ABSTRACT
In recent years, the focus of research has shifted to the use of natural fibers for various applications. Petrochemical based polymers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, etc. are mostly used in packaging materials because of their abundance, low cost, and good functionality characteristics such as good tensile and tear strength, good barrier properties to O and aroma compounds, heat seal ability and low water vapor transmission rate. However, they are completely non-biodegradable causing environmental pollution (Tharanathan, 2003). Although the total abolition of petrochemical-based polymers is very difficult, their utilization should be minimized to lower the environmental pollution and emission of green house gases. This could be achieved through use of natural biopolymers such as chitin, chitosan, starch, cellulose, and pullulan (Fig 3.1).
