Polyhydroxyalkanoates-based cast film as marine biodegradable packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables: manufacturing and characterization

The packaging sector is one of the main responsible of post-consumer plastic waste in the European Union. The increasing consumer pressure and the banning or limitation of some materials are pushing producers towards new solutions. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a class of compostable bioplastics, easily degraded in composting facilities as well as on soil and aquatic environment. Three different blends of P(3HB)(3HH), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate, and of P(3HB)(4HB), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrrate are studied to achieve a thin film suitable for the manufacturing of films for food packaging. The compounds were produced by twin-screw extrusion and then processed by cast film extrusion. The properties of the films depend on the percentage of P(3HB)(4HB) of the blend, and confirmed the possibility of employing PHA-based films as packaging with low environmental footprint.