Functional packaging films originating from hemicelluloses laurate by direct transesterification in ionic liquid

Hemicellulose and unlocking potential for sustainable applications in biomedical, packaging, and material sciences: A narrative review

Hemicellulose, a complex polysaccharide abundantly found in plant cell walls, has garnered significant attention for its versatile applications in various fields including biomedical, food packaging, environmental, and material sciences. This review systematically explores the composition, extraction methods, and diverse applications of hemicellulose-derived materials. Various extraction techniques such as organic acid, organic base, enzyme-assisted, and hydrothermal methods are discussed in detail, highlighting their efficacy and potential drawbacks. The applications of hemicellulose encompass biodegradable films, edible coatings, advanced hydrogels, and emulsion stabilizers, each offering unique properties suitable for different industrial needs. Current challenges in hemicellulose research include extraction efficiency, scalability of production processes, and optimization of material properties. Opportunities for future research are outlined, emphasizing the exploration of new applications and interdisciplinary approaches to harness the full potential of hemicellulose. This comprehensive review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals interested in utilizing hemicellulose as a sustainable and functional biomaterial.

Bacteria for Bioplastics: Progress, Applications, and Challenges

Bioplastics are one of the answers that can point society toward a sustainable future. Under this premise, the synthesis of polymers with competitive properties using low-cost starting materials is a highly desired factor in the industry. Also, tackling environmental issues such as nonbiodegradable waste generation, high carbon footprint, and consumption of nonrenewable resources are some of the current concerns worldwide. The scientific community has been placing efforts into the biosynthesis of polymers using bacteria and other microbes. These microorganisms can be convenient reactors to consume food and agricultural wastes and convert them into biopolymers with inherently attractive properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and appreciable mechanical and chemical properties. Such biopolymers can be applied to several fields such as packing, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, medical, biomedical, and agricultural. Thus, intending to elucidate the science of microbes to produce polymers, this review starts with a brief introduction to bioplastics by describing their importance and the methods for their production. The second section dives into the importance of bacteria regarding the biochemical routes for the synthesis of polymers along with their advantages and disadvantages. The third section covers some of the main parameters that influence biopolymers' production. Some of the main applications of biopolymers along with a comparison between the polymers obtained from microorganisms and the petrochemical-based ones are presented. Finally, some discussion about the future aspects and main challenges in this field is provided to elucidate the main issues that should be tackled for the wide application of microorganisms for the preparation of bioplastics.

Xylan cinnamoylation for reinforcing poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate): Molecule design and interaction optimization

PBAT composites with biomass fillers have gained considerable attention as alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics. This work employed xylan derivatives as fillers for PBAT composites. Xylan was modified by introducing cinnamoyl side groups which limit the hydrogen bonding and construct π-π stacking interactions with PBAT chains. The resultant xylan cinnamates (XCi) show degree of substitution (DS) of 0.55-1.89, glass-transition temperatures (Tg) of 146.5-175.0 °C and increased hydrophobicity, which can be simply controlled by varying the molar ratio of reactants. NMR results demonstrate that the C3-OH of xylopyranosyl unit is more accessible to cinnamoylation. XCi fillers (30-50 wt%) were incorporated into PBAT through melt compounding. The filler with a DS of 0.97 exhibited the optimal reinforcing effect, showing superior tensile strength (19.4 MPa) and elongation at break (330.9 %) at a high filling content (40 wt%), which is even beyond the neat PBAT. SEM and molecular dynamics simulation suggest improved compatibility and strengthened molecular interaction between XCi and PBAT, which explains the suppressed melting/crystallization behavior, the substantial increase in Tg (-34.5 → -1.8 °C) and the superior mechanical properties of the composites. This research provides valuable insights into the preparation of high-performance composites by designing the molecular architecture of xylan and optimizing the associated interactions.

