Bio-Derived Polymer Coatings for Sustainable Food Packaging: A Technological Pathway Toward Climate-Conscious Waste Reduction

Author : Deepak Poddar, Kalpana Pandey, Sanghyuk Yum

Abstract : The rapid increase in plastic waste from food packaging highlights the urgent need for environmentally responsible materials that align with global climate goals. This study presents a technology-driven approach to sustainable packaging through the design of bio-derived polymer coatings based on shellac, a naturally abundant resin. Essential oils were encapsulated within shellac microparticles fabricated via an electrospraying technique to achieve tailored monophasic, biphasic, and core shell structures. This structural precision enhanced loading efficiency (up to 86.3%), improved storage stability, and enabled sustained release of active components. The optimized coating significantly reduced water vapor transmission (56 g m-² day-¹) and moisture absorption (COBB 180s ≤ 20 g m-²), demonstrating robust barrier performance. Biodegradation tests further revealed 90% mass loss within 15 days, confirming its environmental compatibility. By integrating material science innovation with sustainability objectives, this work presents a scalable strategy to reduce plastic dependency in food systems—bridging technology, education, and climate awareness to promote a circular economy.

Keywords : Biopolymer, Shellac, Sustainable packaging, Biodegradable.

Conference Name : International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research on Technology, Education and Climate Change (ICMRTEACC-26)

Conference Place : Busan, South Korea

Conference Date : 2nd Jan 2026