Eco-Friendly Packaging Innovations: Integrating Natural Fibers and ZnO Nanofillers in Polylactic Acid (PLA) Based Green Composites - A Review

The past few years have witnessed a significant surge in research focused on sustainable food packaging, driven by consumer ecological awareness. Food packaging can be categorized as functional, which requires resistance to oxygen, water, and bacteria, and high-performance, which demands strong mechanical properties. A notable trend in sustainable packaging has resulted in the emergence of green composites, due to their intrinsic bio-based and biodegradable nature. Among these green composites, there has been growing interest in utilizing poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-based composites for high-performance packaging, particularly through the incorporation of natural fibers as reinforcement. In parallel, the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers in PLA-based composites has gained attention in the field of functional packaging. However, a noteworthy gap persists in the literature concerning packaging materials demanding both functional and mechanical properties, with combinations of natural fibers and ZnO-functionalizing fillers within the PLA matrix. This review intends to explore the effects of ZnO nanofillers in functional films, as well as the effectiveness of natural fibers as reinforcements in PLA matrices. This review also emphasizes the need for future research on integrating natural fibers and ZnO nanofillers in a PLA matrix for active and rigid packaging.