International Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering Review Article

Bioplastics as a Renewable Source for Packaging

  1. Harshada M. Patil ✉ Student, P.S.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  2. Akash S. Jain Asssistant Professors, P.S.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  3. Divakar R. Patil Asssistant Professors, P.S.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  4. Azam Z. Shaikh Asssistant Professors, P.S.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  5. Sameer R. Shaikh Asssistant Professors, P.S.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  6. Hitendra S. Chaudhari Asssistant Professors, P.S.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  7. P. Pawar Principle P.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The packaging sector is changing significantly as attention turns to eco-friendly materials and sustainability. Particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries, bioplastics have become a viable substitute for traditional polymers, providing both practical and environmental advantages. This analysis highlights the impact of bioplastics on packaging, emphasizing their improved properties, sustainability, and compliance with strict standards. Bioplastics improve barrier efficacy, lowering waste, guaranteeing safety, and extending the shelf life of pharmaceutical items. They also exhibit strong biodegradability, breaking down into harmless substances in natural environments, which minimizes environmental impact. Their reduced carbon footprint, which results from producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional plastics, is another important benefit. Additionally, bioplastics can be recycled and reused, supporting resource conservation and waste reduction. They are appropriate for a variety of applications since they can be designed to satisfy particular regulatory requirements. Notwithstanding these advantages, issues including increased production costs, restricted supply, and the requirement for specialised recycling systems still exist. However, it is anticipated that these problems will be resolved by continuing technological developments and rising consumer demand for sustainable solutions, making bioplastics an essential component of sustainable packaging in the future.

Keywords

References (76)

