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Polymers
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Advances in Bio-Based Polymers for Sustainable Packaging
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Advances in Bio-Based Polymers for Sustainable Packaging

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 1285

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Joana Costa Vieira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies Unit (FibEnTech-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: biomaterials; composites; biodegradable polymers; paper/tissue paper; bioproducts from forest residues; packaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maria Emilia da Costa Cabral Amaral

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies Unit (FibEnTech-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: biomaterials; packaging; paper/tissue paper; bioproducts from forest residues; biofilms

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the opening of the submission of papers for a Special Issue dedicated to recent advances in research on bio-based polymers applied to sustainable packaging. This Special Issue aims to bring together innovative studies and reviews that contribute to the development of environmentally friendly packaging materials, with a focus on sustainability, performance and commercial viability.

We invite researchers, academics and professionals in the field to submit their papers addressing topics such as

  • New bio-based polymers for packaging;
  • Synthesis and modification processes of sustainable polymers for coatings and reinforcements;
  • Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of biopolymeric materials;
  • Evaluation of packaging biodegradability/compostability and environmental impact;
  • Applications and case studies in sustainable packaging;
  • Technical challenges and future perspectives in the field.

Submissions will be peer-reviewed and selected based on relevance, originality and scientific rigor. We count on your contribution to drive the advancement of science and technology in sustainable polymers for a greener future.

Dr. Joana Costa Vieira
Dr. Maria Emilia da Costa Cabral Amaral
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.

Keywords

  • bio-based polymers
  • biodegradability
  • compostability environmental impact
  • materials properties
  • packaging
  • sustainability

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2180 KB  
Article
Functional Starch-Based Biopolymer Coatings for Sustainable Packaging Applications
by Teodora Lukavski, Josip Bota, Ivan Budimir, Katarina Itrić Ivanda, Rahela Kulčar and Marina Vukoje Bezjak
Polymers 2025, 17(24), 3303; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17243303 - 13 Dec 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
Polymer waste poses significant environmental challenges and polymers’ replacement with biodegradable biopolymers is therefore crucial. Protective coatings are recognized as a problem in the graphics industry, since they are based on synthetic polymers that are not biodegradable. To be effective, coatings in this [...] Read more.
Polymer waste poses significant environmental challenges and polymers’ replacement with biodegradable biopolymers is therefore crucial. Protective coatings are recognized as a problem in the graphics industry, since they are based on synthetic polymers that are not biodegradable. To be effective, coatings in this industry must meet several key criteria, including stability, functionality, recyclability, and a suitable shelf life. One potential alternative is starch, a highly abundant biopolymer that has been researched for its application in coating preparation. However, its poor mechanical properties have limited its use in this area. This paper investigates the functional properties of starch-based biopolymer coatings enhanced with D-sorbitol and bioactive components: trans-ferulic and L-ascorbic acid. The impact of these additions on the mechanical stability and UV protection potential of the coatings was evaluated. Thermochromic pigments are highly sensitive to UV radiation, making them a useful indicator for evaluating the UV protection factor of a given coating. The colour change of the coated thermochromic prints after UV irradiation was quantitatively evaluated using spectrophotometric analysis. Mechanical properties were assessed through tensile strength, elongation at break, burst strength, and folding endurance. Overall, coatings increased burst strength and improved key mechanical properties depending on the additive combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymers for Sustainable Packaging)
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24 pages, 6945 KB  
Article
Evaluating Environmental Performance of PLA–Cellulose-Based Biocomposites: A Comprehensive Study on Biodegradability, Compostability, and Ecotoxicity
by Vera L. D. Costa, Pedro E. M. Videira, António de O. Mendes, Tomás Duarte, Bruno F. A. Valente, Paula Pinto, Alexandre Gaspar, Tânia Viana, Paulo T. Fiadeiro, Joana M. R. Curto, Maria Emília Amaral, Ana P. Costa and Joana C. Vieira
Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3232; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233232 - 4 Dec 2025
Viewed by 353
Abstract
Increasing concerns about environmental issues have recently intensified the search for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics that minimize ecological impacts. This study evaluates the biodegradability, compostability, and ecotoxicity of a PLA-based biocomposite containing 30–40% micronized cellulose fibers. The material complied with the European [...] Read more.
Increasing concerns about environmental issues have recently intensified the search for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics that minimize ecological impacts. This study evaluates the biodegradability, compostability, and ecotoxicity of a PLA-based biocomposite containing 30–40% micronized cellulose fibers. The material complied with the European limits for fluorine and heavy metals. Biodegradability was assessed through a respirometric test under thermophilic conditions, achieving 81% degradation in 155 days. Thermophilic compostability was evaluated by monitoring the disintegration of injected products made from the biocomposite pellets and cut into pieces with thicknesses of 1.0 mm and 2.1 mm, revealing that increased specific surface area prolongs composting time. Ecotoxicity was tested through seed germination and plant growth assays on barley, onion, sunflower, tomato, and wheat using the biocomposite mature compost mixed (25% and 50%) with a TÜV Austria certified soil. Results showed species-dependent effects: sunflower germination was enhanced, while other plants experienced slight growth delays. No severe phytotoxicity was observed, except for barley and wheat. Despite the proven biodegradability and compostability, the biocomposite product’s dimensions influence disintegration and decomposition rates. Furthermore, compost applications may have variable effects on plant development. These findings improved knowledge about sustainable materials performance, raising awareness about more responsible design, consumption, and disposal strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymers for Sustainable Packaging)
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Review

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25 pages, 2723 KB  
Review
Xanthan Gum-Driven Innovations for Reinventing Food Preservation
by Zeba Tabassum, Abhinav Anand, Rishab Bhanot, Madhuri Girdhar, Anil Kumar, Narsimha Mamidi and Anand Mohan
Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3160; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233160 - 27 Nov 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
Continuous anthropogenic inputs have raised environmental concerns regarding non-degradable plastics derived from non-renewable petrochemicals, creating an urgent need for sustainable alternatives and driving a paradigm shift toward bioplastics. This review investigates the transformative role of the natural biopolymer xanthan gum as an eco-friendly [...] Read more.
Continuous anthropogenic inputs have raised environmental concerns regarding non-degradable plastics derived from non-renewable petrochemicals, creating an urgent need for sustainable alternatives and driving a paradigm shift toward bioplastics. This review investigates the transformative role of the natural biopolymer xanthan gum as an eco-friendly additive in advancing biodegradable materials. Derived from Xanthomonas campestris, xanthan gum offers non-toxicity, biodegradability, and strong compatibility. The literature indicates that its negative charge enables interactions with positively charged molecules, enhancing composite properties such as mechanical strength. Although xanthan gum has limitations when used alone, it functions as an effective additive in packaging applications. The novelty of this work lies in exploring diverse techniques and formulations for integrating xanthan gum into bioplastic films and coatings, emphasizing its role in reinforcing biopolymer structures. As a sustainable alternative, xanthan gum-based composites preserve food quality and extend shelf life by providing protection against moisture, oxygen, UV radiation, and microbial contamination. Realizing its full potential requires optimized formulations to prevent structural disruptions and reduced stretchability at higher xanthan gum concentrations. Continued research, especially leveraging nanotechnology, is essential to amplify its advantages and address related challenges. This review highlights xanthan gum’s pivotal contribution to bioplastic innovation, presenting a strong case for its broader adoption in the food packaging industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymers for Sustainable Packaging)
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