Valuing agro-industrial waste in the development of sustainable food packaging based on the system of a circular bioeconomy: A review

Abstract

This review explores the potential and challenges of utilizing agricultural by-products to produce biopolymers and integrate them into edible, active, and smart packaging systems. The primary objective is to present the application of agro-industrial waste as an alternative for developing biodegradable, renewable, and sustainable packaging materials to address the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in the food sector. The methodology involves a systematic evaluation of scientific articles, academic papers, and industrial reports selected for their relevance to the scope of this research. The findings highlight innovative technologies for the valorization and utilization of agro-industrial waste to enhance the viability of these packaging materials and reduce environmental impacts. Challenges such as high production costs, limited material durability, and strategies to overcome these obstacles are discussed. This review underscores the importance of adopting circular bioeconomy principles and explores future research and industry perspectives aimed at advancing sustainable materials. This review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a greener future by transforming waste into valuable industrial resources.