Valorization of Agro-Industrial Food Waste into Next-Generation Sustainable Packaging Materials

The dual challenge of global food waste (FW) and plastic pollution requires innovative solutions. Traditional FW management often results in low-value applications (e.g., animal feed or composting). This paper focuses on the valorization of high-lignocellulosic and chitinous food processing by-products (e.g., fruit peels, nut shells, shrimp/crab shells) into advanced, biodegradable food packaging materials. Specifically, this work explores the extraction and modification of biopolymers like cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and chitosan from these waste streams to produce films and coatings with superior barrier properties (against oxygen and water vapor) and inherent antimicrobial activity. This approach transitions the food industry toward a truly Circular Bioeconomy, simultaneously reducing waste and replacing fossil fuel-based plastics.

کلیدواژه ها:

Food Waste Valorization ، Circular Bioeconomy ، Sustainable Packaging ، Biopolymers ، Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) ، Chitosan ، Agro-Industrial By-products