Fabrication of multi-functional biodegradable liquid mulch utilizing xyloglucan derived from tamarind waste for agricultural application

Biodegradable liquid mulch is considered a promising alternative to plastic mulch for sustainable agriculture. This work proposed a xyloglucan-based liquid mulch with multi-function using a combination of chemical modification and blending methods. The esterification product of tamarind xyloglucan (TXG) from forestry wastes was synthesized with benzoic anhydride (BA). The effect of esterification modification was investigated, and BA-TXG was utilized as a film-forming and sand-fixation agent. The rheological properties, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity were improved following esterification. Additionally, waterborne polyurethane and urea were incorporated into the mulch to enhance its mechanical strength (23.28 MPa, 80.71 %), and homogeneity, as well as improve its nutritive properties. The xyloglucan-based liquid mulch has excellent UV protection, a high haze value (approximately 90 %), and retains water at a rate of 80.45 %. SEM and immersion experiment showed the effect of xyloglucan-based liquid mulch on sustainable sand-fixation. Moreover, the liquid mulch treatment demonstrated an impressive germination rate of 83.8 % and degradation rate of 51.59 % (60 days). The modified polysaccharide film increases stability and slows down the degradation rate. Tamarind xyloglucan-based liquid mulch exhibits powerful and diverse optical properties as well as sand fixation functions, indicating their great potential in sustainable agriculture as an alternative to plastic mulch.

Preparation and characterization of hemicellulose films reinforced with amino polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane for biodegradable packaging

Biomass is one of the powerful alternatives to petroleum-based packaging materials. Herein, carboxymethyl hemicellulose (CMH) based films (CPF) were prepared using a convenient strategy. The chains of CMH provided the necessary supporting matrix, and the aminopropyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-NH2) regulated the thermal and barrier properties of the CPF. The secondary amide groups and hydrogen bond were appeared in chemical structure, and SEM-EDS results indicated the preferable dispersion and compatibility of POSS-NH2 in CPFs. The thermal degradation temperature (Tonset > 260 °C), the coefficient of linear thermal expansion and glass transition temperature (Tg > 130 °C) have been improved by introduction of POSS-NH2. The tensile strength of CPF showed a higher level of 39.43 MPa with the POSS-NH2 loading of 20 wt%, which was 18.8 % higher than that of CMH film. More importantly, water vapor barrier property of films almost improved by two times, and its value is reduced to 18.82 g m-2 h-1. The shelf life of blueberry was effectively extended by the CPF coating for one week compared with commercial PE film. Therefore, CPF films displayed effective thermal performances, water vapor barrier characteristic and biodegradability, which might be exploited in packaging material for food application.

Preparation of biodegradable composite films based on carboxymethylated holocellulose from wheat straw

Holocellulose was extracted from wheat straw and catalytically transformed into carboxymethylated holocellulose (CMHCS) to prepare a biodegradable composite film. By changing the type and amount of catalyst, the carboxymethylation of the holocellulose was optimized with respect to the degree of substitution (DS). A high DS of 2.46 was achieved in the presence of a cocatalyst composed of polyethylene glycol and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The effect of DS on the properties of CMHCS-derived biodegradable composite films was further investigated. Compared to pristine holocellulose, the mechanical properties of the composite film were significantly improved and increased with increasing DS. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus increased from 6.58 MPa, 51.4 %, and 26.13 MPa for the unmodified holocellulose-based composite film to 14.81 MPa, 89.36 %, and 81.73 MPa for the film derived from the CMHCS with a DS of 2.46. The biodegradability of the composite film was assessed under soil burial biodisintegration conditions and reached 71.5 % degradation after 45 d. Additionally, a possible degradation process for the composite film was proposed. The results indicated that the CMHCS-derived composite film has good comprehensive performance, and CMHCS is expected to be applied in the field of biodegradable composite materials.

Green Approaches on Modification of Xylan Hemicellulose to Enhance the Functional Properties for Food Packaging Materials-A Review

Based on the environmental concerns, the utilisation of hemicelluloses in food packaging has become a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers and an important method for the efficient utilisation of biomass resources. After cellulose, hemicellulose is a second component of agricultural and forestry biomass that is being taken advantage of given its abundant source, biodegradability, nontoxicity and good biocompatibility. However, due to its special molecular structure and physical and chemical characteristics, the mechanical and barrier properties of hemicellulose films and coatings are not sufficient for food packaging applications and modification for performance enhancement is needed. Even though there are many studies on improving the hydrophobic properties of hemicelluloses, most do not meet environmental requirements and the chemical modification of these biopolymers is still a challenge. The present review examines emerging and green alternatives to acetylation for xylan hemicellulose in order to improve its performance, especially when it is used as biopolymer in paper coatings or films for food packaging. Ionic liquids (ILs) and enzymatic modification are environmentally friendly methods used to obtain xylan derivatives with improved thermal and mechanical properties as well as hydrophobic performances that are very important for food packaging materials. Once these novel and green methodologies of hemicellulose modifications become well understood and with validated results, their production on an industrial scale could be implemented. This paper will extend the area of hemicellulose applications and lead to the implementation of a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products that will decrease the environmental impact of packaging materials.

