Recent Advances in PBAT (Nano) Composite Materials for Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT Advancements in food packaging aim to meet consumers' evolving preferences for healthier and eco‐friendly products. Traditional plastics used in packaging are unsustainable and harm the environment, prompting interest in eco‐friendly alternatives. However, bio‐plastic materials often have low barrier and mechanical properties that can be improved with reinforcement. Bio‐degradable polymers, such as PBAT, have unique properties that make them suitable for food packaging applications. PBAT‐based composites with nanofillers have attracted attention due to their ability to enhance the mechanical and thermal stability, barrier, contact angle, and antimicrobial activity of the material. The present review comprehensively discusses the progress in PBAT‐based food packaging materials. Furthermore, a brief insight is given into the fabrication methods used to create these composites, the various techniques employed to characterize their properties, and the potential applications of these innovative materials in the food packaging industry.