Abstract

ACOSTA-MEDINA, Julieth K.; CONTRERAS PACHECO, Orlando E.  and  PEDRAZA AVELLA, Aura C.. Packaging vs Biopackaging for food: a comparison at a technical, commercial, and regulatory level. Ing. compet. [online]. 2023, vol.25, n.3, e-21213066.  Epub Sep 30, 2023. ISSN 0123-3033.  https://doi.org/10.25100/iyc.v25i3.13066.

In contemporary times, the food industry is tasked with ensuring that its products maintain good quality, with packaging being one of the most evident challenges. Traditionally, food packaging materials were derived from petroleum, but in recent years, biomaterials have emerged as viable alternatives to fulfill these functions. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these biomaterials compared to conventional packaging. Therefore, this study conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis between traditional packaging and bio-based packaging for food in terms of market, technical aspects, and regulations. Information was gathered from specialized databases, and 59 technical datasheets of conventional packaging and 28 technical datasheets of bio-based packaging were analyzed. The results revealed that certain bio-based packaging materials, such as cellulose, polyglycolic acid, and polyhydroxybutyrate, are excellent alternatives for food packaging, particularly in situations requiring moisture and oxidation resistance, as well as the ability to withstand high temperatures during production and storage. Furthermore, it was found that the bio-based packaging market experiences significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging, government regulations against single-use plastics, and consumer trends. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the food industry considers the use of bio-based packaging as a viable and promising solution to enhance the quality and preservation of their products while meeting environmental requirements and consumer preferences.

Keywords : Food packaging; Bio-based packaging; Packaging; Biodegradability.

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