:quality(90)/p7i.vogel.de/wcms/dd/2d/dd2dd38bde9e29110da6c82066c6f936/0122885858v1.jpeg?w=1080&resize=1080,675&ssl=1 "Bioplastic wraps food in a breathable, gas-impermeable blanket.")
Researchers have developed a new type of bioplastic film for packaging food under protective gas. The film is made from a combination of polylactide (PLA), soy protein, and sunflower wax. The material has good barrier properties, making it suitable for packaging sensitive foods such as fresh meat, sliced sausage, and cheese products. The structure of the film consists of a 4-layer composite material, with a thin protein layer as an oxygen barrier and a thin wax layer as a water vapor barrier, sandwiched between two PLA cover layers.
The material can be thermoformed and has a high bio-based content of nearly 82%, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The project, called PLA4MAP, aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging while also improving its recyclability. While there are still challenges to be addressed, such as high energy consumption in production and processing, the potential for optimization and reduction of production costs is significant. The development of this new bioplastic film marks a significant step towards a more sustainable packaging industry.