International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE)

ISSN: 2277-3878, Volume-8 Issue-2S4, July 2019

Green Bio composites For Food Packaging

H.N. Salwa, S.M. Sapuan, M.T. Mastura, M.Y.M Zuhri

 polystyrene (PS). Most of these traditional plastics are

recyclable, however many countries encounter technical and
Abstract: Petroleum-based synthetic polymers are mostly used economic constraints to recycle these plastic packaging waste
for packaging materials for their advantageous features such as
[1], [2]. The lack of biodegradability, petroleum-based
flexibility, lightness and transparency. However, the waste caused
plastics triggered significant waste management issues and
by the increasing usage has led to serious environmental impacts.
There are many packaging products claimed as ‘green’ material contamination to the freshwater systems and global habitats
in the market but, they are not fully from natural renewable [3]. Most of the used plastic packaging, especially single use
resources. Most biocomposites materials comprised only either the packaging from food packaging end up in landfills or become
matrix or fiber/filler from natural renewable resources, but still trash on land and water streams; and finally, into the ocean
blended with another synthetic compound. Thus, green [1], [4], [5]. In 2015, approximately 6300 million metric
biocomposites which composed of fully biodegradable natural tonne (Mt) of plastic waste was generated globally which
fibers and biopolymer matrix would be a great alternative. It can only around 9% had been recycled, 12% was incinerated, and
be naturally degraded and completely return to the environment most of it (79%) was piled up in landfills or scattered in the
safely after usage. The main shortcomings of biopolymer are their ecosystem [3].
inadequate of mechanical and barrier properties in product
application. Yet, the embedding reinforcing fibers or fillers would Even though recycling rate for plastic waste is projected to
help in improving the final properties of the composites. increase up to 40% by year 2050, the amount of plastics
waste gathered in landfills and natural environment will still
The intention of this review is to present the latest development
high of roughly 12,000 Mt. It is also predicted that there will
of green biocomposites research and its application for food
packaging. It is also proposed to provide critical information that
be 1 tonne of plastic for every 3 tonnes of fish in the ocean by
covers around properties of green biocomposites, types of 2025 and by the year 2050, there will be more plastics than
available biopolymers and natural fibers, including their fish [6]. Parallelly, the continuing dependency on petroleum
manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the economic will cause depletion and thus will increase the costs of raw
circumstances and forthcoming trend of these materials in food materials [7].
packaging industry would also be reviewed.
Consumers and retailers, in combination with the
government’s latest regulations on environment forcing the
development of “greener” packaging products as an
Index Terms: Green biocomposites; biodegradable food
alternative. Sustainable growth of the packaging industry
packaging; bio-based packaging; sustainable packaging
needs robust renewable materials to be fully developed [7].
Bio-derived materials now are getting distinct attention for its
I. INTRODUCTION advantages of reduced carbon footprint compared to
conventional plastics [5], [7]– [9].
Packaging plays a significant role in every aspect of our
daily life, and it has shown continuous increment. Common Bioplastics aim to replicate the life cycle of biomass which
petroleum-based polymer materials for plastics packaging are includes preservation of fossil resources, and water and CO2
polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE) and pro-duction as shown in Fig.1. Fascinatingly, a report on
sustainable design proposed a similar circular model which
emphasis on sustaining material quality in biological and
Revised Manuscript Received on July 05, 2019. technical cycles (Fig. 2).

H.N. Salwa, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products

(INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, 43400,
Malaysia In this cycle systems, outputs from other steps inside the
circular system form inputs for the other steps. The
S.M. Sapuan, Advanced Engineering Materials and Composite Research
Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; and
re-searches added that fully bio-based packaging materials
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP),Universiti does not leave the biological systems because they ultimately
Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia. Corresponding coming back to the environment after post-use cycles where
author. Email: sapuan@upm.edu.my landfilling does not occur as part of the systems.
M.T. Mastura, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Technology, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTem), Hang Tuah
Jaya, Durian Tunggal, Melaka, 76100, Malaysia.

