Sustainable food-packaging materials based on future biorefinery products: Xylans and mannans

Xylans and mannans are abundant plant cell wall polysaccharides that can potentially be recovered in large quantities from side-streams of the agriculture and forestry industry. The film-forming capacity and biodegradability of xylans and mannans make them an interesting alternative to the petroleum-based materials currently used as food packaging. The barrier properties, mechanical durability, and thermal behavior of polymers are essential characteristics in determining their applicability as food-packaging materials. Xylan- and mannan-based films and coatings show low oxygen and grease permeability and, in some cases, relatively high tensile strength. The chemical structure of xylans and mannans, use of blended polymers, and the addition of nanoparticles for reinforcement affect the material properties.

► Xylans and mannans can be obtained from side-streams of agriculture and forestry industry. ► Biodegradable and/or edible films are foreseen as highly interesting applications for xylans and mannans. ► Xylan- and mannan-based films show low oxygen and grease permeability. ► The films can be strengthened by crosslinking or by blending with other polymers or nano-sized particles.