Biobased and Home-Compostable Blend Films and Layers for Protecting Perishable Foods

Biobased and home-compostable films were produced by blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA). These films, which can be applied on different substrates by exploiting their thermoplastic feature, were found to be easily recyclable in an industrial environment. The composition of PLA/PBSA blends, produced using a mini-extruder, was varied to identify the films with the best barrier properties for perishable liquid foods, such as whey. The weight of the whey contained in the sealed film was measured over time. The blends were also evaluated for their mechanical and melt fluidity properties, as well as their surface composition, using infrared spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the composition of the blends significantly influenced the barrier properties of the films.

These findings are not only applicable to dairy products but also hold potential for packaging perishable fruits, which are abundant in the Mediterranean region. Fruits such as strawberries, dates, and tangerines could benefit from this innovative packaging solution. The high availability of these fruits in the Mediterranean area makes the hereby proposedapplication particularly relevant. The development of such films could contribute to reducing food waste and improving the shelf life of perishable goods, thereby offering a sustainable and practical packaging alternative. This research highlights the importance of material composition in designing effective and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.