M.Y.M Zuhri, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing

Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM),
Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia.

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DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 450 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
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 Green Bio composites For Food Packaging

“Biocomposites” are composites with either the matrix or

fiber, or both matrix and fiber, are derived from biological
resources. Researches split biocomposites into three main
groupings: 1) natural fiber reinforced non-biodegradable
petroleum derived polymers; 2) synthetic fibers reinforced
bio-based polymers; and 3) bio-based polymers reinforced by
natural fibers [9], [20]. The first two categories are not
completely environmentally friendly because one of the
constituents is petroleum derived. The third category where
both constituents are derived from renewable resources or
termed as “green biocomposites” are believed to be the best
alternative to address environmental concerns for consumer
product application [9].
Fig. 1: Life cycle of bioplastic packaging [10]
The properties of green biocomposites can be customized
according to specific type of applications. This is done by a
proper selection of fibers or fillers, biopolymer matrix,
additives and manufacturing methods according to the
application requirement. Ramesh et al. (2017) specified that
the vital considerations in forming green biocomposites are:
1) fiber selection which include type, harvest time, extraction
method, aspect ratio, treatment and fiber content, 2)
biopolymer matrix selection, 3) interfacial strength, 4) fiber
dispersion, 5) fiber orientation, 6) manufacturing process,
and 7) porosity [21]. Other than that, there are four most
Fig 2: Circular Packaging system- Sourcing, Production, Use and Post-Use important criteria in designing green biocomposites with
in biological and technical cycles [11]
stable mechanical properties. There are: (i) a homogeneous
It is important to note that ‘green’ plastic packaging available dispersion of the fibers; (ii) An excellent interaction between
in market may not be accurate in terms of its renewability. the matrix and the fibers; (iii) a matrix with low porousness;
The materials used may comply with the biodegradability (iv) an optimized percentage of reinforcing fibers [21], [22].
standards which means it can be degraded by Table 1 summarized few recent studies on green
microorganisms in an ap-propriate circumstances of Biocomposites.
bio-active environment [2]. Nevertheless, these materials can
also mean synthetics materials. In most bio-based polymer
composites, either the matrix or the fiber/filler is drawn from
natural renewable resources, but still blended with another
synthetic compound [9], [12], [13]. Fully biodegradable
biopolymer composites with both natural fibers and
biopolymer matrix as the constituents are termed “green
biocomposites”. Green biocomposites seems to be great
material alternatives for short life application and afterwards
can be naturally degraded and completely returned to the
environment safely[9], [14]–[18].

II. BIOCOMPOSITES
Composites are compounds composed of two or more
constituents’ materials as the matrices and fibers. These
materials when blended together are stronger compared to
individual materials by themselves. More environmentally
friendly composites materials are getting higher attention in
the recent years and researches have revealed that
biocomposites are materials with great potential as a solution
in addressing needs of sustainability aspect in product design
[16], [19]. Al-Oqla et al. (2017) stated in their report that
biocomposites not only have advantages for its significant
performance in mechanical properties, but also give several
processing advantages. Other benefits are the low cost,
availability, light weight, more environmentally friendly with
recyclability and degradability features [9].

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DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 451 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
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 International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE)
ISSN: 2277-3878, Volume-8 Issue-2S4, July 2019

Table 1: Recent studies on green biocomposites

Scope of study Year Biopolymer Natural Fiber/ Filler Ref.

