Papers

20 results
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Article Tier 2

Elaboration of germinable bioplastic based on corn olot

Researchers developed a germinable bioplastic from corn cob waste as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic materials. The bioplastic can both degrade and support plant germination when placed in soil, offering a sustainable alternative that avoids generating persistent microplastic fragments.

2023 Journal of Technology and Innovation
Article Tier 2

Investigating the characteristics of carboxymethyl cellulose film as a possible material for green packaging

Researchers developed biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose films from agricultural waste as a potential sustainable alternative to conventional plastic food packaging. Replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable packaging is directly relevant to reducing the source of microplastic pollution, as conventional packaging is a major contributor to plastic fragmentation in the environment.

2023 GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Potentials of Berry Fruits Pomaces for Bio-Based Films

This paper is not directly about microplastic pollution. It investigates using berry fruit pomace waste to create biodegradable bioplastic films as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging. While replacing conventional plastics with biodegradable alternatives could reduce future microplastic generation, the study itself focuses on food packaging material development rather than microplastic contamination.

2023 International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Biodegradable film: a sustainable alternative to polyethylene film for Loess Plateau maize production

Scientists tested biodegradable plastic films instead of regular plastic films to cover soil when growing corn in China. The biodegradable films worked almost as well as regular plastic films for improving crop growth and water efficiency, while being better for the environment since they break down naturally instead of leaving harmful plastic pieces in soil. This matters because it shows farmers can reduce plastic pollution in our food system without hurting crop production.

2026 Frontiers in Plant Science
Article Tier 2

A Review on Replacing Food Packaging Plastics with Nature-Inspired Bio-Based Materials

Researchers reviewed bio-based materials inspired by nature as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based food packaging plastics. The study highlights that while conventional plastic packaging is effective for food preservation, its environmental impact has driven research into biodegradable and compostable alternatives that could reduce plastic waste and microplastic generation.

2025 Foods 9 citations
Clinical Trial Tier 1

Development of Biodegradable Films from Carrot, Guava, and Banana Peel Fibers for Environmental Packaging Applications

Despite its classification in this database, this study develops biodegradable packaging films from fruit and vegetable fibers rather than investigating microplastic pollution directly. Films made from 60% guava fiber with 1.8% alginate showed the best mechanical properties and highest soil degradation rate, offering a potential alternative to conventional plastic packaging.

2025 Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences
Article Tier 2

Development of Biodegradable Rigid Foams from Pineapple Field Waste

Not relevant to microplastics — this paper develops biodegradable rigid foam materials from pineapple agricultural waste (starch and cellulose) as a sustainable packaging alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

2023 Polymers 10 citations
Article Tier 2

Chitosan-Based Films Blended with Tannic Acid and Moringa Oleifera for Application in Food Packaging: The Preservation of Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa)

Researchers developed biodegradable food packaging films made from chitosan blended with tannic acid and moringa seed powder, and tested them for strawberry preservation. They found that the bio-based films extended strawberry shelf life while providing antimicrobial properties, offering a potential alternative to conventional plastic packaging. The study suggests that natural polymer-based packaging materials could help reduce plastic waste in the food industry.

2024 Polymers 27 citations
Article Tier 2

An overview: exploring the potential of fruit and vegetable waste and by-products in food biodegradable packaging

Researchers reviewed how fruit and vegetable processing waste — rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and fiber — can be transformed into biodegradable food packaging films and coatings, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic packaging. Repurposing food waste this way could simultaneously reduce plastic pollution (including microplastics from packaging degradation) and address agricultural waste disposal challenges.

2024 Discover Food 15 citations
Article Tier 2

Bio-based and Sustainable Food Packaging Technology: Relevance, Challenges and Prospects

A review assessed bio-based and sustainable food packaging technologies, evaluating their relevance as replacements for conventional plastic packaging that generates microplastic pollution. The study identifies the most promising materials and the barriers to scaling up plastic-free food packaging.

