Biodegradability and compostability of food nanopackaging materials

Abstract

The development of food nano-packaging made mainly from composite materials (biopolymers, nanoclays, and bionanocomposites) has brought great interest globally, as these materials have been shown to be able to maintain the properties of the food that is found in its interior, thus extending their useful life. Additionally, depending on the chemical composition of food that is nanopackaged, this composite material could allow the generation of food nanopackaging with active and intelligent properties. Similarly, the food nanopackaging has allowed the controlled release of functional foods, which would be a plus in the development of these materials. The main mechanisms of food nanopackaging depend on the raw material (biopolymers, nanoclays, and bionanocomposites). Because of the importance of these composite materials, in this chapter the study of biodegradability and compostability will be discussed.