Abstract: This paper explores the application of degradable materials in the food packaging industry. It analyzes the types and characteristics of degradable materials and their advantages in food packaging, elaborates on the current challenges faced by degradable materials in the field of food packaging, and looks forward to the future development trends. The aim is to provide a reference for promoting the wide application of degradable materials in the food packaging industry.
Keywords: Degradable Materials; Food Packaging; Environmental Protection; Application Prospects
I. Introduction
With the continuous improvement of people’s environmental protection awareness and the pursuit of sustainable development, the application of degradable materials in the food packaging industry has attracted increasing attention. Most traditional food packaging materials are difficult to degrade and cause serious pollution to the environment. Degradable materials can gradually decompose in the natural environment, reducing the negative impact on the environment and providing a new option for the sustainable development of the food packaging industry.
II. Types and Characteristics of Degradable Materials
(1) Biodegradable Materials
–Starch-based Materials: Made with starch as the main raw material by adding other degradable components. It has the characteristics of wide sources, low cost, and complete biodegradability.
–Polylactic Acid (PLA): Polymerized from lactic acid, it has good mechanical properties and biocompatibility and can be degraded by microorganisms in the natural environment.
–Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): A natural polymer material synthesized by microorganisms, it has good biodegradability and biocompatibility.
(2) Photodegradable Materials Materials that can degrade under light conditions. Usually, photosensitizers are added to make them decompose into small molecules under the action of ultraviolet or visible light.
(3) Water-degradable Materials Materials that can gradually dissolve or decompose in water. Such as water-soluble polymers, etc.
III. Advantages of Degradable Materials in Food Packaging
(1) Environmental Friendliness Degradable materials can gradually decompose in the natural environment, reducing the pollution of traditional packaging materials to the environment. Reducing the pressure of waste disposal is in line with the requirements of sustainable development.
(2) Safety Many degradable materials are derived from natural substances, such as starch and plant fibers, and have good biocompatibility and safety. The risk of pollution to food is low, which is conducive to ensuring the quality and safety of food.
(3)Functionality Degradable materials can be various functions to food packaging by adding different additives and undergoing special processing, such as moisture-proof, fresh-keeping, and antibacterial. Meeting the packaging needs of different foods.
IV. Application Examples of Degradable Materials in Food Packaging
(1) Starch-based Packaging Materials Used to make disposable tableware, food packaging bags, etc. For example, starch-based foamed tableware has good heat insulation performance and strength and can replace traditional foam plastic tableware.
(2) PLA Packaging Materials Widely used in beverage bottles, food trays, etc. PLA bottles have good transparency and mechanical properties and can be used to package various beverages and foods.
(3) PHA Packaging Materials Can be used to make food cling film, packaging bags, etc. PHA cling film has good air permeability and fresh-keeping performance and can extend the shelf life of food.
V. Challenges Faced by Degradable Materials in the Field of Food Packaging
(1) High Cost Compared with traditional packaging materials, the production cost of degradable materials is higher, which limits their wide application in the food packaging industry.
(2) Performance to be Improved The mechanical properties, heat resistance, barrier properties, etc. of some degradable materials cannot fully meet the requirements of food packaging and need to be further improved and enhanced.
(3) Degradation Condition Limitations Different degradable materials have certain requirements for degradation conditions, such as temperature, humidity, microorganisms, etc. In practical applications, it may be limited by environmental conditions and affect the degradation effect.
VI. The Development Trend of Degradable Materials in the Food Packaging Industry
(1) Technological Innovation Through the research and development of new degradable materials and the improvement of production processes, costs are reduced, performance is enhanced, and the demands of the food packaging industry are met.
(2) Policy Support The government has introduced relevant policies to encourage and support the application of degradable materials in the food packaging industry. Strengthen the supervision of traditional packaging materials and promote the development of environmentally friendly packaging.
(3) Enhancement of Consumer Awareness As consumers’ environmental awareness continues to increase, the demand for degradable food packaging will gradually increase. This will promote the development of the food packaging industry in an environmentally friendly and sustainable direction.
VII. Conclusion
Degradable materials have broad application prospects in the food packaging industry. Although there are still some challenges at present, with the continuous progress of technology and policy support, the costs of degradable materials will gradually decrease and the performance will continuously improve. The enhancement of consumers’ environmental awareness will also promote the wide application of degradable materials in the food packaging industry. In the future, degradable materials will become the mainstream choice in the food packaging industry and contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.
