Polyglycolic acid-based bionanocomposites for food packaging applications

Bio-based polymers materials from renewable resources are ideal for reducing the dependency on fossil fuel-based food packaging materials and plastic pollution. Many of the bio-based polymer materials lack mechanical and barrier properties on their own, whereas bionanocomposites have excellent mechanical, barrier properties, and biodegradability. Especially, polyglycolic acid (PGA) and its composite materials are superior to serve the purpose of food packaging. This chapter concentrates on the performance of PGA-based bionanocomposite in food packaging. The value-added PGA bionanocomposite food packaging materials with improved mechanical, gas barrier properties, and biodegradability are also discussed in this chapter.