The role of bio-based polyesters in food and liquid packaging

Abstract

Packaging industries from both in recent past and today have since depended on the usage of plastic derived from petroleum in the production of packaging solutions for food and liquid. Basically, with these increased and increasing demands, a sustainable society with the avoidance of carbon emissions, waste, landfills, greenhouse gas cannot be guaranteed with the usage of petroleum-derived plastics. More than ever the populace and the World at large are not only seeking for efficient and effective packaging solutions but are also in lookout for packaging solutions which are sustainable both in shelf life and environment wise. This thesis work focuses on evaluating and analysing the roles of bio-based polyesters in food and liquid packaging as it aligns with the arising pressing need required in the industry and the world at large. Furthermore, this thesis also focuses on identifying the potential role of joint developments and acquisition present in the industry. Based on the evaluation and market analysis carried out, it was discovered that bio-based polyesters when used in packaging helps in reducing emission of CO2, dependability on fossil fuel usage, carbon footprint of packaging, greenhouse gases, offers more recycling and recovery options, and sustenance of a good ecosystem are few out of numerous reasons why bio-based polyesters are perceived and projected to dominate packaging industries in nearest years to come. Nevertheless, bio-based packaging has experienced a setback in competitiveness of price when compared to conventional packaging solutions as a result of cost incurred in research and development, fall in price of crude oil and cost incurred in total production. However, all these can be better overcome with appropriate implementation of policies that will aid the growth of bio-based polyester usage by the government, improvements in mechanical and barrier properties and couple with the synergy experienced in development and commercialization of Polyethylene-furanoate (PEF), which is 100% recyclable and renewable, so a significant breakthrough is optimistic for bio-based polyesters in the nearest future.