  1. 1. Shah AA, Hasan F, Hameed A, Ahmed S. Biological degradation of plastics: A comprehensive review. Biotechnol Adv. 2008;26(3):246–265.
  2. 2. Kong U, Mohammad Rawi NF, Tay GS. The potential applications of reinforced bioplastics in various industries: A review. Polymers (Basel). 2023;15(10):2399.
  3. 3. Abang S, Wong F, Sarbatly R, Sariau J, Baini R, Besar NA. Bioplastic classifications and innovations in antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant applications. J Bioresour Bioprod. 2023;8(4):361–387.
  4. 4. Notaro S, Lovera E, Paletto A. Consumers’ preferences for bioplastic products: A discrete choice experiment with a focus on purchase drivers. J Clean Prod. 2022;330:129870.
  5. 5. Rustagi N, Pradhan SK, Singh R. Public health impact of plastics: An overview. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2011;15(3):100–103.
  6. 6. Melchor-Martínez EM, Macías-Garbett R, Alvarado-Ramírez L, Araújo RG, Sosa-Hernández JE, Ramírez-Gamboa D, et al. Towards a circular economy of plastics: An evaluation of the systematic transition to a new generation of bioplastics. Polymers (Basel). 2022;14(6):1203.
  7. 7. Yang Z, Zhang Y, Li S, Zhang X, Wang T, Wang Q. Fully closed-loop recyclable thermosetting shape memory polyimide. ACS Sustain Chem Eng. 2020;8(51):18869–18878.
  8. 8. Vieyra H, Molina-Romero JM, Calderón-Nájera JDD, Santana-Díaz A. Engineering, recyclable, and biodegradable plastics in the automotive industry: A review. Polymers (Basel). 2022;14(16):3412.
  9. 9. Faraca G, Astrup T. Plastic waste from recycling centres: Characterisation and evaluation of plastic recyclability. Waste Manag. 2019;95:388–398.
  10. 10. Tang X, Chen EYX. Toward infinitely recyclable plastics derived from renewable cyclic esters. Chem. 2019;5(2):284–312.
  11. 11. Desidery L, Lanotte M. Polymers and plastics: Types, properties, and manufacturing. InPlastic waste for sustainable asphalt roads 2022 Jan 1 (pp. 3-28). Woodhead Publishing.
  12. 12. Ibrahim NI, Shahar FS, Sultan MTH, Shah AUM, Safri SNA, Mat Yazik MH. Overview of bioplastic introduction and its applications in product packaging. Coatings. 2021;11(11):1423.
  13. 13. Navasingh RJH, Gurunathan MK, Nikolova MP, Królczyk JB. Sustainable bioplastics for food packaging produced from renewable natural sources. Polymers (Basel). 2023;15(18):3760.
  14. 14. Gurunathan MK, Hynes NRJ, Al-Khashman OA, Brykov M, Ganesh N, Ene A. Study on the impact and water absorption performance of Prosopis Juliflora & glass fibre reinforced epoxy composite laminates. Polymers (Basel). 2022;14(15):2973.
  15. 15. Narancic T, Cerrone F, Beagan N, O’Connor KE. Recent advances in bioplastics: Application and biodegradation. Polymers (Basel). 2020;12(4):920.
  16. 16. Fahim IS, Chbib H, Mahmoud HM. The synthesis, production & economic feasibility of manufacturing PLA from agricultural waste. Sustain Chem Pharm. 2019;12:100142.
  17. 17. Kouchakinejad R, Lotfi Z, Golzary A. Exploring Azolla as a sustainable feedstock for eco-friendly bioplastics: A review. Heliyon. 2024;10(20).
  18. 18. Cucina M, de Nisi P, Tambone F, Adani F. The role of waste management in reducing bioplastics’ leakage into the environment: A review. Bioresour Technol. 2021;337:125459.
  19. 19. Siracusa V, Blanco I. Bio-polyethylene (Bio–PE), Bio-polypropylene (Bio-PP) and Bio-poly (ethylene terephthalate) (Bio-PET): Recent developments in bio-based polymers analogous to petroleum-derived ones for packaging and engineering applications. Polymers (Basel). 2020;12(8):1641.
  20. 20. Fredi G, Dorigato A. Recycling of bioplastic waste: A review. Adv Ind Eng Polym Res. 2021;4(3):159–177.
  21. 21. Chahal KK, Kaur R, Kaushal S. Plastics and their role in economic development of India. Indian Journal of Economics and Development. 2013;9(2):184-93.
  22. 22. Jogi K, Bhat R. Valorization of food processing wastes and by-products for bioplastic production. Sustain Chem Pharm. 2020;18:100326.
  23. 23. Onen Cinar S, Chong ZK, Kucuker MA, Wieczorek N, Cengiz U, Kuchta K. Bioplastic production from microalgae: A review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(11):3842.
  24. 24. Šuput D, Kurek M, Stupar A. Industrial scaling and commercialization of biopolymer-based food packaging: Processing, perf ormance, regulatory and sustainability challenges. Coatings. 2026 Aug;16(8):894.
  25. 25. Yu J, Xu S, Liu B, Wang H, Qiao F, Ren X, et al. PLA bioplastic production: From monomer to the polymer. Eur Polym J. 2023;193:112076.
  26. 26. Gbadeyan OJ, Linganiso LZ, Deenadayalu N. Thermomechanical characterization of bioplastic films produced using a combination of polylactic acid and bionano calcium carbonate. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):15538.
