Approaches in Sustainable, Biobased Multilayer Packaging Solutions

Abstract

The depletion of fossil resources and the growing demand for plastic waste reduction has put industries and academic researchers under pressure to develop increasingly sustainable packaging solutions that are both functional and circularly designed. In this review, we provide an overview of the fundamentals and recent advances in biobased packaging materials, including new materials and techniques for their modification as well as their end-of-life scenarios. We also discuss the composition and modification of biobased films and multilayer structures, with particular attention to readily available drop-in solutions, as well as coating techniques. Moreover, we discuss end-of-life factors, including sorting systems, detection methods, composting options, and recycling and upcycling possibilities. Finally, regulatory aspects are pointed out for each application scenario and end-of-life option. Moreover, we discuss the human factor in terms of consumer perception and acceptance of upcycling.

How Important is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Study of Plastic Waste? Use of Bibliometric Analysis to Reveal Research Positions and Future Directions

“…Cooperation across industrial sectors and scientific disciplines is required to address this problem. Moreover, continuing research in the field of LCA of plastic waste can constitute a vital component of sustainable solutions (Eissenberger et al, 2023). Hence, it is imperative to continue observing and supporting research in this area to accomplish the goals of sustainable development for plastic waste management.…”

“…As many as 390.7 million tons of plastic were produced in 2021 worldwide (Chamas et al, 2020;Kumar et al, 2021;Pandey et al, 2023;Plastics Europe and EPRO, 2022). Its extensive use as packaging material (Eissenberger et al, 2023;Ncube et al, 2021;Rhodes, 2018), transportation (Chauhan et al, 2022), agricultural tools (Wanner, 2021), and various other products has led to a significant annual enhancement in plastic production (Alegado et al, 2021;Murti et al, 2022). However, excessive usage without proper waste management has negative impacts on the environment and human life (Evode et al, 2021;Rodrigues et al, 2019).…”

Towards Sustainable Color Cosmetics Packaging

“…In the US, the FDA governs cosmetics, and their packaging must protect the product against mechanical, thermal, biological, chemical, radiation, electric, and compression damage, as well as tampering, while taking into account environmental conditions at each stage of the distribution process, such as transportation and storage, including potentially inadequate storage, to display [287]. Cosmetics packaging needs to comply with EU regulation EC1223/2009 on cosmetics products [288]; Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [289]; the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC [290], as well as other relevant regulations, such as for packaging that may come in contact with food; prohibitions on the marketing of products such as cosmetics that could be mistaken for foodstuff due to their appearance, smell or packaging; and labeling that must not imply characteristics that are not present in products [291][292][293]. None of the regions of EU, US, Canada, Japan, China, or Brazil have the authority to approve cosmetics claims before a product is placed on the market, which often leads to non-compliance, and different claims can be allowed or prohibited in different countries [292].…”

“…Several separation techniques, including optical, density, flotation, and electrostatic separation [293,320] and magnetic levitation [346] have been considered for separating recyclable items from nonrecyclable materials.…”

Boosting functional properties of active-CMC films reinforced with agricultural residues-derived cellulose nanofibres

“…In this scenario, it becomes imminent to find new bio-based packaging solutions that prioritize the use of materials derived from renewable resources, preserving the necessary functionality with low environmental impact. 2 Finding effective packaging alternatives is the focus of much current research. Thus, natural biopolymers are increasingly being used as substitutes for petroleum derivatives worldwide as they provide an effective alternative to produce environmentally safe packaging materials that meet the market requirements.…”