Biodegradable Packaging materials are gaining increased traction in today’s world due to a variety of reasons. So there is an increasing interest in the use of biodegradable polymers for creating new packaging materials. These materials are a viable alternative to the environmental and ecological problems caused by the increasing usage of nondegradable synthetic materials. Some of the reasons for their increased popularity are:
- Increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products
- Enhancement of brand reputation
- Low environmental impact
- Compliance with increasingly stringent local laws
- Resource conservation
- Sustainable waste management
In this blog, we have picked six must-have biodegradable packaging materials which will find increased usage in times to come.
Types of Biodegradable Packaging Materials
The six most basic types of biodegradable packaging products:
1. Packaging Films
One of the most unique eco-friendly packaging products is the biodegradable packaging film which replaces plastic films. These films are made from plant materials like starch and cellulose. It is also known as compostable plastic, as it composts in a matter of months. The environment-friendly product offers similar strength, and protection against moisture and contamination as their plastic counterparts but with zero environmental footprints. It is one of the most viable options for food packaging
2. Packaging Bags
There are 3 kinds of biodegradable packaging bags namely compostable bags, Bio-T bags and bio additive bags. Each of these is an eco-friendly alternative to regular polythene bags. These are made from sugar cane, potato starch or biologically sourced polymers. A biodegradable packaging bag is flexible and strong enough to keep the packed material safe. It can easily resist damage due to shock. Also, it is moisture-resistant and temperature-resistant. From e-commerce companies, to supply chain partners and retailers, biodegradable food packaging bags are getting popular very fast. They have a shelf life of 12 months and can be disposed off with industrial composting.
3. Packaging Boxes
One of the most famous biodegradable takeaway packaging products is the packaging boxes. It is made of an element taken from corn. This packing material can live up to 47 days in a specific environment. Once it starts to decompose, it leaves no dangerous waste behind.
Boxes made of corn material are generally clear which makes the content packed inside visible. The box can stay safe between 10°C to 23 °C.
4. Packaging Trays – Bagasse Packaging
Bagasse is a by-products of sugarcane processing and paper pulp. Some of the useful products made from bagasse for biodegradable food packaging are packaging trays, and plates. The biodegradable material is sturdy enough that it can keep the material safe and in its original shape even if it is frozen and is easily compostable.
5. Silver-Based Biodegradable Packaging Material
Another innovative biodegradable food packaging material is silver-based packing material. While making biodegradable packing material based on biopolymers, manufacturers incorporate silver nanoparticles which have antimicrobial properties. This prevents the growth of fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms. This product is very popular in the food packaging industry. This biodegradable food packaging material offers many promising features.
- Prevents infections in the food and prolongs shelf life due to antimicrobial properties
- It improves the quality of food packed inside.
- Prevents loss of desirable compounds like flavour volatiles
- It offers enough suppleness and adhesion to fruit
- This packing material keeps the food safe from foreign contaminants. Therefore, it is ideal for fresh fruits and vegetables
6. Packing Gel
The use of food preservatives is one of the oldest methods. However, the process is not good for the food cycle as it can help some nasty elements to enter into the food cycle.
Therefore, nowadays packing gels are getting famous. These gels have organic origins like starch and hydrogel etc. Food containing such gel can live longer and have good food quality. The best part is that it does not compromise the food cycle.
The Eco-Friendly & Green Packaging Solution
Biodegradable product packaging and material are increasingly finding usage across a spectrum of industries. Biodegradable packaging companies are producing packing material in different shapes, sizes, colours and thicknesses. From biodegradable cardboard packaging to biodegradable plastic packaging and biodegradable food packaging bags, you can find a huge range of variety for your products. These offer the same properties as their plastic counterparts but are compostable and eco-friendly.
AAB Industries LLC is a trusted name for biodegradable packaging material in Dubai. We have introduced a range of biodegradable and sustainable packaging products from Apac Ecocell Paper Wrap to Kraft tapes. These products offer the reliability that you can trust.