  27. 27. Aversa C, Cappiello G, Barletta M. Study of binary PLA/PBSA and ternary blends PLA/PCL/PBSA for the manufacturing of single dose strips. Procedia CIRP. 2022;110:335–341.
  28. 28. Ghysels S, Mozumder MSI, De Wever H, Volcke EI, Garcia-Gonzalez L. Targeted poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) bioplastic production from carbon dioxide. Bioresour Technol. 2018;249:858–868.
  29. 29. Panaitescu DM, Ionita ER, Nicolae CA, Gabor AR, Ionita MD, Trusca R, et al. Poly (3–hydroxybutyrate) modified by nanocellulose and plasma treatment for packaging applications. Polymers (Basel). 2018;10(11):1249.
  30. 30. Dobrosielska M, Dobrucka R, Kozera P, Kozera R, Kołodziejczak M, Gabriel E, et al. Bio composites based on polyamide 11/diatoms with different sized frustules. Polymers (Basel). 2022;14(15):3153.
  31. 31. Di Lorenzo ML, Longo A, Androsch R. Polyamide 11/Poly (butylene succinate) bio-based polymer blends. Materials (Basel). 2019;12(17):2833.
  32. 32. Bher A, Mayekar PC, Auras RA, Schvezov CE. Biodegradation of biodegradable polymers in mesophilic aerobic environments. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(20):12165.
  33. 33. Katiyar V. Bio-based plastics for food packaging applications. Smithers Pira; 2017 Jul 19.
  34. 34. de Oliveira Barud HG, Da Silva RR, da Silva Barud H, Tercjak A, Gutierrez J, Lustri WR, et al. A multipurpose natural and renewable polymer in medical applications: Bacterial cellulose. Carbohydr Polym. 2016;153:406–420.
  35. 35. Muneer F, Nadeem H, Arif A, Zaheer W. Bioplastics from biopolymers: An eco-friendly and sustainable solution of plastic pollution. Polym Sci Ser C. 2021;63(1):47–63.
  36. 36. Jahangiri F, Mohanty AK, Misra M. Sustainable biodegradable coatings for food packaging: Challenges and opportunities. Green Chem. 2024;26(9):4934–4974.
  37. 37. Chen H, Wang J, Cheng Y, Wang C, Liu H, Bian H, et al. Application of protein-based films and coatings for food packaging: A review. Polymers (Basel). 2019;11(12):2039.
  38. 38. Xiao F, Fontaine G, Bourbigot S. Recent developments in fire retardancy of polybutylene succinate. Polym Degrad Stab. 2021;183:109466.
  39. 39. Zavareze EDR, Halal SLME, Marques e Silva R, Dias ARG, Prentice‐Hernández C. Mechanical, barrier and morphological properties of biodegradable films based on muscle and waste proteins from the W Whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri). J Food Process Preserv. 2014;38(4):1973–1981.
  40. 40. Meereboer KW, Misra M, Mohanty AK. Review of recent advances in the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics and their composites. Green Chem. 2020;22(17):5519–5558.
  41. 41. Fedorov MB, Vikhoreva GA, Kil’deeva NR, Mokhova ON, Bonartseva GA, Gal’braikh LS. Antimicrobial activity of core-sheath surgical sutures modified with poly-3-hydroxybutyrate. Appl Biochem Microbiol. 2007;43(6):611–615.
  42. 42. Garrido L, Jimenez I, Ellis G, Cano P, García‐Martínez JM, Lopez L, et al. Characterization of surface‐modified polyalkanoate films for biomedical applications. J Appl Polym Sci. 2011;119(6):3286–3296.
  43. 43. Gheibi A, Khoshnevisan K, Ketabchi N, Derakhshan MA, Babadi AA. Application of electrospun nanofibrous PHBV scaffold in neural graft and regeneration: A mini-review. Nanomed Res J. 2016;1(2):107–111.
  44. 44. Ahmad Saffian H, Abdan K, Ali Hassan M, Ibrahim A. Characterization, morphology, and biodegradation of bioplastic fertilizer (BpF) composites made of poly (butylene succinate) blended with oil palm biomass and fertilizer. Polym Compos. 2017;38(11):2577–2583.
  45. 45. Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Abdelkarim EA, Al-Tohamy R, Kornaros M, Ruiz HA, et al. Biowastes for biodegradable bioplastics production and end-of-life scenarios in circular bioeconomy and biorefinery concept. Bioresour Technol. 2022;363:127869.
  46. 46. Mostafa NA, Farag AA, Abo-dief HM, Tayeb AM. Production of biodegradable plastic from agricultural wastes. Arab J Chem. 2018;11(4):546–553.
  47. 47. Rohmawati B, Sya’idah FAN, Alighiri D, Eden WT. Synthesis of bioplastic-based renewable cellulose acetate from teak wood (Tectona grandis) biowaste using glycerol-chitosan plasticizer. Orient J Chem. 2018;34(4):1810.
  48. 48. Biswas MC, Bush B, Ford E. Glucaric acid additives for the antiplasticization of fibers wet spun from cellulose acetate/acetic acid/water. Carbohydr Polym. 2020;245:116510.
  49. 49. Storz H, Vorlop KD. Bio-based plastics: status, challenges and trends. Landbauforschung – Applied Agricultural and Forestry Research. 2013;63(4):321–332. doi:10.3220/LBF_2013_321-332.
  50. 50. Soong YHV, Sobkowicz MJ, Xie D. Recent advances in biological recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic wastes. Bioengineering (Basel). 2022;9(3):98.
