Development of low environmental impact technological solutions based on PLA, PBS, PBAT and Talc blends for multilayer food packaging manufacturing

This research focuses on manufacturing of innovative multilayer food packaging solutions employing PLA, PBS and PBAT to investigate the use of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable polymeric materials to replace fossil-based plastics. To meet the final product technological and functional requirements, three material formulations were investigated. Co-rotating twin-screw extrusion was used to produce the compounds for the single layers. A multilayer sheet extrusion process was then used to create a multilayer film made of an inner core and two equal outer layers with the aim to meet varying property requirements across the film thickness. Finally, thermoforming of the films was carried out to produce prototype food containers that were tested to evaluate their thermo-mechanical properties. The integration of material, process and product design allowed to develop biodegradable and compostable food packaging solutions, notably reducing the environmental footprint of these products.