Advancing Sustainability: Utilizing Bacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoate for Food Packaging

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promising biodegradable polymers known for their biodegradability and eco-friendly properties. Recent studies indicate that PHAs can reduce the environmental impact by up to 50% compared to petroleum-based plastics. This comprehensive review evaluates the application of PHAs in sustainable food packaging, covering over 100 studies published between 2018 and 2023. The review highlights advancements in PHA production, with a focus on submerged and solid-state fermentation methods, achieving up to a 60% improvement in production efficiency through optimized culture selection. Sustainable extraction and purification methods have been identified, reducing energy consumption by 30%. Blending PHAs with other biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid, starch, and cellulose enhances material performance, with up to a 40% improvement in mechanical properties. The incorporation of antimicrobial agents and essential oils has been shown to extend the shelf life by 25% while maintaining food safety standards. This review underscores the potential of active PHA-based packaging in improving the barrier properties by 35% when combined with coatings, positioning PHA as a key material for the future of environmentally responsible and safe food packaging.