ABSTRACT
The use of plastic packaging is on the rise, explained by the need to reduce food waste and the increased demand due to population growth and market expansion. However, there are also increasing concerns about the damage caused to the environment and human health. New packaging systems are an effective way to extend and/or maintain the shelf life of foods and to preserve the quality of a range of fresh products such as vegetables, fruits, meat and fish. Active packaging systems have been developed by the food industry, and their effectiveness in extending the shelf life of fresh foods has been reported in several studies. Polymer biocomposites are novel materials that have seen an increased interest from researchers in polymer science and engineering, since they are novel, high-performance, lightweight and eco-friendly materials that can replace traditional nonbiodegradable plastic packaging. Therefore, the major aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of bio-based materials for active food packaging while keeping also in mind the circular economy and the degradation path of these materials.
