34.7 Packaging Materials and Bioplastics

527

0

Rigid packaging

Coatings and adhesives

Automotive transport

Flexible packaging

Others

Consumer goods

Agriculture and horticulture

Textiles

Building and construction

1

2

2

13

15

44

5

9

9

5

10

15

20

Consumption (%)

Applications

25

30

35

40

45

50

Figure 34.1

Global production capacities of bioplastics in 2017 (by market segment).

Source: European Bioplastics (2017). http://www.bio-based.eu/markets and http://www

.european-bioplastics.org/market.

34.7.1

Scope and Features

The packaging materials made from bioplastics account for 60% usage of bioplastic

applications. However, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegrad-

able (decomposition by biological means). A significant amount of research has been

done in the last decade over the development of bio-packaging materials (BPMs)

with improved functionalities such as enhanced barrier, mechanical and low diffu-

sion properties as compared to conventional packaging materials.

Bioplastics from AFW are mainly obtained by the process of fermentation of

waste. The resultant products are further modulated by adding a plasticizer, natural

fiber/extracts, chemical reaction with the polyol acids, etc. The polylactic acid and

PHA are the main examples of biodegradable packaging materials synthesized by

the process of fermentation of AFW. Table 34.1 lists some of the works carried out

in utilizing AFW for bioplastics production. An excellent review on the production

of bioplastics from organic acids derived from the organic fraction of the municipal

solid wastes is that of Vea et al. [99]. Here, they mention the technologies fol-

lowed by about seven researchers in producing PHA along with their valorization

efficiencies.

34.7.2

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Lactic acid, an organic acid, is obtained from the fermentation of sugar and starch

present in several AFWs of corn crop, sugar beet, tapioca, sugarcane, etc. The

polymerization of lactic acid wherein molecules combine to form lactide rings and

their further linking results in the formation of continuous chain of poly lactic acid

(PLA). It is a biocompatible compound and has high modulus strength similar to