Bio-based plastics and nanocomposites can be used in improved packaging for food. The morphologies and physical and chemical properties of food packaging must be carefully controlled. This book covers topics such as: food packaging types, natural polymers, material properties, regulations and legislation, edible and sustainable food packaging, and trends in end-of-life options. This book is ideal for industrial chemists and materials scientists.

This book provides a systematic overview of the processing and applications of sustainable polymers. The volume covers recent advances in biomedical, food packaging, fuel cell, membrane, and other emerging applications. The book begins by addressing different sections of biomedical application including use of carbohydrate-based therapeutics, nanohybrids, nanohydrogels, bioresorbable polymers and their composites, polymer-grafted nanobiomaterials for biomedical devices and implants, nanofibres, and others. The second part of this book discusses various processing and packaging materials for food packaging applications. The last section discusses other emerging applications, including using microbial fuel cells for waste water treatment, microfluidic fuel cells for low power applications, among others. This volume will be relevant to researchers working to improve the properties of bio-based materials for their advanced application and wide commercialization.

Polymer Science and Innovative Applications: Materials, Techniques, and Future Developments introduces the science of innovative polymers and composites, their analysis via experimental techniques and simulation, and their utilization in a variety of application areas. This approach helps to unlock the potential of new materials for product design and other uses. The book also examines the role that these applications play in the human world, from pollution and health impacts, to their potential to make a positive contribution in areas including environmental remediation, medicine and healthcare, and renewable energy. Advantages, disadvantages, possibilities, and challenges relating to the utilization of polymers in human society are included. Presents the latest advanced applications of polymers and their composites and identifies key areas for future development Introduces the simulation methods and experimental techniques involved in the modification of polymer properties, supported by clear and detailed images and diagrams Supports an interdisciplinary approach, enabling readers across different fields to harness the power of new materials for innovative applications

This book focuses on food, non-food, and industrial packaging applications of polymers, blends, nanostructured materials, macro, micro and nanocomposites, and renewable and biodegradable materials. It details physical, thermal, and barrier properties as well as sustainability, recycling, and regulatory issues. The book emphasizes interdis

Towards more sustainable packaging with biodegradable materials! The combination of the continuously increasing food packaging waste with the non-biodegradable nature of the plastic materials that have a big slice of the packaging market makes it necessary to move towards sustainable packaging for the benefit of the environment and human health. Sustainable packaging is the type of packaging that can provide to food the necessary protection conditions, but at the same type is biodegradable and can be disposed as organic waste to the landfills in order to biodegrade through a natural procedure. In this way, sustainable packaging becomes part of the circular economy. ?Sustainable Food Packaging Technology? deals with packaging solutions that use engineered biopolymers or biocomposites that have suitable physicochemical properties for food contact and protection and originate both from renewable or non-renewable resources, but in both cases are compostable or edible. Modified paper and cardboard with increased protective properties towards food while keeping their compostability are presented as well. The book also covers natural components that can make the packaging functional, e.g., by providing active protection to the food indicating food spoilage. * Addresses urgent problems: food packaging creates a lot of hard-to-recycle waste - this book puts forward more sustainable solutions using biodegradable materials * State-of-the-art: ?Sustainable Food Packaging Technology? provides knowledge on new developments in functional packaging * From lab to large-scale applications: expert authors report on the technology aspects of sustainable packaging

This book provides an overview of the lastest developments in biobased materials and their applications in food packaging. Written by experts in their respective research domain, its thirteen chapters discuss in detail fundamental knowledge on bio based materials. It is intended as a reference book for researchers, students, research scholars, academicians and scientists seeking biobased materials for food packaging applications.

Polymer nanotechnology offers exciting benefits to the food industry, including better materials for food packaging and safer foods on supermarket shelves with lower incidences of contamination. Ecosustainable Polymer Nanomaterials for Food Packaging: Innovative Solutions, Characterization Needs, Safety and Environmental Issues examines the complete life cycle of packaging based on polymer nanomaterials. Focusing on current developments in nanomaterial packaging applications most likely to be accepted by consumers and attract regulatory attention in the immediate future, the book begins with a general introduction to current issues and future trends. The remaining chapters explore: The concept of "ethical design"—putting into practice key ideas such as the precautionary principle and presenting a model for accountability, responsibility, and ethical consideration The evolution of the rheology, structure, and morphology of nanomaterials with regard to processing conditions and constituents The application of plasma technologies for the production of barrier coatings on polymeric materials by nonequilibrium gas discharges Nanomaterials for food packaging developed from oil polymers (polyolefins) and from renewable resource polymers The use of cellulose nanowhiskers for food biopackaging and edible nano-laminate coatings The interactions of nanomaterials with food Examples of degradation under natural weathering, exposure, and recycling The book concludes with a discussion on the use of polymer nanocomposite materials for food packaging applications. From raw material selection to properties characterization to marketing and disposal, the expert contributors consider the balance between cost and performance, risk and benefit, and health and environmental issues. They also identify barriers to progress that prevent a complete successful development of the new technology and recommend strategies for further advancement.