Synthesis and characterization of fully bio-based poly(butylene sebacate) and its application in meat packaging

This study contributes to the advancement of the Bioeconomy goals by demonstrating the synthesis, comprehensive performance analysis, and novel application of 100% bio-based poly(butylene sebacate) (PBS b ) in food packaging. In this approach, PBS b with number-molecular weight ( M n ) of 20,050 g·mol −1 and weight-average molecular weight ( M w ) of 55,000 g·mol −1 was successfully obtained via a two-stage reaction, including esterification and transesterification, using renewable sebacic acid and 1,4-butanediol. The resultant biopolyester was processed into thermo-compressed 135-μm films and characterized for ascertaining its potential in food packaging. In terms of thermal stability, PBS b films can resist temperatures of up to 390 °C. They are highly ductile with an elongation at break ( ε b ) value over 90%, and yielded moderate permeability and hence barrier properties against water vapor (2.1 × 10 −14 kg·m·m −2 ·s −1 ·Pa −1 ) and oxygen (8 × 10 –18 m 3 ·m·m −2 ·s −1 ·Pa −1 ), being promising in flexible packaging applications. Finally, the biopolyester was further evaluated in the shape of heat-sealed packaging pouches for fresh lean pork filet preservation under refrigeration conditions. The PBS b bags successfully maintained meat quality in terms of physico-chemical and microbial parameters for up to ten days, resulting very promising for sustainable packaging applications.