Publication

Abstract :

The growing environmental burden from petroleum-based plastics highlights the need for sustainable alternatives in food packaging. Despite the progress in biopolymer research, large-scale implementation of bioplastics remains hindered by poor mechanical integrity, hydrophilicity, cost inefficiency, and lack of industrial scalability. This review aims to comprehensively analyse the recent advancements in the design, formulation, and performance of bioplastics derived from renewable sources such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, proteins, and microbial polyesters. The study emphasizes how these materials, through nanocomposite reinforcement, chemical modification, and bioactive incorporation, can achieve enhanced mechanical strength, barrier efficiency, and antimicrobial activity suitable for food preservation. Furthermore, the review critically compares material properties, biodegradability, and techno-economic feasibility across different bioplastic systems to identify innovation pathways. The discussion culminates in outlining strategies for overcoming production and regulatory bottlenecks and highlights emerging prospects in smart and circular bioeconomy-driven packaging solutions. This study provides a technically grounded framework that links laboratory-scale developments with real-world commercial applications, positioning bioplastics as viable, sustainable alternatives in the food packaging sector.