Effect on mechanical properties, water

1 absorption behaviour and thermal properties of 2013 Sugar palm starch Ijuk (sugar palm fiber) [23]
biocomposites with different amounts of fibers
Effects on surface morphology, tensile, flexural,
thermal and biodegradable properties of the
2 biocomposites with different fiber content (5–30 2014 Polylactic acid (PLA) Coir [24]
wt%) and fiber treatment

Fibers derived from solid food by-products as

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-vale Wheat straw, brewing
3 fillers in PHBV and characteristics/ properties of 2015 [25]
rate) (PHBV) spent grains and olive mills
the composites and its constituents
Effects on structural, thermal, mechanical and
Polylactic acid (PLA) blended
disintegration properties of plasticized
4 2016 with Poly(hydroxybutyrate) Chitosan and catechin [26]
electrospun PLA-PHB biocomposites with
(PHB)
chitosan and catechin microfillers

Flexural behaviour and morphologic and

5 2017 PLA and pine resin blend Açaí palmacea fiber [27]
thermal characteristics of biocomposites
Thermal, mechanical, and physical properties of
seaweed/sugar palm fiber reinforced Seaweed/ thermoplastic sugar
6 2017 Sugar palm fiber (SPF) [28]
thermoplastic sugar palm Starch/Agar hybrid palm starch agar (TPSA)
composites
Effect of the incorporation of rich fiber lentil
flour in thermoplastic starch films on the
7 2018 Cassava starch Lentils [29]
structure, physicochemical properties and
biodegradability
Barrier performance to water, thermoforming Ligno-cellulosic wastes -
8 ability and disintegration in controlled 2018 Poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) almond shell, rice husk and [30]
composting conditions of the composites seagrass
Reinforcement mechanism of bamboo cellulose
Cellulose nano-whiskers
9 nano-whiskers (BCNW) in PLA composites 2018 Polylactic acid (PLA) [31]
(CNW)

by bacteria which includes polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA),

A. BIOPOLYMER MATRIX
polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and copolymers of
The term “bio” is often used to indicate that the materials hydroxybutyrate and hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) [7], [32].
are biodegradable materials in topics of polymer, composites However, Saba et al. (2017) simply divide biopolymers into
and packaging. However, it is also applied to indicate two main categories i.e. those derived from living organism
materials derived from renewable natural resources [7]. and those need to be polymerized. This categorization is
There are biodegradable polymers which are produced from illustrated in Fig. 3 [17].
petroleum-based and they are termed as green polymeric
matrices too [9]. The European Bioplastics Association gives
wide definition of ‘bioplastics’ which can be distinguished by
three conditions: 1) bio-derived and biodegradable or
compostable, 2) fossil fuel-derived and biodegradable, or 3)
bio-derived and non-biodegradable [7]. In general, not all
biopolymers are biodegradable, and biodegradable polymers
does not necessarily mean bio based. In this paper, “bio” in
the term “biopolymers” is defined as bio-based which means
the materials are derived from renewable resources and are
biodegradable. The prime environmental attribute of
biopolymers is their biodegradability and compostability.
There are several approaches in sorting biopolymers such as
their corresponding chemical composition, synthesis method
and according to their economic importance or application
areas. Each classification provides diverse and valuable data
for certain research area and application [7]. Generally, many
researches divide biopolymers into three main groups based Fig 3: Biopolymer categorization [17]
on their production process: 1) simply extracted Biopolymers present as matrix in biocomposites influence
straightforward from natural materials like polysaccharides the properties of green
(e.g. cellulose, starch, chitin), lignins, proteins, and lipids; 2) biocomposites according to its
made through chemical synthesis from renewable application. Biopolymer like
bio-derived monomers such as polylactide (PLA); 3) other polymer matrix, it
materialized by microorganisms or genetically transformed supports and locks the
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DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 452 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
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 Green Bio composites For Food Packaging

