Sustainable biocomposites for food packaging applications

Biocomposites produced from renewable biomass were investigated for suitability in food packaging applications. Poly(lactic acid) was compounded with 10 – 30 wt. % hemp hurd through extrusion and injection moulding to produce rigid plastic biocomposites. In addition to their cost-effectiveness and equivalent mechanical properties, the biocomposites were particularly effective as antimicrobial materials with the inclusion of silver nanoparticles. A 16% cost margin was achieved in the biocomposites with additional antimicrobial capabilities. Through further research, development, and supply chain management, economic and environmental sustainability can be achieved in production