Chitosan-based Food Packaging Materials: A Review of Fabrication Strategies from Casting to Foaming

Abstract

Food packaging is essential for preserving the quality and freshness of food while protecting it from damage, contamination and spoilage. Conventional food packaging materials, such as poly(ethylene), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(propylene) and poly(styrene), are not biodegradable and contribute to environmental pollution. Alternative biodegradable materials, including poly(lactic acid), aliphatic polyesters and poly(caprolactone), have been explored for food packaging applications, but they tend to have lower mechanical performance, are not necessarily sustainable and are more expensive to produce. In recent years, chitosan has emerged as a promising food packaging material due to its good mechanical properties, low cost and renewable nature. Additionally, chit