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Active Biopolymer Packaging Infused with Essential Oils: A Review of Material Innovation and Its Integration into Science Education
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This review paper summarizes existing research on food packaging made from biodegradable materials infused with essential oils, which can help preserve food while reducing plastic waste. The authors also explore how this topic could be used as a real-world example to teach science subjects like chemistry and biology in schools.
The environmental impacts of plastic waste have increased interest in biodegradable food packaging as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Among recent innovations, essential oil–infused biopolymer packaging has attracted attention because it combines active food preservation with environmental sustainability. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize recent developments in essential oil–infused biopolymer packaging and explore its potential as a contextual learning resource in science education. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 framework and employed thematic synthesis to analyze scientific, sustainability, and educational dimensions reported in the literature. The review identified a growing trend toward multifunctional packaging systems through biopolymer blending, essential oil incorporation, encapsulation technologies, and nanomaterial reinforcement. The literature indicates that these systems integrate interdisciplinary scientific concepts, including polymer interactions, antimicrobial activity, diffusion processes, biodegradation, and sustainable material design. The synthesis further revealed that essential oil–infused biopolymer packaging provides an authentic context for inquiry-based, project-based, and sustainability-oriented learning by connecting chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science with real-world challenges such as plastic pollution and food preservation. The literature also highlights opportunities to develop scientific literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, systems thinking, and sustainability competencies. This review contributes by linking sustainable packaging innovation with science education and highlighting its potential to support interdisciplinary STEM learning and sustainability-oriented education.
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