Biopolymer based packaging

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of biopolymer films as green replacements for traditional plastic packaging. In particular, the research investigates the films processed with whey protein isolate, sorbitol plasticizer, and different inclusions of corn oil to improve technical properties. In the study, films containing 0%, 6%, 8%, and 10 % of corn oil were prepared, and their water uptake, water vapor permeation, transparency, and tensile properties were evaluated as the latter performance indicators. Results showed that the addition of corn oil was responsible for great changes in the barrier and mechanical properties of the films. The 10% samples, due to the oil concentration, were the best moisture barriers and had the most effective resistance to water vapor permeability. The 6% samples had the most balanced and acceptable tensile properties, since they had the highest tensile stress and the lowest acceptable elongation, and the 0% samples had the best colorimetric characteristics, due to their transparency. This study offers an insight into the optimization of biopolymer formulations for packaging purposes. The novelty of this invention is a corn oil sorbitol combination in a whey protein matrix to achieve a delicate balance of flexibility, transparency, and barrier. The findings are of practical significance in the context of green packaging technology in food systems.