Evaluation of the functionality of bio-based food packaging films

The importance of bio-based food packaging films is increasing rapidly. The functionality of selected representative bio-based compostable food packaging films was investigated against that of conventional films. The evaluation of the functionality of food packaging films was based on testing their performance with respect to critical mechanical and other functional properties. Differences were identified in the performance among various bio-based materials and when compared to conventional films with respect to specific functional properties, including sensitivity of tensile properties to critical packaging conditions, reliability issues concerning tear propagation measurements, nonlinear response to penetration. The total transmittance values of bio-based packaging films with high haze values were found to vary with the wavelength while their water vapour and gas transmission rates vary significantly. Adaptations are proposed for some of the test methods to be applicable also to bio-based films. The overall functionality of the bio-based films was found to be satisfactory. The mechanical and other functional characteristics of the bio-based food packaging films offer new design possibilities for targeted food packaging applications.