Formulation and application assessment of lignin-based biodegradable composite mulching film with emphasis on lignin enhancement

Utilization of plastic materials (e.g., polyethylene) in mulching film production has inevitably resulted in non-degradable pollutants in soil, which accordingly promotes the development of biodegradable mulching film industry. As a rich renewable, biodegradable aromatic polymer, Lignin exhibits great potential for fabricating functional biodegradable composite mulching films. In recent years, composite mulching films containing lignin have garnered more interest for both practical applications and fundamental research, but comprehensive reviews detailing preparation and application of this rapidly developing composite are still limited. Herein, we begin with a brief description about the processes used to prepare lignin-based biodegradable mulching film. Furthermore, the design and application advances of lignin-based biodegradable mulching films are elaborated based on the polymer materials used, including natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives of lignin-based biodegradable mulching films are summarized. We expect that this finding will shed light on the forthcoming research of lignin-based biodegradable mulching film, and stimulate the development in this research area.