Biobased plastics and their nanocomposites: emerging trends in active and intelligent food packaging applications

Bio-based polymers have gained huge attention in the recent past for their application in various domains, especially food packaging. The petroleum-based polymers have a significant negative impact on the ecosystem owing to their non-biodegradability. Therefore, a sustainable yet efficient alternative is required which is both safe and non-toxic. Food packaging technologies with the latest innovations are promoting active and smart packaging applications which promise quick, safe and efficient ways to monitor the quality of stored foods. These materials are being explored in applications such as antimicrobial wraps, moisture barrier coatings, biodegradable trays, and oxygen-scavenging films. Nanotechnology has emerged as a superior alternative as it can enhance food protection while reducing the raw material requirement and waste generation. The present review focuses on the recent developments in active and smart food packaging with special emphasis on bio-based polymer nanocomposites. The various polymer nanocomposites, their properties and safety concerns with respect to food packaging are summarized in this review article besides providing prospects for the current research area.