Recent advances in polyvinyl alcohol-based composite films and their applications in food packaging

The challenges posed by the non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics in food packaging have sparked interest in biodegradable films. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is one of the promising biodegradable polymers due to its biodegradability, non-toxicity, and excellent physical, mechanical, and film-forming properties. This review paper summarizes the recently published papers on PVA films blended with different polymers (e.g., chitosan, starch, CMC, and gelatin), reinforced with several functional materials [e.g., essential oils, nanocellulose, lignin, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)] or supported with a combination of biopolymer-functional materials. The effects of polymers and functional substances on the transparency, UV protection properties, mechanical properties, thermal stability, antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and pH-indicator (color change) properties of PVA-based films are discussed. • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based composite films have been developed as a biodegradable packaging material. • Chitosan, CMC, and gelatin are the most biopolymers mixed with PVA film. • Essential oils, nanomaterials, and active materials have been used to improve the properties of PVA films. • PVA-based functional films have been used to extend the shelf life of packaged foods.