reinforcing fibers together. Biopolymer matrix transfers load ‘lignocellulosic fibers’ or ‘cellulosic fibers’ [7], [41]. Similar
and stress to the reinforcement and provides protection from to synthetic fibers like carbon or glass fiber, natural fibers
environmental and chemical damage to the composite [33], reinforced composites materials and controlled the unique
[34]. Starch, cellulose, pectin, gluten, gelatine, soy protein, properties of the final materials for better stiffness and
polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxy-butyrate (PHB) are the most adequate strength [7], [42]–[44].
studied biopolymer [32]. Meanwhile, polylactic acid (PLA)
is available commercially as an alternative to conventional Natural fiber type can be categorized based on its origin in
synthetic polymers for industrial plastic application. PLA has plants i.e. bast/stem, leaves, fruit, grass/ reed, wood or
high mechanical properties and good processability, directly from a tree like ijuk fiber (sugar palm fiber) or
however, its limitations such as brittleness, low impact arenga piñata which covering the trunk of the sugar palm
strength, and low thermal resistance, are similar with the tree [46]. In general, natural fibers which are abundant and
other biopolymers. In order to make them suitable in various renewable can be classified according to their origin in plants
applications, the mechanical properties of biopolymer need as depicted in Error! Reference source not found.5. The
to be enhanced by using reinforcement agent [35]. properties of natural fibers or cellulosic fibers are very much
Performance of biopolymer’s mechanical properties is influenced by their chemical composition and morphological
interpreted in graph as shown in Fig. 4. Barrier properties are factors such as internal fiber structure, microfibril angle and
important for materials to be used in packaging and gathered
cell dimensions. These factors can vary based on location of
data on barrier properties of some biopolymers from recent
fiber in the plant, geographical location of the plants being
reports are presented in Table 2. Biopolymer alone has poor
mechanical and barrier properties to be applied for product planted, as well as between different type of plants [7], [46].
application and impregnated natural fiber as reinforcement In the environment viewpoint, manipulating natural fibers
proven to be an excellent alternative solution. over conventional synthetic fibers are favorable because of
their bio-degradability, renewability, recyclability and
Density Young Modulus non-toxic nature [33], [41]. Their easy availability, low cost
Tensile Strength Elongation at Break
and their properties such as low density, light weight,
Melting Point
acceptable specific strength and stiffness are attractive
4 250
enough to provide excellent reinforcement alternatives to
3
200 man-made fibers [1], [33], [45]. Plant fibers are also
150 preferred as reinforcement in composites to reduce tool wear
2 in machining, non-abrasiveness and easy to manufacture
100
1
[21], [33].
50

0 0
TPS PLA PLLA PHB PHBV PP

TPS: Thermoplastic Starch; PLA: Polylactic acid; PHB: Polyhydroxybutyrates PHBV:

Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate; PP: poly propylene

Fig. 3: Performance of biopolymer’s mechanical properties [13]

Table 2: Barrier properties of different biopolymer [36]–[40]

Fig. 4: Classification Natural or Plant Fiber based on its origin in

plants [5], [21], [46]

Mechanical properties of composites that are reinforced by

natural fiber can be contributed by many factors including
fiber-matrix adhesion, the volume fraction of the fibers, the
fiber aspect ratio (l/d), and the fiber orientation [1]. Zhou et
al. (2017) reported that critical requirement to select natural
fibers in green biocomposites fabrication are; i) a higher
B. NATURAL FIBER degree of polymerization, ii) cellulose content, and iii) a
The term “natural fiber” is used to describe many types of lower microfibril angle. These attributes could yield higher
naturally produced fibers. These fibers could be from plants tensile modulus and
or animals or derived from some minerals. In this paper, the strengthen composites
term ‘natural fiber’ that is commonly discussed in packaging materials [17]. Most studies
is referred as ‘plant fibers’ or sometimes termed as however agreed that the key in
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DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 453 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
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 International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE)
ISSN: 2277-3878, Volume-8 Issue-2S4, July 2019

designing green biocomposites is the fiber-matrix interfacial bonding.

