In a world where environmental challenges are redefining the packaging industry, the transition to more sustainable materials has become a priority

Alejandro Aragón and Pilar Albaladejo - ITENE

 

Biopolymers and cellulose-based materials represent a viable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, offering innovative solutions with lower environmental impact. This article explores how these raw materials are revolutionising the packaging sector and promoting the circular economy.

 

 

The plastics sector continues to experience remarkable growth, driven largely by demand in the packaging industry, which accounted for around 40% of the total market in 2024, for more efficient, lightweight and sustainable solutions for product packaging. In this context, bioplastics have emerged as a sustainable alternative, especially in specific packaging applications such as single-use products. A plastic is usually classified as a bioplastic if it is bio-based (related to its origin), biodegradable (related to its end-of-life) or if it possesses both attributes. Taking these considerations into account, it is possible to classify the different polymers into four groups according to their biodegradable or non-biodegradable nature and their origin.

 

This shift responds to the need to find more...READING MORE AT https://www.infopack.es/revista/323/index60.html