Advanced Biomaterials for Sustainable Food Packaging: From Cellulose Derivatives to Shelf-Life Extension

Dear Colleagues,

The global demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging materials has intensified in recent years, driven by growing environmental awareness, stricter regulations on single-use plastics, and evolving consumer expectations for sustainability. As one of the largest consumers of packaging materials, the food industry faces particular pressure to transition toward greener alternatives without compromising food safety, quality, or shelf life. Conventional petroleum-based plastics, while offering excellent mechanical and barrier properties and ease of processing, pose severe ecological challenges due to their persistence in the environment and their contribution to microplastic and nanoplastic pollution. In response, the development of high-performance, bio-based packaging materials—particularly those derived from cellulose and its derivatives—offers a promising pathway toward combining functionality with environmental responsibility. Recent advances in cellulose-based films, cellulose acetate coatings, and biocomposite systems have demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical strength, gas and moisture barrier performance, antimicrobial functionality, and optical clarity. Furthermore, blending cellulose derivatives with other biopolymers, incorporating nanofillers, or embedding active agents is expanding the functional and structural possibilities of sustainable packaging materials. This field is evolving rapidly toward smart and active packaging technologies designed not only to protect food but also to extend shelf life and monitor quality. Such innovations include controlled release systems, moisture absorbers, oxygen scavengers, and antimicrobial surfaces—each contributing to enhanced food preservation and reduced waste. Equally important, life cycle assessment (LCA), biodegradation behavior, and end-of-life management are now central considerations in material design, aligning research with the principles of the circular economy.

This Special Issue, “Advanced Biomaterials for Sustainable Food Packaging: From Cellulose Derivatives to Shelf-Life Extension,” aims to provide a comprehensive platform for sharing the latest developments, challenges, and insights in the design and application of bio-based, functional materials for sustainable food systems. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address innovative material design, functionalization strategies, performance characterization, and assessments of environmental and techno-economic feasibility.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cellulose, nanocellulose, biopolymer composites, and hybrid materials for functional packaging.
• Chemical and physical modification strategies for cellulose and cellulose derivatives to improve barrier and mechanical performance in packaging applications.
• Active and smart packaging systems for shelf-life extension and quality monitoring.
• Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and controlled-release functionalities in cellulose-based films and coatings.
• The biodegradability, recyclability, and life cycle assessment (LCA) of cellulose-based packaging.
• Industrial processing, scalability, and techno-economic feasibility studies.
• Regulatory, safety, and consumer acceptance issues in sustainable packaging.

By bridging materials science, polymer chemistry, food technology, and environmental analysis, this Special Issue seeks to connect cutting-edge biomaterial innovations with real-world applications. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to showcase the transformative potential of advanced biomaterials in creating a more sustainable, circular, and resilient future for food packaging.

Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy
Guest Editor

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• bio-based materials
• cellulose derivatives
• cellulose-based films
• biodegradable packaging
• green material engineering
• eco-friendly coatings