Recent progress in PBAT-based films and food packaging applications: A mini-review

Bioplastics are a promising alternative to non-biodegradable plastics. One of these bioplastics, PBAT (polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate), is a polyester-based bioplastic commonly used to manufacture flexible packaging films. PBAT-based films have high flexibility but relatively low strength compared to other bioplastics. The strength of PBAT films can be improved by blending them with other fillers/polymers. Additionally, the functionality of PBAT films can be enhanced by incorporating bioactive functional fillers. The physical and functional properties of PBAT films produced by adding active ingredients provide functionality and are a good alternative to non-degradable petrochemical-based plastics. The PBAT-based functional films protect food and improve packaged foods' quality and life span. Thus, this review provides recent advances in PBAT-based films and their use in active food packaging applications. After briefly describing the different fabrication methods of PBAT films, various important physical and functional properties and biodegradability are comprehensively discussed. PBAT-based active packaging film in real-time food packaging is also briefly covered. Through this review, more attention is expected to be focused on research on PBAT-based biodegradable active food packaging.