Rachit Sharma
Chemistry
August 2025
The growing menace of plastic pollution, fuelled mainly by the high usage of non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastics in food packaging, has heightened the search of sustainable alternatives worldwide. An interesting alternative has been the development of biodegradable films, where Polylactic Acid (PLA) has become popular because of its bio-based nature, compost ability and good mechanical and barrier performance. Native PLA however has drawbacks including brittleness, poor moisture resistance, and low thermal stability which has driven the global search of PLA based blends and nanocomposites. Lately gained improvements, including copolymerization, plasticization with bio-based solvents, nano-reinforcement with cellulose nanofibers and nanoclays, and blending with other polymers, including PBAT and PHA, have made a big enhancement in the physicochemical performance of PLA. Its functionality and food safety possibilities are further increased by surface coatings, multilayer film structures, and the integration of intelligent packaging. Such advancements not only solve existing technical problems but also follow the principles of the circular economy and the objective of environmental sustainability. Future opportunities focus on green synthesis of nanofillers, new processing methods, and favourable policies that would make PLA a scalable and environmentally friendly alternative to food packaging in the next generation
378- 416
© Airo Journals 2021
