7. Self-healing Composite Materials in Packaging Applications

The rapidly developing field of self-healing composites and their potential to revolutionize the packaging industry, inspired by nature’s remarkable regenerative abilities are explored. Examining the fundamental processes of self-healing and studying its intrinsic and extrinsic methods, this book chapter delves into self-healing composites used in packaging in a simple but thorough manner. This explores their various uses in rigid and flexible packaging solutions and emphasizes how they can improve sustainability and durability. We also focus on the new developments in nanotechnology, smart materials, and bio-based systems, which promise a time when packaging will be intelligent, environmentally friendly, and self-repairing. This chapter highlights the persistent search of innovation while addressing the current obstacles: cost, scalability, and regulatory barriers by presenting both research prototypes and commercially available items. Ultimately, self-healing composites are portrayed as a groundbreaking advancement, bringing a new generation of packaging materials compared to traditional packaging having more robustness, durability, generating less waste, and actively supports a regenerative, sustainable economy.