adhesion [9], [17], [21], [32], [33], [35], [48].
Pre-treatment process of fiber is also vital in determining
the final interfacial bonding properties to permit successful
Although many advantages of natural fiber have been stress transfer of the resultant composites. Despite this, there
recognized, its drawback of extremely sensitive on moisture are also other factors which influence the quality of natural
and effortlessly absorb water from the surrounding fibers. Error! Reference source not found. illustrates
environment has been always be the major concern [9], [41]. possible factors of natural fiber process until supplied to
Moisture absorption would cause them to swell and produce manufacturer which may affect the quality of natural fibers as
unstable measurements which would initiating altered reinforcement in composites.
mechanical and physical properties of the composites.
Siakeng et al. (2018) stated that there are three mechanisms
of water absorption in fiber composites namely diffusion
method, capillary flow and composites moisture content.
Moisture content is the water stored in the micro-cracks
present in both polymer and natural fiber and this contribute
to water absorption of composites [35]. This unwanted
hydrophilic characteristics of natural fiber caused them to
have low microbial resistance and decay easily too. Most
importantly this weaken the interfacial adhesion between the
fiber and the matrix [21], [49]. However, moisture absorption
in biocomposites could also contributed by other factors such
as fiber fraction, viscosity of matrix, voids, temperature and Fig. 5: Contributing factors on quality of fibers at each stage to be
the reinforcement agent in composites [21].
humidity and [35].
Performance of natural fiber reinforced biocomposites can Fiber extraction process depends on the origin of fiber in
caused a great challenge in product application. This the plants. For bast or stem fibers like hemp fibers, they must
includes; 1) its bad wettability, 2) inadequate bonding, 3) get through the retting process and decortication process.
fiber/matrix interface degradation, and 4) fiber deficit during Retting process separates inner and outer stem of plant and
the manufacturing process [1], [21], [45]. In the recent years, the separated outer plant form a fiber, meanwhile
there a lot of studies being done to enhance the adhesion decortication process is to produce single fibers from the
between the fiber and matrix and one of the approaches is plant strand fibers [21]. In mechanical extraction processing
application of chemical “coupling” agents. Chun and of fibers, raw fibers undergo breaking, scutching and
Husseinsyah (2017) studied on green coupling agent (GCA) hackling process to get long fiber [53], [54]. Another process
obtained from virgin coconut oil (GCA-C) to improve to produce strand fibers or wood chips to individualized
interfacial adhesion in composites. GCA-C is a kind of fibers is called pulping. There are mechanical pulping and
glycidyl fatty acid ester which is reactive to natural fiber or chemical pulping procedure to remove the lignin from
filler. The results shown that the composites’ tensile strength strands and wood strips to produce individualized fiber. Later,
and tensile modulus increased with the increasing of the GCA the process of bleaching and mechanical beating are
content. Elongation at break of the composites also increased performed [21]. Interestingly, ijuk fiber does not need to
at 5 wt% of GCA content [50]. Another study used maleate undergo this extraction process because of its natural fiber
and silane coupling agents (MAPW, Si69 and VTMS) on form. Huzaifah et al. (2017) in their study, basically washed,
bulk composites of wood plastics (WPC). They discovered air dried for 24 hours and afterwards dried in the oven at
from the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images that 85 °C for another 24 hours to prepare the fiber [47]. Other
the treated WPC has improved compatibility between the parameters in producing the fibers that would influence the
constituents which signifies better interface, wettability of final properties of green biocomposites are volume fraction
wood flour, and resin penetration [51]. of the fibers, fiber aspect ratio, and also the orientation of
fiber [21]. Properties of natural fiber including ijuk fiber and
Surface modifications on natural fibers is another method conventional fibers are compiled in Error! Reference
used to improve their adhesion with the matrices. Plasma source not found..
treatment is a physical technique to modify the surface of
natural fibers and utilize to improve the mechanical
properties of natural fibers [52]. Surface modification of
natural fiber using biological processes done by Cruz and
Fangueiro (2016) where cellulose nanofibrils were used as
substrates and deposited on the surface of sisal and hemp
fibers during the fermentation process of bacterial cellulose.
The results showed that 5-6% bacterial cellulose on the
natural fiber surface gives significant improvement in
interfacial adhesion with biopolymer matrices such as
polylactic acid (PLA) [52]. This leads to the development of a
biocomposites with improved fiber-matrix interfacial
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DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 454 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
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 Green Bio composites For Food Packaging

possibilities for reinforcements in packaging films [57].

