerging concepts in bio-nanocomposites and active packaging systems. Lastly, problems such as economic scalability, regulatory barriers, and consumer acceptance are outlined, providing ideas for future research and the shift to a circular packaging economy. This chapter provides researchers, individuals in the food packaging industry, and policymakers seeking long-term solutions with a comprehensive overview of the situation.