Hemicelluloses-based sprayable and biodegradable pesticide mulch films for Chinese cabbage growth

In this study, one high-performance hemicelluloses (HC)-based sprayable and biodegradable pesticide mulch film was developed. Firstly, HC was transesterified with vinyl acetate (VA) to improve its solubility and film-forming ability. Then abamectin (ABA) was encapsulated by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to endow mulch film persistent anti-pesticide activity. After that, sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin were added to develop the mechanical performances of the mulch film. As a result, the obtained mulch film showed good characteristics, with optimum mechanical strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability (WVP), swelling ratio (SR), and weight loss (biodegradability) of 7.9 ± 0.3 MPa, 43.6 ± 2.0 %, 2.1 ± 0.1 × 10^-11 g mm m^-2 s^-1 kPa^-1, 73.8 ± 2.0 %, and 69.3 %, respectively. After covering with mulch film, the soil moisture and temperature were developed to 90.8 % and 19.3 ± 0.2 °C, respectively, which could facilitate Chinese cabbage growth, with optimum germination rate of 98.6 ± 6.4 %.

Eco-friendly and efficient modification of native hemicelluloses via click reactions

An atom-economic strategy is proposed to valorise the byproducts from an invasive bamboo with improved thermal stability for potential use in composites.

Plant-Based Structures as an Opportunity to Engineer Optical Functions in Next-Generation Light Management

This review addresses the reconstruction of structural plant components (cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses) into materials displaying advanced optical properties. The strategies to isolate the main building blocks are discussed, and the effects of fibrillation, fibril alignment, densification, self-assembly, surface-patterning, and compositing are presented considering their role in engineering optical performance. Then, key elements that enable lignocellulosic to be translated into materials that present optical functionality, such as transparency, haze, reflectance, UV-blocking, luminescence, and structural colors, are described. Mapping the optical landscape that is accessible from lignocellulosics is shown as an essential step toward their utilization in smart devices. Advanced materials built from sustainable resources, including those obtained from industrial or agricultural side streams, demonstrate enormous promise in optoelectronics due to their potentially lower cost, while meeting or even exceeding current demands in performance. The requirements are summarized for the production and application of plant-based optically functional materials in different smart material applications and the review is concluded with a perspective about this active field of knowledge.

Preparation and Characterization of Chinese Leek Extract Incorporated Cellulose Composite Films

This study aimed to prepare microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) films with good mechanical properties via plasticization using a Chinese leek (CL, Allium tuberosum) extract. The microstructure, crystal structure, mechanical properties, barrier ability, and thermal properties of the films were investigated. The chemical structure analysis of CL extract showed the existence of cellulose, lignin, and low-molecular-weight substances, such as polysaccharides, pectins, and waxes, which could act as plasticizers to enhance the properties of MCC:CL biocomposite films. The results of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses indicated the good compatibility between MCC and CL extract. When the volume ratio of MCC:CL was 7:3, the MCC:CL biocomposite film exhibited the best comprehensive performance in terms of water vapor permeability (2.11 × 10^-10 g/m·s·Pa), elongation at break (13.2 ± 1.8%), and tensile strength (24.7 ± 2.5 MPa). The results of a UV absorption analysis demonstrated that the addition of CL extract improved the UV-shielding performance of the films. Therefore, this work not only proposes a facile method to prepare MCC films with excellent mechanical properties via plasticization using CL extract but also broadens the potential applications of MCC films in the packaging area.

