11. Thermoplastic Starch-Based LLDPE Films for Active Packaging

Active packaging refers to a type of food packaging that interacts with the food or the surrounding environment to extend shelf life, preserve food quality, and improve food safety. Unlike traditional passive packaging, which provides only a barrier to external factors, active packaging actively modifies the conditions inside the package. Active packaging performance can include: oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, antimicrobial packaging, ethylene absorbers, and carbon dioxide emitters. Thermoplastic starch (TPS)-based low-linear density polyethylene (LLDPE) films have been studied for their potential use in active packaging. TPS-LLDPE films can be prepared by blending TPS with LLDPE and incorporating active agents. These active agents help to scavenge oxygen, absorb moisture, inhibit microbial growth, or absorb ethylene gas, which can help to maintain the quality of food products. TPS-LLDPE films can provide a biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based packaging materials, while also offering active packaging functionalities. By optimizing the composition of these films and incorporating appropriate active agents, TPS-LLDPE films have the potential to be used as an effective and sustainable solution for food packaging applications. In this study, firstly, thermoplastic starch and packaging technologies are reviewed. Then, TPS-LLDPE films for active packaging are described.