Biopolymers: A suitable replacement for plastics in product packaging
Kunle Babaremu, Oluseyi Philip Oladijo, Esther T. Akinlabi
Abstract
Plastics are the most utilized materials for product packaging in most manufacturing industries, from electronics to food and fashion accessories. However, numerous challenges surround plastics because of their non-biodegradability, which poses a severe threat to the environment. This study has uncovered the possibilities of replacing and discouraging the use of plastics in the packaging of products. A few scholarly articles have successfully proven that biopolymers which are valuable polymers obtained from plant-based and organic materials are better for packaging products. Unlike plastics, biopolymers are biocompatible and biodegradable within a short period, which would help preserve the ecosystem and are healthier for humans. More specifically, biopolymers have found valuable applications in consumer products, medical, electrical, and structural products. Numerous studies on plastic are still ongoing, owing to the increasing demand and quest for removing plastics from human communities, making this area of study very prolific and grey.