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Natural Antioxidants: Advancing Stability and Performance in Sustainable Biobased and Biodegradable Plastics
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This review examines how natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, flavonoids, and tannins can stabilize bio-based and biodegradable plastics against oxidative degradation, improving the durability and performance of materials like PLA, PHA, and starch-based polymers for packaging and other applications.
The depletion of fossil fuels and environmental concerns have driven the development of sustainable materials, including bio-based and biodegradable plastics, as alternatives to conventional plastics. Although these plastics aid in waste management and climate change mitigation, their vulnerability to oxidative degradation impacts their longevity, durability, and performance. Natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, flavonoids, and tannins, extracted from plants or agri-food waste, present a sustainable alternative to synthetic stabilizers by enhancing the oxidative thermal stability of polymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-adipate) (PBSA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), and starch-based materials. This review highlights recent advances in bio-based plastics stabilized with natural antioxidants, their mechanisms of action, and their role in improving material properties for applications like packaging. Additionally, it explores their impact on recycling processes, advancements in composite production techniques, and future research directions. Bioplastics can achieve enhanced performance, reduce waste, and support a circular economy by incorporating natural antioxidants.
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Plant-Origin Stabilizer as an Alternative of Natural Additive to Polymers Used in Packaging Materials
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This study tested cannabidiol (CBD) extract from cannabis plants as a natural stabilizer in biodegradable plastics (PLA and a bio-copolymer), finding it has antioxidant properties that could extend polymer lifespan. Using plant-based stabilizers could reduce the need for synthetic chemical additives in plastic packaging.
Preparation and Characterization of New Bioplastics Based on Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)
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Researchers developed novel biodegradable films based on polybutylene succinate (PBS) with added natural oils for potential use as sustainable food packaging. The study found that incorporating extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the films, and food contact tests with apple and kiwi slices demonstrated their effectiveness in slowing oxidation over 12 days. These bioplastic films offer a promising biodegradable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic packaging.
Recent Advances in Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) and Biodegradable Polyester Blends: A Review of Compatibilization Strategies and Bioactive Functionalities
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This review examined compatibilization strategies for blending thermoplastic starch with biodegradable polyesters such as PLA, PHB, PBS, and PCL, finding that chemical modification and bio-based additives can overcome interfacial incompatibility to yield materials with improved mechanical and barrier performance. Advancing biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics is a key strategy for reducing the volume of persistent plastic that fragments into environmental microplastics.
Biopolymers for a Sustainable Food System: Sources, Applications, and Environmental Impacts
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Biopolymers derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms offer a promising path toward more sustainable food systems. This review covers the major biopolymer sources, their applications in food packaging and preservation, and the technical and economic challenges that limit widespread adoption. Replacing petroleum-based plastics with biopolymers in food applications could significantly reduce the amount of persistent plastic waste entering the environment.
Emerging Trends in Biomaterials for Sustainable Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review
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This review comprehensively examined biodegradable polymers including polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates, along with ceramics, composites, and nanomaterials, as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic food packaging, reviewing their biodegradability, mechanical robustness, and barrier properties. The authors highlighted that biomaterials offer significant potential to reduce plastic pollution and carbon footprints, though challenges in processing costs, shelf-life stability, regulatory considerations, and trade-offs with food production feedstocks remain major hurdles for widespread adoption.
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