ABSTRACT
Polymer based packaging forms an integral part of human life, however, most of the currently used packaging plastics are produced from fossil feedstock and are not usually biodegradable, thereby jeopardizing the long term sustainability of th e planet. Hence, there is an immediate need to explore alternative packaging materials that are eco-friendly. This chapter reviews the current state of the art on various commercially viable environmental friendly, biodegradable packaging plastics that can be obtained from plants, animals, and other synthetic biodegradable plastics such as poly lactic acid (PLA) and poly hydroxyalkonates. An overview of various aspects of these environment friendly packaging plastics including their synthesis, commercial production, processing, properties, applications, advantages, and limitations have been discussed in considerable detail.
