Handbook of Bio-based Packaging for Agri-food Applications

Fossil carbon-based plastics are widely used for food and drink packaging due to their excellent mechanical properties and ability to ensure the safety and quality of the product, often for extended periods. However, these materials are an increasing cause for concern due to their detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife. This has driven an interest in the use of alternative non-fossil carbon bio-based materials for use in food contact applications and bio-based and biodegradable packaging materials have gained increased global attention This book explores the rapidly expanding range of bio-based materials being developed for use in food and drink packaging. The associated issues such as shelf-life performance, safety and sustainability, inclusion of nanosized or nanostructured materials, and active and intelligent packaging are considered, along with a focus on safety of these new food contact materials and their sustainability within a circular bioeconomy context. Recent developments enabling the replacement of non-biodegradable plastics used in horticulture and agriculture to reduce environmental contamination are also described. Driven by consumer demand, this comprehensive book is aimed at the global packaging market and will be of interest to policy makers, research students, industrialists and regulators looking for combined research on sustainable alternatives to fossil-based packaging materials.