CNCs have a highly crystalline nature and if used as fillers in
Table 3: Physical, mechanical and chemical properties of composites by increasing both crystallinities, the pathway for
most studied natural fibers [21], [33], [46], [55], [56]
diffusion of gas molecules can improve the oxygen barrier
properties of biocomposites packaging materials [1]. On the
other hand, CNF or sometimes termed as NFC
(nanofibrillated cellulose) or MFC (microfibrillated
cellulose) typically have finer fibril size and generally a
lower length. CNFs are fabricated by treating cellulosic fibers
in mechanical processes such as homogenizers,
microfluidizers, and micro-grinders. These methods require a
huge amount of energy input and can damage both fibril
length and yield. CNFs have lower crystallinity and higher
aspect ratio and caused tortuosity increment and
entanglements which provide excellent oxygen barrier
properties to the pure CNFs films [1]. The report also
highlighted that CNFs can be used as filler in nanocomposites
to increase the oxygen and grease barrier properties that have
C. BIONANOCOMPOSITES fewer and smaller pores to prevent grease penetration and are
tough enough to with-stand various defects development like
cracks [1]. Furthermore, Ramesh et al. (2017) described that
Nanotechnology brings opportunities to improve the composites containing nano-fibrillated fiber have higher
perfor-mance of biocomposites. Nano-clay (layered flexural strength, higher flex-ural modulus and reduced
silicates), cellulose nanowhiskers, ultra-fine layered titanate, fracture energy compared to composites reinforced with
and carbon nanotubes are among nano-reinforcements being conventional fiber [21]. However, a study on PHA matrix
developed [32]. Nano-crystalline cellulose is appealing for its composites stated that the main limitation of PHAs in
variety of application for its strength of “better than steel and processing are their thermal instability, and mixture of
stiffer than aluminum” [21]. Nanocrystalline cellulose not nanofillers would improve its thermal stability caused by the
only could function as ‘filler’ in a matrix but could enhanced dispersed filler layers acting as a barrier to volatiles and
the properties of the composites. The performance is oxygen produced during thermal decomposition of PHAs
improved at the same time enhanced its durability, value, and [58]. The degree of dispersion affects the thermal degradation
service-life without compromising sustainability. Packaging of nano-composites because generation of local heat as a
sector would be very interested in nano-scaled cellulose result of accumulation.
fibers to produce biocomposites films with improved
mechanical and barrier properties, and excellent
transparency. It would also possible to produce III. GREEN BIOCOMPOSITES MANUFACTURING
biocomposites packaging materials with additional The process of producing green biocomposites begins with
functional properties such as transparency, biodegradability, the production of both natural fibers and biopolymer
specific surface properties and enhanced gas barrier and heat matrices. The compounding process of both constituents into
sealability [7]. resultant bio-composites could also influence the dispersion
Nanocellulose materials have a high specific surface area of fibers apart from type of natural fiber and biopolymer
with rich hydroxyl groups and nanoscale morphology which matrix components. It is however important to note that fiber
contribute to higher strength, lower density and transparency; drying is critical as the presence of moisture on the fiber
better barrier properties, and lower thermal expansion too. surface acts as a debonding agent at the fiber–matrix
These make them perfectly suitable for packaging films [1]. interface. Significant decrease in the mechanical properties of
Nanocomposites exhibit remarkable improvement in green composites also caused by voids generated within the
materials properties when small percentage of silicate content matrix as a result of evaporation of water during the
(≤5%), comparing with pristine polymer or conventional compounding process [34]. Processing conditions and
micro- and macro-composites. They were found to have compounding process methods influence fiber dispersion,
higher modulus, stronger, improved heat resistance, and aspect ratio and orientation in biocomposites [7].
decreased moisture and gas permeability, and flammability Manufacturing methods for biocomposites include open
[32]. There are two classifications of nanocellulose namely, mould (hand lay-up and spray-up), and closed mould
cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils techniques such as pultrusion, extrusion, direct long-fiber
(CNFs). CNCs are prepared by treating cellulosic fiber with thermoplastic (D-LFT), vacuum infusion, injection
sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid and a mechanical process moulding, filament winding, resin transfer moulding,
afterwards, normally sonication. CNCs are cellulose crystals compression moulding and sheet mould compounding [7],
with rod-like appearance with width of 5 to 70 nm and length [59]. According to Ramesh et
between 100 nm and several micrometers [1], [21]. CNCs al. (2017), compression
have excellent mechanical properties, optical properties, high moulding is more favorable
aspect ratio, and well-defined dimensions and thus have because of the higher impact
resistance of compression
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DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 455 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
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 International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE)
ISSN: 2277-3878, Volume-8 Issue-2S4, July 2019

