Bio-Derived Polymers for Food Packaging

The packaging industry consumes about 40% of the petroleum-based plastics produced (Rabnawaz et al. 2017). Bio-derived and bio-based polymers are part of a portfolio of solutions to use resources more wisely, replace petroleum-based plastics, and decrease greenhouse gases. Bio-based packaging materials are materials derived primarily from renewable sources.

The Role of Bio-Polymers
When compared to recycled polymers and the use of renewable energy to produce polymers, bio-derived polymers are no…