Developing bioplastics from agro-industrial wastes for applications in food packaging

Publication date: 08/01/2024
Extent: 44 pages

Contributions by: Angela Marchetti, Gaia Salvatori and Lionel Tayou Nguemna, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Mattia Grumi, Ahmet Ozan Basar, María Pardo-Figuerez, Jose Maria Lagaron and Cristina Prieto, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA), Spain; Chiara Marcoaldi, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA), Spain; Marianna Villano and Mauro Majone, Research Center for Applied Sciences to the Safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC) and Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; and David Bolzonella, University of Verona, Italy

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter uses the principles of the circular economy to present alternatives to plastic food packaging in order to face the plastic environmental problem. One of the most promising solutions is the substitution of fossil-based polymers for bio-based and biodegradable polymers, among which polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) stand out. Recent research has shown that it is possible to obtain these biopolymers from agro-industrial and food wastes, thus reducing production costs and increasing sustainability. Bioplastics made from these biopolymers display similar properties to conventional plastic, making them possible to process using currently available technologies. Meanwhile, the design of new packaging items based on biopolymers with improved properties could help reduce both food and plastic waste. The EU-based Usable Packaging project, the objective of which was the development of a circular and vertically integrated value chain in the plastics sector, represents a clear example of efforts being made by the scientific community to bring this research to industry.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2023.0120.20