The increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging, driven by both environmental concerns and technological advancements, is transforming the packaging industry. Biodegradable and compostable materials, along with innovations in reusable and edible packaging, are gaining traction as viable alternatives to traditional plastics. This shift is supported by a growing focus on circular economy principles and government initiatives promoting sustainable packaging practices.

The majority of things are now packaged in materials. Packaging is a science, art, and technology used to present the product to the customer, distribute and store it, and convey nutritional information. These days, glass, paper, cardboard, co-extruded films, laminates, and synthetic plastic are essential packaging materials. Flexible packaging and other synthetic plastic laminates make up a significant portion of packaging in India and nearly everywhere else in the world [Meena et al. 2017].

These conventional plastic packaging is environmentally damaging and non-biodegradable. Concerns about the environmental effects of enduring synthetic plastic garbage are growing on a global scale. An alternate strategy for many industrial applications to reduce the risk posed by non-biodegradable plastic is the use of biodegradable polymers [Shaikh et al. 2021].

Biodegradable Packaging and Role of Nano Particle

Biodegradable packaging uses renewable materials like crops and animal by-products to minimize environmental impact, promote sustainability, and minimize landfill use, promoting a greener waste system and one-time use [Davis & Song 2006]. However, biodegradable films still have certain drawbacks, and nanoparticles are a useful way to address these issues in packaging. When used in food packaging, NPs can enhance the films' mechanical, thermal, chemical, structural, and barrier qualities [Jafarzadeh & Jafari 2021].

Why Is It Necessary?

Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste including packaging, carrying bags, and garbage sacks are dumped in landfills worldwide. It is more important than ever to use efficient packaging and come up with ways to handle "post-consumer" waste because of the growing shortage of resources. Biodegradable packaging can present an effective solution as they are non-toxic, sustainable, with features like air permeability, low-temperature seal-ability, availability, and low price [Meena et al. 2017].

Applications and Benefits

The main application of biodegradable packaging is in food packaging and agricultural sectors for wrappers, containers, and cutlery. It also plays a major role in healthcare industry for making disposable items. The advantage of biodegradable packaging is that they are derived from sustainable sources, recyclable, compostable or biodegradable, and they are environmentally-friendly, which will help reduce the plastic as an alternative to fight again pollution [Hanani et al. 2014].

Conclusion

A potential remedy for the increasing environmental problems caused by traditional plastic trash is biodegradable packaging. Constructed from sustainable resources and supplemented with cutting-edge technology like nanoparticles, it not only lessens its environmental impact but also satisfies the practical requirements of contemporary packaging. Biodegradable packaging has numerous uses in the culinary, agricultural, and medical industries and can greatly reduce waste and conserve resources. Adopting biodegradable packaging is an essential step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future as awareness and innovation continue to rise.

References

• Shaikh, S., Yaqoob, M., & Aggarwal, P. (2021). An overview of biodegradable packaging in food industry. Current Research in Food Science, 4, 503–520.
• Davis, G., & Song, J. H. (2006). Biodegradable packaging based on raw materials from crops and their impact on waste management. Industrial Crops and Products, 23(2), 147–161.
• Jafarzadeh, S., & Jafari, S. M. (2021). Impact of metal nanoparticles on the mechanical, barrier, optical, and thermal properties of biodegradable food packaging materials. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 61(16), 2640–2658.
• Meena, P. L., Goel, A., Rai, V., Rao, E., Singh Barwa, M., Manjeet, C., & Rao, S. (2017). Packaging material and need of biodegradable polymers: A review. International Journal of Applied Research, 3(7), 886–896.
• Hanani, Z. N., Roos, Y. H., & Kerry, J. P. (2014). Use and application of gelatin as potential biodegradable packaging materials for food products. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 71, 94–102.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is biodegradable packaging?

Biodegradable packaging is made from natural materials that break down easily in the environment.

Q2. Why is there a demand for eco-friendly packaging?

Eco-friendly packaging reduces pollution and supports sustainability.

Q3. What materials are commonly used in biodegradable packaging?

Materials include crops, animal by-products, paper, and natural polymers.

Q4. How do nanoparticles help in biodegradable packaging?

Nanoparticles improve strength, durability, and protective qualities of packaging films.

Q5. What are the major sectors using biodegradable packaging?

Food, agriculture, and healthcare industries use biodegradable packaging widely.

Q6. Is biodegradable packaging compostable?

Yes, most biodegradable packaging is compostable under suitable conditions.

Q7. What are the benefits of using biodegradable packaging?

It is non-toxic, sustainable, recyclable, and helps reduce plastic pollution.

Q8. What is the role of government in promoting eco-friendly packaging?

Governments support it through policies, subsidies, and circular economy initiatives.

Q9. Can biodegradable packaging replace plastic completely?

It can replace plastic in many areas but still has limitations in others.

Q10. What challenges are faced by biodegradable packaging?

Some challenges include cost, performance limitations, and disposal infrastructure.

Authors

Ms. Nami Saraiya (M. Tech. Biotechnology, Third Year);

Dr. Latika Shendre and Dr. Amit Kumar Singh,

Assistant Professors, Microbial Diversity Research Center, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Tathawade, Pune - 411033, Maharashtra, India.

Email: namisaraiya3@gmail.com, latika.shendre@dpu.edu.in, amit.singh@dpu.edu.in