2025 Journal of Biomaterials 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Biodegradable Packaging : a Key to Environmental Sustainability

This paper reviews biodegradable packaging alternatives to conventional plastics, arguing that plant-based materials can reduce microplastic pollution in oceans, soil, and food systems. The authors survey available materials and manufacturing methods as part of a broader case for environmental sustainability.

2024 International Association of Biologicals and Computational Digest
Article Tier 2

Edible Bioplastic Films Prevent Transpiration

Researchers developed edible bioplastic films designed to prevent transpiration in harvested fruits and vegetables, addressing postharvest spoilage which contributes to global food waste affecting roughly one-third of all food produced.

2025 Advanced Sustainable Systems
Article Tier 2

Development and Characterization of Bio-Based Composite Films for Food Packing Applications Using Boiled Rice Water and Pistacia vera Shells

Not a microplastics paper — this study develops and tests biodegradable food packaging films made from boiled rice water and pistachio shell powder as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging.

2023 Polymers 12 citations
Article Tier 2

A Biodegradable Bamboo-Based Foam as a Cleaner Alternative to Petroleum-Based Cushioning Materials for Sustainable Fruit Packaging

Scientists created a new packaging foam made from bamboo that works just as well as plastic foam for protecting fruit during shipping, but completely breaks down in compost instead of creating lasting waste. This matters because traditional plastic packaging foams don't decompose and break into tiny pieces called microplastics that can end up in our food and water. The bamboo foam could help reduce our exposure to these harmful plastic particles while still keeping our food safe during transport.

2026 Polymers
Article Tier 2

Biofilms Production from Avocado Waste

Researchers developed biofilms from starch and cellulose extracted from avocado peels and seeds as potential biodegradable food packaging materials. These plant-based packaging alternatives could replace petroleum-based plastics that break down into persistent microplastics.

2021 Ingenieria y Universidad 5 citations
Article Tier 2

Xyloglucan films from tamarind kernels reinforced with chemically modified cellulose nanospheres

Researchers developed biodegradable films from tamarind kernel xyloglucan reinforced with chemically modified cellulose nanospheres as an alternative to conventional plastic food packaging. The bio-based films showed improved mechanical and barrier properties, offering a renewable approach to reducing microplastic and nanoplastic generation from the food packaging sector.

2025 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Renewable cellulosic nanocomposites for food packaging to avoid fossil fuel plastic pollution: a review

Researchers reviewed how cellulose nanoparticles extracted from plant biomass can replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging, finding that adding just 1–5% cellulose nanoparticles significantly improves strength, reduces oxygen and water vapor permeability, and keeps packaging biodegradable. The review positions cellulose nanocomposites as a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to fossil-fuel plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution.

2020 Environmental Chemistry Letters 222 citations
Article Tier 2

A Comprehensive Review of Biodegradable Polymer-Based Films and Coatings and Their Food Packaging Applications

This review covers the development of biodegradable polymer-based films and coatings as alternatives to conventional plastic food packaging. While these bio-based materials reduce long-term environmental pollution, the review notes that they can still break down into microplastic particles under certain conditions. The shift to biodegradable packaging may reduce but not eliminate the food packaging contribution to microplastic pollution and human exposure.

2022 Materials 221 citations
Article Tier 2

Films from Starch Inclusion Complexes with Bioactive Compounds as Food Packaging Material

Researchers created biodegradable food packaging films from starch combined with the bioactive compounds carvacrol and ascorbic acid. The films demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial properties while being mechanically suitable for packaging applications. The study presents a promising alternative to conventional plastic food packaging that could both preserve food and reduce plastic waste.

2025 Food and Bioprocess Technology 11 citations
Article Tier 2

Biodegradable trays made from Poraqueiba serícea Tulasne seed starch and Zea Mays cob flour

Not relevant to microplastics — this paper develops biodegradable food trays from Amazonian seed starch and corn cob flour as an alternative to petrochemical packaging, without addressing microplastic pollution.

2024 Scientia Agropecuaria 2 citations