Biocomposites and Poly(lactic acid) in Active Packaging: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions

The alarming rise in environmental pollution, depletion of global resources, and increasing health consciousness have placed significant pressure on the development of eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Consequently, green, environmentally friendly materials made from biobased and/or biodegradable sources are gaining recognition and political support as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based, non-biodegradable materials. Bio-based packaging materials, in particular, are widely used across all industrial sectors, with a growing demand for solutions that preserve food quality and extend shelf life. Within this context, the concept of "active packaging" (AP) is attracting considerable interest. While the traditional view of packaging materials is that they should be basically inert, active packaging involves intentional interactions with the packaged product or surrounding atmosphere, providing enhanced protection against degradation caused by human actions and environmental factors. This work aims to highlight the significant impact of biocomposites in the active packaging sector, driven by the synergistic integration of nanofillers and active agents, while providing an in-depth analysis of the key mechanisms and strategies underlying their functionality. Particular emphasis is placed on poly(lactic acid)(PLA), presenting a comprehensive review of innovative approaches to enhance the performance of PLA-based packaging, with a focus on improving antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to meet the demands of sustainable and efficient packaging solutions.