Agro-based green biocomposites for packaging applications

Polymeric materials are widely used in packaging for almost all sectors including medical appliances, food and agriculture industries etc. Scientists have been working intensively to improve the stability of polymers against environmental influences since their first development. However, in the past 10 years, polymeric materials have become industrial waste products and have caused serious environmental pollution especially in plastic packaging. The existing waste management strategies such as incineration and landfilling are not optimal and less efficient due to their side effects. The difficulties in disposing of the polymer-based waste and the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere during the incineration of the non-biodegradable polymers have greatly increased public awareness. Therefore, the development of biodegradable and bio-based green biocomposites is essentially important as an alternative to the existing polymers in favor of pollution-free environmental society. This work furnishes information on the recent advances in the development of agro-based green biocomposites for packaging applications for engineers and researchers working in composite industries.