Advances in PLA/PBAT-based blend film in food packaging applications: A review
Somraj Patil, Rekha Chawla, Carolina Krebs de Souza, Parya Ezati, Pratap Kalita, Swarup Roy
Food Packaging and Shelf Life
Abstract
There is a growing interest in biodegradable plastic, and in this regard, polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) have received a lot of attention. Both PLA and PBAT are polyester-type polymers, commonly known as bioplastics in the packaging field. PLA and PBAT have good mechanical strength and flexibility, respectively. PLA-based film has low flexibility, while PBAT lacks strength; thus, blending PLA and PBAT could be advantageous in overcoming the limitations of the unblended counterparts. Moreover, including functional filler, additives and bioactive ingredient are useful to further enhance the physical and functional properties of the packaging film. The PLA/PBAT blend film can be effective in extending the shelf life of fresh produce and also processe