Progress in bio-fibers, bio-films, bio-polymers, and bio-composites for biobased food packaging via bibliometric approach

Abstract

This bibliometric study examines publications spanning from 1995 to 2023 on biobased materials for food-packaging (BMFP), often proposed as alternatives to petroleum-based on FP. The number of articles related to this topic exhibited an annual growth rate (AGR) of 105.7% from 2019 to 2023 compared to 1995 to 2018, indicating a growing interest in this field over the past 28 years, with 2082 articles published in high-impact journals. Notably, countries such as China, India, and Brazil demonstrate significant scientific output per capita, with influential groups based in institutions from Malaysia and Spain (Universiti Putra Malaysia, IATA, and CSIC). Among over 4,000 key-words, those with high co-occurrence were analyzed to identify crucial research areas and current knowledge gaps. Using the SC database, 1,233 articles from 2019 to 2023 were selected to explore the research landscape and key areas of interest within BMFP. Temporal keyword analysis revealed emerging themes, including active food packaging (AFP) and its antimicrobial capabilities, nanotechnology and composites in FP, biodegradability and edible-films, biopolymers for food-packaging, and pectin-based active packaging materials. Thus, eco-friendly food packaging solutions based on nanoparticles and polysaccharides show prospects for development or contribution to advancements. Consequently, the use of AFP demonstrates a prosperous trend for the food packaging-industry in the future.