High strength biobased films prepared from xylan/chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes in the presence of ethanol

The effect of different ethanol concentrations (0; 3; 9; 12 and 16 wt%) on the degree of ionization of xylan and chitosan, the characteristics of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) suspensions, and the derived films, were exhaustively analyzed through several analytical techniques. Results indicate that the degree of ionization of both polyelectrolytes was reduced, whereas particle sizes and z-potential values of PEC suspensions were remarkably modified. As ethanol concentration was increased up to 12 wt%, the crystallinity of films decreased. Furthermore, the stress at break increased from 45 to 75 MPa. Wet stress-strain results were promising (up to 5.0 MPa, 55%) for all films. Although water vapor permeability was not modified, the swelling capacity was favorably reduced (12%). Results reveal that, for preparing films, it might not be necessary to remove all the ethanol used for xylan precipitation and purification.

Bioactive pectic polysaccharides from bay tree pruning waste: Sequential subcritical water extraction and application in active food packaging

The potential isolation of bio-active polysaccharides from bay tree pruning waste was studied using sequential subcritical water extraction using different time-temperature combinations. The extracted polysaccharides were highly enriched in pectins while preserving their high molecular mass (10-100 kDa), presenting ideal properties for its application as additive in food packaging. Pectin-enriched chitosan films were prepared, improving the optical properties (≥95% UV-light barrier capacity), antioxidant capacity (˃95% radical scavenging activity) and water vapor permeability (≤14 g·Pa-1·s-1·m-1·10-7) in comparison with neat chitosan-based films. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of chitosan was maintained in the hybrid films. Addition of 10% of pectins improved mechanical properties, increasing the Young's modulus 12%, and the stress resistance in 51%. The application of pectin-rich fractions from bay tree pruning waste as an additive in active food packaging applications, with triple action as antioxidant, barrier, and antimicrobial has been demonstrated.

Edible Films on Meat and Meat Products

In 2018, the worldwide consumption of meat was 346.14 million tonnes, and this is expected to increase in the future. As meat consumption increases, the use of packaging materials is expected to increase along with it. Petrochemical packaging materials which are widely used in the meat processing industry, take a long time to regenerate and biodegrade, thus they adversely affect the environment. Therefore, the necessity for the development of eco-friendly packaging materials for meat processing, which are easily degradable and recyclable, came to the fore. The objective of this review is to describe the application of natural compound-derived edible films with their antioxidant and antibacterial activities in meat and meat products. For several decades, polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, pectin, gum, alginate, carrageenan and chitosan), proteins (milk, collagen and isolated soy protein) and lipids (essential oil, waxes, emulsifiers, plasticizers and resins) were studied as basic materials for edible films to reduce plastic packaging. There are still high consumer demands for eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemical-based plastic packaging, and edible films can be used in a variety of ways in meat processing. More efforts to enhance the physiological and functional properties of edible films are needed for commercial application to meat and meat products.

Can Sustainable Packaging Help to Reduce Food Waste? A Status Quo Focusing Plant-Derived Polymers and Additives

The promotion of sustainable packaging is part of the European Green Deal and plays a key role in the EU’s social and political strategy. One option is the use of renewable resources and biomass waste as raw materials for polymer production. Lignocellulose biomass from annual and perennial industrial crops and agricultural residues are a major source of polysaccharides, proteins, and lignin and can also be used to obtain plant-based extracts and essential oils. Therefore, these biomasses are considered as potential substitute for fossil-based resources. Here, the status quo of bio-based polymers is discussed and evaluated in terms of properties related to packaging applications such as gas and water vapor permeability as well as mechanical properties. So far, their practical use is still restricted due to lower performance in fundamental packaging functions that directly influence food quality and safety, the length of shelf life, and thus the amount of food waste. Besides bio-based polymers, this review focuses on plant extracts as active packaging agents. Incorporating extracts of herbs, flowers, trees, and their fruits is inevitable to achieve desired material properties that are capable to prolong the food shelf life. Finally, the adoption potential of packaging based on polymers from renewable resources is discussed from a bioeconomy perspective.

