Advanced Polymer-Based Packaging Materials: Integrating Sustainability, Functionality, and Circular Economy

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer-based packaging materials are at the forefront of technological transformation, driven by the imperatives of sustainability, circular bioeconomy, and environmental stewardship. This Special Issue invites research and review articles addressing the design, synthesis, modification, and application of polymeric systems engineered for advanced packaging. Topics of interest include the development of renewable and biodegradable polymers, functional nanocomposites, and hybrid systems with improved mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Studies exploring polymer–additive interactions, stimuli-responsive and self-healing behaviors, active and intelligent mechanisms for food preservation, and advanced coating or lamination technologies are particularly encouraged. Furthermore, research integrating life cycle assessment, recycling strategies, and circularity-driven innovations to reduce plastic waste is welcomed. This Special Issue aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform bridging polymer chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, and food technology, fostering a holistic understanding of the evolving landscape of sustainable packaging materials.

Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh
Prof. Dr. Seonghyuk Ko
Dr. Nattinee Bumbudsanpharoke
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.