Transparent and Multifunctional\nBiocomposites for\nSustainable Packaging Applications

Transparent rigid packaging traditionally relies on fossil\nfuel-based\npolymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE),\nand polypropylene (PP), which contribute to the production of nonbiodegradable\nwaste, landfills, and environmental pollution. Although they exhibit\nfavorable light transmission, their nonbiodegradability raises significant\nsustainability concerns. In contrast, cellulosic plant fibers are\nbiodegradable. We aim to utilize biomass waste to produce functional,\ntransparent packaging material, thereby lowering the overall carbon\nfootprint. This study explores transparent high-modulus rigid packaging\nmaterials using jute fibers. Transparent jute/thiol–ene composites\nwere developed by using ultraviolet (UV) polymerization techniques,\nachieving light transmission as high as 80% at 550 nm with a 20% fiber\ncontent at 1 mm thickness. These composites showed almost a doubling\nin tensile modulus compared with commercial PET films. Copper nanoparticles\nwere successfully added to provide antimicrobial properties. Hydrolytic\ndegradation analysis confirmed composite biodegradability and its\npotential as sustainable solutions for packaging applications.