Enhancement of Mechanical and Barrier Property of Hemicellulose Film via Crosslinking with Sodium Trimetaphosphate

Hemicellulose is a kind of biopolymer with abundant resources and excellent biodegradability. Owing to its large number of polar hydroxyls, hemicellulose has a good barrier performance to nonpolar oxygen, making this biopolymer promising as food packaging material. Hydrophilic hydroxyls also make the polymer prone to water absorption, resulting in less satisfied strength especially under humid conditions. Thus, preparation of hemicellulose film with enhanced oxygen and water vapor barrier ability, as well as mechanical strength is still sought after. Herein, sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) was used as esterification agent to form a crosslinked structure with hemicellulose through esterification reaction to render improved barrier performance by reducing the distance between molecular chains. The thus modified hemicellulose film achieved an oxygen permeability and water vapor permeability of 3.72 cm3 × μm × m-2 × d-1 × kPa-1 and 2.85 × 10-10 × g × m-1 × s-1 × Pa-1, respectively, at the lowest esterification agent addition of 10%. The crosslinked structure also brought good mechanical and thermal properties, with the tensile strength reaching 30 MPa, which is 118% higher than that of the hemicellulose film. Preliminary test of its application in apple preservation showed that the barrier film obtained can effectively slow down the oxidation and dehydration of apples, showing the prospect of application in the field of food packaging.

Bio-based active food packaging materials: Sustainable alternative to conventional petrochemical-based packaging materials

In food industry, a growing concern is the use of suitable packaging material (i.e., biodegradable coatings and films) with enhanced thermal, mechanical and barrier characteristics to prevent from contamination and loss of foodstuff. Biobased polymer resources can be used for the development of biodegradable bioplastics. To achieve this goal, biopolymers should be economic, renewable and abundantly available. Bioplastic packaging materials based on renewable biomass could be used as sustainable alternative to petrochemically-originated plastic materials. This review summarizes the recent advancements in biopolymer-based coatings and films for active food packaging applications. Microbial polymers (PHA and PLA), wood-based polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose, starch & lignin), and protein-based polymers (gelatin, keratin, wheat gluten, soy protein and whey protein isolates) were among the materials most widely exploited for the development of smart packaging films. These biopolymers are able to synthesize coatings and films with good barrier properties against food borne pathogens and the transport of gases. Biobased reinforcements e.g., plant essential oils and natural additives to bioplastic films improve oxygen barrier, antibacterial and antifungal properties. To induce the desired functionality the simultaneous utilization of different synthetic and biobased polymers in the form of composites/blends is also an emerging area of research. Nanoscale reinforcements into bioplastic packaging have also been reported to improve packaging characteristics ultimately increasing food shelf life. The development of bioplastic/biocomposite and nanobiocomposites exhibits high potential to replace nonbiodegradable materials with characteristics comparable to fossil-based plastics, additionally, giving biodegradable and compostable characteristics. The idea of utilization of renewable biomass and the implications of biotechnology can firstly reduce the burden from fossil-resources, while secondly promoting biobased economy.

Barrier Film of Etherified Hemicellulose from Single-Step Synthesis

Hemicellulose with good biodegradability and low oxygen permeability shows great potential in food packaging. However, its strong hydrophilicity leads to its poor moisture resistance, which hinders its wider application. In this paper, a near-hydrophobic hemicellulose was obtained by using single-step synthesis from poplar powder via etherification modification with epoxy chloropropane. This proposed approach has the advantage of avoiding the destruction of hemicellulose structure by secondary alkali-hydrolysis, which was what usually occurred in traditional etherification procedures. The feasibility of using epoxy chloropropane as an alkylation reagent to etherify hemicellulose was confirmed, and the reaction mechanism was elucidated. Contact angle test, thermogravimetric analysis, oxygen transmittance test, and infrared spectrum analysis showed that the barrier property and thermal stability of etherified hemicellulose films have been significantly improved. At an epoxy chloropropane/wood powder ratio (volume/weight) of 2/3 (mL/g), the epoxy hemicellulose films contained the most epoxy groups and displayed the best performance, i.e., tensile strength of 14.6 MPa, surface contact angle of 71.7° and oxygen transmission coefficient of 1.9 (cm3·µm)/(m2·d·kPa), showing great promise as barrier film in food-packaging.

