ABSTRACT
Several actions are being developed to obtain materials and packaging with fewer environmental impacts. In this sense, the acquisition of bioplastics, mainly biodegradable, has been growing widely and may generate revenues close to US$12.4 billion by 2027. The biodegradable decomposition process occurs by converting the material into CO2, methane, water, and other inorganic compounds or biomass, through exposure to microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and algae) that occur naturally and the action of their respective enzymes. The development of these packages and polymeric matrices can be carried out using low-cost renewable resources such as polysaccharides, plant proteins, or derivatives of bacteria, which generate less aggression to the environment. Active packaging consists of incorporating active components into the packaging system, aiming to extend the shelf life of the packaged food and improve food safety. The incorporation of bioactive substances in plastic films, such as plant extracts, peptides, essential oils, and bacteriocins, rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial components, can be used for the protection and maintenance of food quality. Currently, the great challenge for the packaging sector will be to combine materials that do not harm the environment with active components, without impairing the functionality of the packaging.