moulded parts by 50% than injection moulded ones. Another different requirement in terms of light, moisture, water vapor,
recent report mentioned that compression or explosion and gas barriers [64]. The food package must able to obstruct
method for making moulded starch-based foam used in gain or loss of moisture, prevent microbial contamination and
commercial food packaging helps in increasing the represent as barrier to avoid or reduce permeation of water
in-corporation between fibers and biopolymer matrix which vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other volatile compounds.
then improve the mechanical properties of biocomposites [1]. In spite of this, the basic properties of packaging materials
Layer by layer technique (LBL) is another technique that can such as mechanical, optical, and thermal properties must be
be ap-plied which permit the formation of a dense and fulfilled first [65]. Sanyang et al. (2016) briefly summarized
homogeneous structure in green biocomposites and this that suitable materials for food packaging will ensure good
method was utilized in a study for highly deacetylated safety and quality of food products from processing and
chitosan and cellulose whiskers biocomposites as reported by manufacturing stage involving handling and storage before
Johansson et al. 2012. Melt blend-ing in preparing reaching the consumers. [8].
biocomposites is another alternative technique to produce
biocomposites with unique properties. The main advantage
of this technique is its lower costs due to elimination of
complex processes such as polymerization reactions and
purification of final products. The technique also applies
avail-able components where it is performed on similar
extruders in industry [60]. On the other hand, injection
molding technology to produce pellet film of fiber-reinforced
thermoplastic composite is illustrated in Fig.7 adopted from
Tanaka (2013). Natural fiber has a low heat resistance
therefore the resin temperature control during impregnation
the reinforcement natural fiber is important [61].

Fig. 8: General properties required for food packaging materials

[10], [65].

V. ECONOMIC IMPACT AND FUTURE DIRECTION

A recent report stated that there were only slightly less than
1% of total global plastics production capacities for
Fig. 6: Injection molding technology to produce pellet film
bio-based and biodegradable plastics in 2015 [66].
fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite (Tanaka, 2013) Furthermore, Bioplas-ticsmagazine.com analyzed a report by
MarketsandMarkets on the bioplastics market and revealed
that the global market for bioplastics and biopolymers
IV. FOOD PACKAGING: MATERIALS reached USD 2.66 Billion in 2015 [67]. It is also said that the
REQUIREMENT global bioplastics and biopolymers market is projected to
Functions of food packaging are related to the physical represent a market value of USD 5.08 billion by 2021, a
proper-ties of the food in order to protect and preserve it, at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0% from 2016.
the same time encouraging hygiene and safety [62]. Others Additionally, a stricter environmental law globally drives this
also mentioned that food packaging also ensure food progression as bioplastics produce less negative impact on
products transport-ed according to their made-to-order environment compared to traditional plastics. The highest
set-ups and amount suitable with the time they will be eaten; market share during the forecast period is the pack-aging
convenience and protected in dispensing products (easy-open sector. Europe is pronounced to have the largest share of the
features and re-closability); to add handiness to the food global bioplastics and biopolymers market and is projected to
products; and also assist in sales increment [8], [62]. remain dominating the market throughout the calculated
Packaging is also considered as one of the way in peri-od. Meanwhile, the highest CAGR during the forecast
communicating messages to consumers and providing period will be the Central and South American market due to
information and also instructions [62]. A research by the ready availability of feedstock in the region. Ideally, with
Widaningrum (2014) on the elements of designing a takeout fully biodegradable bio-based plastics, there will be zero
food packaging in Indonesia by using combined Conjoint waste out in the packaging circular system [11]. It is
Analysis and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique estimated that USD 40 billion is spent annually as the
found that the ‘packaging material attributes’ have the consequences of plastic packaging waste production i.e.
highest importance values [63]. Generally, the material cleansing oceans and clogging
requirements of packaging materials are summarized in Fig. infrastructure maintenance,
7. These requirements are however would be exclusive for together with the cost
the food type to be packed where materials need to fulfil associated with green-house

