Novel biopolymer-based sustainable composites for food packaging applications: A narrative review

In the contemporary era of nutrition science, food industries are facing myriad challenges in assuring quality food with extended shelf life and long-term preservation. Biopolymer-based sustainable and biodegradable food packaging materials have helped the industries to meet these challenges. Additionally, these eco-friendly materials are also alleviating the environmental concerns associated with plastic-related pollution due to their excellent biodegradability, renewability, bioavailability, and non-toxicity. Herein, biopolymer-based food packaging materials and their composites, their biodegradation mechanisms, and the effect of nano-additives on the food packaging properties are presented. This review also elucidates ongoing research investigations for meeting current challenges by using these environmentally benign materials in food packaging applications. It is anticipated that the implementation of green technology could help in improving food quality and safety while reducing food loss and plastic waste, which will assist in achieving environmental sustainability goals.