ABSTRACT
Chemically synthesized polymeric films are widely used for packaging in the food industry because they are easily and inexpensively produced from uniform raw m aterials and are flexible as well as durable. A serious disadvantage of these films is that they are not biodegradable. The growth of environmental concerns over nonbiodegradable petrochem ical-based plastics has raised interest in the use of biodegradable alternatives originating from renewable sources. Though biodegradable polymers are ecofriendly, they have not been in use as expected due to their inherent poor properties. In particular, low heat distortion temperature, poor mechanical
properties, and high gas and vapor permeability have strongly limited their applications. Hence the need was felt to improve their properties, especially mechanical and barrier properties, to bring them on par with the existing petrochem ical-based films. Incorporation of nanomaterials is a new approach that has been reported to improve significantly the physical, mechanical, barrier, optical, and recycling properties of biopolymers. They have the potential of improving the properties of the films, and with the addition of some preservative agents, they can extend the shelf life of the food by delaying the onset of spoilage. This chapter summarizes published data on application of bionanocomposites in food packaging. Benefits of bionanocomposites over conventional food-packaging systems, their characteristics, and their applications in food packaging are discussed in this chapter.
