Abstract:
The possibility of upsurging price and uncertain supply of conventional petroleum-based packaging materials have paved the way for research in bioplastics which are environment- friendly and suitable to address the globally increasing problem of environmental pollution. In this context, cellulose is the first most abundant polysaccharide, considered as a competent biopolymer for its abundance, biodegradability, biocompatibility, low price, and mechanical attributes. The cellulose is obtained from renewable resources including wood pulp, agricultural waste, and plants and are biodegradable and compostable, which lessens the negative effects of films on the environment. They have strong anti-oxygen, anti-moisture, and anti-UV capabilities, ensuring the quality and prolonged shelf life of food products. The mechanical strength and flexibility of cellulose-based bioplastic films are also favorable, making them suited for a variety of packaging applications. Cellulose based films can be considered as an approach to attain the same quality parameters that were offered by petroleum-based packaging materials. Different kinds and concentrations of plasticizers and cross linking agents can be used to attain the required strength, elongation and other characteristics. Modified lignin and hemicelluloses can be applied to cellulose films to alter the water and oxygen transmittance rate of the films. Antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds can be applied to cellulose films to preserve oilbased food products. The concept of active and intelligent packaging is very useful to extend the shelf life of many food products and to fulfil the limitations of neat cellulose film. There is an emerging trend of cellulose based thermoplastic materials for its striking resemblance in quality attributes and functionalities with the conventional petroleum-based polymers.
Page(s):
33-33
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on International Conference on Food and Applied Sciences (ICFAS-23) 3-5 August 23, Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023
Keywords:
food packaging
,
Cellulose films
,
petroleumbased
,
Environment friendly
,
Biodegradability