Multidisciplinary Trends in Sustainable Packaging Technologies

  • Authors

    • Dr. Kavitha Selvaraj Associate Professor, Periyar University, India Author
    • Dr. Rohit Malhotra Professor, University of Mumbai, India Author

    DOI:

    https://doi.org/10.67228/30715636/IJETMR-2019PII6D7R

    Published 12-05-2019

  • Sustainable Packaging, Biodegradable Polymers, Circular Economy, Life Cycle Assessment, Bio-Based Materials, Nanocomposites, Smart Packaging, Environmental Impact Assessment, Carbon Footprint Reduction, Multidisciplinary Engineering

    Issue

    Vol. 2 No. 2 (2019)

    Section

    Articles

    How to Cite

    [1]
    K. Selvaraj and R. Malhotra, “Multidisciplinary Trends in Sustainable Packaging Technologies”, IJETMR, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 01–14, Dec. 2019, doi: 10.67228/30715636/IJETMR-2019PII6D7R.

  • Abstract

    Green and sustainable packaging technologies have emerged as a critical interdisciplinary research area due to increasing environmental concerns, strict regulations, and evolving consumer preferences. The rapid growth of e-commerce, food delivery, and pharmaceutical distribution has intensified packaging production, worsening plastic pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. This paper reviews multidisciplinary advances in sustainable packaging, integrating materials science, environmental engineering, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and data analytics. It explores biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PHA, starch blends, cellulose derivatives, and chitosan-based films, along with nano-reinforced composites using nanocellulose, graphene oxide, and clay nanoparticles to enhance mechanical and barrier properties. Smart technologies including IoT-based freshness sensors and QR-enabled traceability are highlighted as next-generation solutions. The study emphasizes life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprint analysis, recyclability, and mechanical optimization to ensure environmental sustainability without compromising functionality or economic feasibility. Findings indicate that hybrid bio-based and nano-enhanced materials provide optimal balance between environmental performance and structural strength. A multidimensional Sustainability Performance Index (SPI) is proposed to evaluate environmental, economic, and social impacts. Future research should focus on scalable production, improved compostability, and AI-driven lifecycle optimization.

  • References

    [1] Jamshidian, M., Tehrany, E. A., Imran, M., Jacquot, M., & Desobry, S. (2010). Poly‐lactic acid: Production, applications, nanocomposites, and release studies. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 9(5), 552–571.

    [2] Auras, R., Lim, L. T., Selke, S. E. M., & Tsuji, H. (2010). Poly(lactic acid): Synthesis, structures, properties, processing, and applications. John Wiley & Sons.

    [3] Sudesh, K., Abe, H., & Doi, Y. (2000). Synthesis, structure and properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates: Biological polyesters. Progress in Polymer Science, 25(10), 1503–1555.

    [4] Chen, G. Q. (2010). Plastics completely synthesized by bacteria: Polyhydroxyalkanoates. In Plastics from bacteria (pp. 17–37). Springer.

    [5] Averous, L., & Halley, P. J. (2009). Biocomposites based on plasticized starch. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 3(3), 329–343.

    [6] Tharanathan, R. N. (2003). Biodegradable films and composite coatings: Past, present and future. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 14(3), 71–78.

    [7] Rhim, J. W., Park, H. M., & Ha, C. S. (2013). Bio-nanocomposites for food packaging applications. Progress in Polymer Science, 38(10–11), 1629–1652.

    [8] Ray, S. S., & Okamoto, M. (2003). Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites: A review from preparation to processing. Progress in Polymer Science, 28(11), 1539–1641.

    [9] Duncan, T. V. (2011). Applications of nanotechnology in food packaging and food safety. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 363(1), 1–24.

    [10] Cushen, M., Kerry, J., Morris, M., Cruz-Romero, M., & Cummins, E. (2012). Nanotechnologies in the food industry—Recent developments, risks and regulation. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 24(1), 30–46.

    [11] Yam, K. L., Takhistov, P. T., & Miltz, J. (2005). Intelligent packaging: Concepts and applications. Journal of Food Science, 70(1), R1–R10.

    [12] Realini, C. E., & Marcos, B. (2014). Active and intelligent packaging systems for a modern society. Meat Science, 98(3), 404–419.

    [13] Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M. P., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The circular economy—A new sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757–768.

    [14] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2013). Towards the circular economy: Economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition. Ellen MacArthur Foundation Publishing.

    [15] Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221–232.

  • Downloads