Natural Antioxidants: Advancing Stability and Performance in Sustainable Biobased and Biodegradable Plastics

The depletion of fossil fuels and environmental concerns have driven the development of sustainable materials, including bio-based and biodegradable plastics, as alternatives to conventional plastics. Although these plastics aid in waste management and climate change mitigation, their vulnerability to oxidative degradation impacts their longevity, durability, and performance. Natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, flavonoids, and tannins, extracted from plants or agri-food waste, present a sustainable alternative to synthetic stabilizers by enhancing the oxidative thermal stability of polymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-adipate) (PBSA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), and starch-based materials. This review highlights recent advances in bio-based plastics stabilized with natural antioxidants, their mechanisms of action, and their role in improving material properties for applications like packaging. Additionally, it explores their impact on recycling processes, advancements in composite production techniques, and future research directions. Bioplastics can achieve enhanced performance, reduce waste, and support a circular economy by incorporating natural antioxidants.