Recent advances in functionalized starch-based biodegradable films and edible coatings for sustainable food packaging

Abstract

Growing environmental concerns, increasing food packaging waste, and the demand for sustainable materials have accelerated the development of biodegradable packaging alternatives. Among biopolymers, starch has emerged as one of the most abundant, renewable, cost-effective, and biodegradable materials for producing biofilms and edible coatings. This review highlights the potential of starch as a versatile raw material for sustainable food packaging applications, emphasizing its biodegradability, film-forming ability, and industrial significance. The increasing utilization of starch-based materials is expected to expand starch production and promote its application across diverse industrial sectors. Furthermore, recent advances in starch modification have significantly improved the mechanical, barrier, and functional properties of starch-based films without substantially increasing production costs, thereby enhancing their commercial viability. Overall, starch-based biodegradable packaging materials offer an eco-friendly solution to address environmental pollution, food preservation, consumer safety, and the growing demand for sustainable packaging technologies.