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DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 456 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
& Sciences Publication
 Green Bio composites For Food Packaging

gas emissions from its production. This amount is alleged to ACKNOWLEDGMENT

has exceeded the plastic packaging industry’s profit pool [6].
The authors wish to express highest appreciation to the
In realizing bio-based packaging solutions, it is vital that the
Public Service Department (JPA), Malaysia for the study
materials are economically feasible, and the processing
sponsorship to the main author, and financial support in this
method easily be adapted in the existing industrial
study from the Ministry of Education Malaysia through
manufacturing processes [7]. The economic production of
Universiti Putra Malaysia Grant Scheme High Centre of
biopolymers is however very much reliant on the
Excellence (HICoE) (6369107). Thank you for continuous
development of biotechnological processes [68]. The cost
encouragement and support from Ministry of Youth and
and performance of green biocomposites materials must be
Sports Malaysia, previous employer of the main author.
addressed to flourish the use of these renewable materials in
packaging industry. Other major concerns of the industry
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AUTHORS PROFILE
S.M. Sapuan Professor of composite materials at
Universiti Putra Malaysia and has a PhD from De
Montfort University, UK in 1998 and MSc from
Loughborough University, UK in 1994. His research
interests include natural fiber composites, materials
selection and concurrent engineering. To date he has published more than
650 journal and 550 conference papers, 15 books, 17 edited books and
108 chapters in book. He is a Fellow of Society of Automotive Engineers,
International, USA, Fellow, Institute of Materials Malaysia, Fellow,
Malaysian Scientific Association, Fellow, Plastics and Rubber Institute
Malaysia (PRIM) and Honorary Member of Asian Polymer Association. He
has received numerous awards and honours, among others, ISESCO Science
Prize in Technology, 2008, PRIM Fellowship Award, Kuala Lumpur Rotary
Research Gold Medal Award, Alumni Award, University of Newcastle,
NSW, Australia, Khwarizmi International Award (KIA), a Leadership
Award from Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE) i.e. SAE
Fellow Grade of membership, 2015/2016 grantee of SEARCA Regional
Professorial Chair, Endeavour Research Promotion Award, IEEE India,
Citation of Excellence 2017, Emerald UK, National Book Awards 2017 and
2018 and Malaysia’s Research Star Award.

. H.N. Salwa PhD student at Institute of Tropical

Forestry and Forests Product (INTROP), Universiti Putra
Malaysia (UPM) and her research is on design for
sustainability with the potential of green biocomposites
utilization for food packaging. Holds MSc. in Product
Design Innovation from Aston University, Birmingham.

M.T. Mastura PhD in Mechanical Engineering from

Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her area of interest includes
natural fibre composites, material selection and
concurrent engineering and actively published papers in
related area.

M.Y.M Zuhri PhD in Composite Materials from

University of Liverpool currently a senior lecturer in
Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). His areas
of interest are in composite materials and lightweight
structures. To date, he has authored and coauthored more
than 20 papers including journal and conference papers.

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Retrieval Number: B10880782S419/2019©BEIESP
DOI: 10.35940/ijrte.B1088.0782S419 459 Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
& Sciences Publication