The ideal biodegradable packaging materials are
obtained from renewable biological resources, usually
called biopolymers, with excellent mechanical and barrier
properties and biodegradable at the end of their
life. Biopolymers have been considered as a potential
environmentally-friendly substitute for the use of
non-biodegradable and non-renewable plastic packaging
materials. Biopolymer packaging materials also may serve
as gas and solute barriers and complement other types
of packaging by improving the quality and extending the
shelf-life of foods. Furthermore, biopolymer packaging
materials are excellent vehicles for incorporating a wide
variety of additives, such as antioxidants, antifungal agents,
antimicrobials, colors, and other nutrients