Sustainable Biopackaging: The Future of Food Packaging

  • Biopackaging

Biopackaging stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of sustainable packaging solutions, offering a pathway towards a greener future. Comprised of biodegradable and compostable materials derived from renewable sources like plants, animals, or microorganisms, biopackaging represents a paradigm shift in the packaging industry. These materials, which include poly(lactic acid), polyhydroxyalkanoates, cellulose derivatives, chitosan, starch, gums, pectin, and other bio-derived substances, aim to reduce our reliance on traditional petroleum-based plastics, addressing the pressing environmental concerns associated with plastic pollution. Biopackaging underscores a dedication to sustainability by not only reducing the environmental impact but also providing functional, durable, and versatile solutions, particularly in the realm of food packaging. This approach ensures a more sustainable and responsible method for preserving products while actively contributing to the safeguarding of the planet.

  • Biodegradable polymers

A biodegradable polymer breaks down into non-toxic components through biological processes when exposed to specific environmental conditions like moisture, heat, light, or microorganisms. It decomposes over time, returning to nature without leaving persistent residues. Various biodegradation processes include aerobic, anaerobic, enzymatic biodegradation, and composting in which the degradation takes place via hydrolysis and oxo-biodegradation mechanism of polymers. Additionally, the biodegradation environment primarily includes soil, aquatic, landfill, and composting. Apart from their functional properties, it is quite important to understand the behaviour of biodegradable polymers while designing biopackaging.

  • Compostable packaging

Compostable packaging refers to one type of biopackaging materials used in packaging that can break down into non-toxic materials such as water and CO2 in a composting environment. Compostability refers to a defined timeframe and specific environmental conditions conducive to biodegradation. This designation is confirmed through adherence to established standards dictated by EN and ISO standards regarding end-of-life process. These standards serve as scientific benchmarks, determining whether a material can successfully break down within the confines of a commercial composting facility without compromising the quality of the resulting compost. Standards and certifications, such as the ASTM D6400 or EN 13432, are often used to verify the compostability of packaging products. Compostable packaging is designed to undergo a similar decomposition process when placed in an industrial or home composting system.

  • Benefits of compostable food packaging materials

Compostable food packaging materials offer several advantages in promoting sustainability. Derived from renewable resources, these materials are designed to break down into organic matter in composting conditions, reducing the environmental burden associated with traditional packaging. Compostable packaging supports waste diversion from landfills, contributing to the circular economy by providing nutrient-rich compost for soil. Additionally, the use of compostable materials aligns with a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives, providing businesses with an opportunity to enhance their environmental stewardship, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Overall, compostable food packaging presents a viable and responsible solution for reducing the environmental impact of packaging, especially in the food industry where segregation of plastic packaging is required from food waste.

Additionally, bioplastics, sourced from renewable origins, encounter obstacles in offering eco-friendly substitutes to conventional plastics owing to their inherent physical characteristics. Certain bioplastics exhibit brittleness, reduced thermal stability, and inadequate gaseous and moisture barrier properties, all of which are crucial considerations for materials used in food packaging.

Despite persistent challenges, the IMPRESS project remains dedicated to leveraging low trophic species, marine and freshwater resources, and their by-products for the extraction of biopolymers including chitin, chitosan, cellulose, and others. The project also focuses on developing biobased packaging using biodegradable plastics such as poly(lactic acid), poly(ฮต-caprolactone), poly(hydroxyalkanoates), and others specifically tailored for seafood applications. The ongoing research and innovation focus on tailoring these materials to achieve improved physicochemical properties, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a zero-waste, circular economy. Additionally, the project prioritises evaluating the compostability and biodegradability of the developed biobased packaging, aiming to understand the environmental impact and contribute to sustainable packaging solutions. As consumer awareness grows and industries commit to sustainability, biodegradable packaging materials are poised to transform the landscape of food packaging, steering us towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

Reference:

  1. https://www.european-bioplastics.org/
  2. https://biopost.ie/
  3. https://impress-he.eu/
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  8. Wu, F., Misra, M., & Mohanty, A. K. (2021). Challenges and new opportunities on barrier performance of biodegradable polymers for sustainable packaging. Progress in Polymer Science, 117, 101395.
  9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/biodegradation#:~ :text=Biodegradation%20can%20occur%20by%20two,oxidation)%20and%20oxo%2 Dbiodegradation.
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