  51. 51. Jariyasakoolroj P, Leelaphiwat P, Harnkarnsujarit N. Advances in research and development of bioplastic for food packaging. J Sci Food Agric. 2020;100(14):5032–5045.
  52. 52. Shahzad A. Mechanical properties of lignocellulosic fiber composites. In: Lignocellulosic Fibre and Biomass-Based Composite Materials. Woodhead Publishing; 2017. p.193–223.
  53. 53. Shesan OJ, Stephen AC, Chioma AG, Neerish R, Rotimi SE. Improving the mechanical properties of natural fiber composites for structural and biomedical applications. In: Renewable and Sustainable Composites. IntechOpen; 2019.
  54. 54. Zhang K, Chen Z, Smith LM, Hong G, Song W, Zhang S. Polypyrrole-modified bamboo fiber/polylactic acid with enhanced mechanical, the antistatic properties and thermal stability. Ind Crops Prod. 2021;162:113227.
  55. 55. Rajak DK, Pagar DD, Menezes PL, Linul E. Fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Manufacturing, properties, and applications. Polymers (Basel). 2019;11(10):1667.
  56. 56. Vishnu Vardhini KJ, Murugan R, Surjit R. Effect of alkali and enzymatic treatments of banana fibre on properties of banana/polypropylene composites. J Ind Text. 2018;47(7):1849–1864.
  57. 57. Aaliya B, Sunooj KV, Lackner M. Biopolymer composites: A review. Int J Biobased Plast. 2021;3(1):40–84.
  58. 58. Boey JY, Lee CK, Tay GS. Factors affecting mechanical properties of reinforced bioplastics: A review. Polymers (Basel). 2022;14(18):3737.
  59. 59. Gbadeyan OJ, Linganiso LZ, Deenadayalu N. Thermomechanical characterization of bioplastic films produced using a combination of polylactic acid and bionano calcium carbonate. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):15538.
  60. 60. Merino D, Athanassiou A. Thermomechanical plasticization of fruits and vegetables processing byproducts for the preparation of bioplastics. Adv Sustain Syst. 2023;7(9):2300179.
  61. 61. Rajeshkumar L, Ramesh M, Bhuvaneswari V, Balaji D, Deepa C. Synthesis and thermomechanical properties of bioplastics and bio composites: A systematic review. J Mater Chem B. 2023;11(15):3307–3337.
  62. 62. Arikan EB, Ozsoy HD. A review: Investigation of bioplastics. J Civ Eng Arch. 2015;9(1):188–192.
  63. 63. Cinelli P, Coltelli MB, Signori F, Morganti P, Lazzeri A. Cosmetic packaging to save the environment: Future perspectives. Cosmetics. 2019;6(2):26.
  64. 64. Ioelovich M, Figovsky O. Nano-cellulose as promising biocarrier. Adv Mater Res. 2008;47:1286–1289.
  65. 65. Shah M, Rajhans S, Pandya HA, Mankad AU. Bioplastic for future: A review then and now. World J Adv Res Rev. 2021;9(2):056–067.
  66. 66. Nanda S, Patra BR, Patel R, Bakos J, Dalai AK. Innovations in applications and prospects of bioplastics and biopolymers: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 2022 Feb;20(1):379-95.
  67. 67. Dilkes-Hoffman L, Ashworth P, Laycock B, Pratt S, Lant P. Public attitudes towards bioplastics–knowledge, perception and end-of-life management. Resour Conserv Recycl. 2019;151:104479.
  68. 68. Folino A, Pangallo D, Calabrò PS. Assessing bioplastics biodegradability by standard and research methods: Current trends and open issues. J Environ Chem Eng. 2023;11(2):109424.
  69. 69. Reddy MM, Vivekanandhan S, Misra M, Bhatia SK, Mohanty AK. Biobased plastics and bionanocomposites: Current status and future opportunities. Prog Polym Sci. 2013;38(10–11):1653–1689.
  70. 70. Chamas A, Moon H, Zheng J, Qiu Y, Tabassum T, Jang JH, et al. Degradation rates of plastics in the environment. ACS Sustain Chem Eng. 2020;8(9):3494–3511.
  71. 71. Ahsan WA, Hussain A, Lin C, Nguyen MK. Biodegradation of different types of bioplastics through composting—A recent trend in green recycling. Catalysts. 2023;13(2):294.
  72. 72. Soroudi A, Jakubowicz I. Recycling of bioplastics, their blends and biocomposites: A review. Eur Polym J. 2013;49(10):2839–2858.
  73. 73. Niaounakis M. Recycling of biopolymers–the patent perspective. Eur Polym J. 2019;114:464–475.
  74. 74. Lorber KE, Kreindl G, Erdin E, Sarptas H. Waste management options for biobased polymeric composites. In: 4th International Polymeric Composites Symposium. 2015. p.7–9.
  75. 75. Hobbs SR, Harris TM, Barr WJ, Landis AE. Life cycle assessment of bioplastics and food waste disposal methods. Sustainability. 2021;13(12):6894.
  76. 76. Lamberti FM, Román-Ramírez LA, Wood J. Recycling of bioplastics: Routes and benefits. J Polym Environ. 2020;28(10):2551–2571.

Read more of it

Subscribe to one journal or build your own list of several. One invoice, one payment, access for a full year.

Subscribe to journals →

Publish your article

Peer-reviewed journals across every subject, with open access options. Send your manuscript to the right editor today.

Publish with us → Calculate your APC
Support