Comprehensive overview of sustainable food packaging material alternatives

The proliferation of plastic packaging materials and their accumulation as significant amounts of waste raises serious ecological concerns affecting humanity and the natural environment. New alternative packaging materials, including biodegradable and sustainable options, are being explored to address these concerns. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on alternative packaging materials. This study covers biodegradable plastics, sustainable alternatives (Cellulose, Bamboo) and emerging packaging forms (edible packaging, nano-cellulose). SWOT analysis and cross-tabulation have been used to facilitate a comparative assessment of alternatives with plastic. The results show that recycling plastics or the production of bioplastics has not proven to be an effective solution. The environmental impact of sustainable and biodegradable packaging remains unclear. In addition, new materials (edible packaging materials, nano-cellulose fibres) are currently being tested that could reduce environmental impacts and waste. No alternative can fully replace plastic packaging, but new initiatives are promising.