Hemicellulose-Based Film: Potential Green Films for Food Packaging

Globally increasing environmental awareness and the possibility of increasing price and dwindling supply of traditional petroleum-based plastics have led to a breadth of research currently addressing environmentally friendly bioplastics as an alternative solution. In this context, hemicellulose, as the second richest polysaccharide, has attracted extensive attention due to its combination of such advantages as abundance, biodegradability, and renewability. Herein, in this review, the latest research progress in development of hemicellulose film with regard to application in the field of food packaging is presented with particular emphasis on various physical and chemical modification approaches aimed at performance improvement, primarily for enhancement of mechanical, barrier properties, and hydrophobicity that are essential to food packing materials. The development highlights of hemicellulose film substrate are outlined and research prospects in the field are described.

Film formation and deposition methods of edible coating on food products: A review

The greatest challenge encountered by the food manufacturer is the loss of quality of food products during storage, which eventually adds to the waste. Edible packaging is known as a potential alternative to protecting food quality and improving shelf life by delaying microbial spoilage and providing moisture and gas barrier properties. Developments in edible packaging and technology have shown promising results in enhancing the shelf life of food products. In 2016, the edible packaging market was valued at $697 million and by 2023 is expected to hit $1097 million growing at a compound annual growth rate (CGAR) of 6.81% from 2017 to 2023 at global level. In global edible packaging markets specific industries including MonoSol LLC, Tate & Lyle Plc, WikiCell Designs Inc., JRF Technology LLC, Safetraces, Inc., BluWrap, Skipping Rocks Lab, Tipa Corp., Watson Inc., and Devro plc have played a key role. Edible packaging can be applied in two forms: (i) edible coating applied directly on the food product or (ii) preformed film wrapped around the food product. The aim of this study is to review different methods of film formation and edible coating depositions. Edible films can be produced using two methods, wet (casting) and dry (extrusion) processes; and methods such as dipping, spraying, fluidized-bed, and panning are used for deposition of edible coatings on the surface of food product. Casting and dipping methods for film formation and coating deposition, respectively, are easy to use and are preferred methods on a lab scale; whereas extrusion and spraying are preferred methods for film formation and coating deposition, respectively, on a commercial scale. This work can help researchers and industries to select an efficient and cost-effective method for the development of edible film/coating for specific application. Further study and evaluation of practical applications of methods of edible packaging should be carried out within the main purpose of keeping food safe with acceptable quality for extended period of time.

Solid state 13C-NMR methodology for the cellulose composition studies of the shells of Prunus dulcis and their derived cellulosic materials

Lignocellulosic fibers and microcellulose have been obtained by simple alkaline treatment from softwood almond shells. In particular, the Prunus dulcis Miller (D.A.) Webb. was considered as a agro industrial waste largely available in southern Italy. The materials before and after purification have been characterized by 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy methodology. A proper data analysis provided the relative composition of lignin and holocellulose at each purification step and the results were compared with thermogravimetric analysis and FT-IR. To value the possibility of using this material in a circular economy framework, the fibrous cellulosic material was used to manufacture a handmade cardboard. The tensile performances on the prepared cardboard proved its suitability for packaging purposes as a sustainable material. These fibers along with the obtained microcellulose can represent a new use for the almond shells that are mainly used as firewood.

Narrowing the Gap for Bioplastic Use in Food Packaging: An Update

Plastic production has outgrown most other man-made materials, with more than 90% being petroleum-based and nonbiodegradable. Packaging, primarily food packaging, consumes the most plastic and is the largest contributor to municipal solid waste. In addition, its dependence on crude oil feedstock makes the plastic industry unsustainable and renders plastic markets vulnerable to oil price volatility. Therefore, the development of bioalternatives to conventional plastics is now a priority of the food packaging industry. Bioplastics are polymers that are either biobased (fully or partially), or biodegradable, or both. This review aims to provide an insightful overview of the most recent research and development successes in bioplastic materials, focusing on food packaging applications. Bioplastics are compared to their conventional counterparts with respect to their mechanical, thermal, barrier, and processability properties. The gaps between bio- and conventional plastics in food packaging are elucidated. Potential avenues for improving bioplastic properties to broaden their food packaging applications are critically examined. Furthermore, two of the most controversial topics on bioplastic alternatives, sustainability assessment and their impact on the plastic waste management system, are discussed.