Exploring the potential of nanocellulose-reinforced polyhydroxyalkanoate biocomposites for single-use food packaging. A review

Abstract

The current challenges of the primary food packaging market involve the lowest environmental impact. Biobased and biodegradable sources emerge as change strategies, implying a short life period and easy degradation in the natural ecosystem. Researchers have focused on materials that meet these requirements, merging high efficiency with the final properties. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and nanocellulose biocomposites are some of the most promising. PHAs are biodegradable bioplastics produced by bacteria with the potential to replace conventional fossil fuel plastics currently used in food packaging. However, some properties of PHAs need to be improved. Combining PHAs with nanocellulose is an emerging strategy to meet specific packaging requirements. The synergistic effect could enhance container features, for example, improved dimensional stability and mechanical properties. The combined components may also present high biodegradation under normal conditions. This study analyzes the current situation of nanocellulose reinforcement in PHA matrices for single-use packaging. It emphasizes the biodegradable feature of PHAs and the mechanical properties, challenges, and potential opportunities of nanocellulose-reinforced PHA bionanocomposites.