ABSTRACT
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a group of renewable and biodegradable polyesters which are mainly derived from microorganisms. The most common and extensively characterized material for renewable and biodegradable food packaging is probably polylactic acid. Food packaging materials are used to protect food products from external factors such as light, moisture, microorganisms, physical damage etc. and to extend their shelf-life. To evaluate the biodegradation, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was exposed in the presence of cellulose and acetate to a noncontrolled inocula consisting of activated sludge from different seasons. Besides the utilization of pure polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and PHA blends, composites of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) and PHBV, respectively, are a third promising option in developing biodegradable food packaging materials. The cost reduction is necessary to match up with convenient food packaging materials like polyethylene or polypropylene. Water vapour permeability and water uptake could be reduced, while overall migration values stayed within the limits for food packaging applications.
