Biodegradable Food Packaging: Benefits and Adverse Effects

Abstract

Abstract The article considers the problem of transition to environmentally safe types of food packaging materials. Features of modern biodegradable food materials and evolutionary generations of packaging materials are explored. Based on literature review, the author identifies a new generation of biodegradable food packaging – smart bio-packaging, representatives of which can be considered materials that have both “green” properties and advanced consumer qualities. Examples of such innovative biodegradable packaging are given: films and containers with antiseptic properties, enriched with vitamins and edible. It is generalized that bio-plastic has acceptable organoleptic, mechanical and chemical properties and can be an alternative to synthetic polymers. At the same time, the analysis of biopolymer production from the resource position revealed adverse environmental, economic and anthropogenic effects. In this context, the author presents “Paradox of ecological ricochet”: a contradiction between positive properties of biodegradable food materials and problems of increasing environmental burden for obtaining biomass. It is concluded that eco-safety of bioplastics depends on such factors as composition of materials, production process and how these material is destroyed after use.