Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The growing concern over environmental sustainability and the adverse effects of conventional plastic packaging materials have prompted the need for innovative solutions in the food packaging industry. This thesis focuses on the development of a novel food packaging material with enhanced biodegradability to address these pressing issues. The research aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating biodegradable polymers and additives into food packaging materials to improve their biodegradability while maintaining the necessary functional properties required for packaging applications. The study begins with an introduction providing an overview of the current challenges in food packaging, emphasizing the importance of developing sustainable packaging solutions. The background of the study explores the existing literature on biodegradable polymers, additives, and their potential applications in food packaging. The problem statement highlights the environmental impact of traditional plastic packaging materials and the need for more sustainable alternatives. The objectives of the study include evaluating the biodegradability, mechanical properties, and barrier properties of the novel food packaging material. The research methodology section outlines the experimental approach, including material selection, formulation development, testing procedures, and data analysis methods. The study utilizes a combination of laboratory experiments and analytical techniques to assess the performance of the novel packaging material. The findings from the research are presented and discussed in detail in the subsequent chapter, highlighting the improvements achieved in terms of biodegradability and functional properties compared to conventional packaging materials. The conclusion and summary chapter provide a comprehensive overview of the research outcomes, emphasizing the significance of developing sustainable food packaging solutions. The study contributes to the field of food technology by offering a promising alternative to traditional plastic packaging materials that can help reduce environmental pollution and enhance the sustainability of the food packaging industry. Future research directions and potential applications of the novel packaging material are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation in sustainable packaging technologies. In conclusion, the development of a novel food packaging material with enhanced biodegradability represents a significant step towards addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional plastic packaging materials. The research outcomes demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating biodegradable polymers and additives to improve the sustainability of food packaging while maintaining essential functional properties. This thesis contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability in the food packaging industry and underscores the importance of adopting innovative solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of packaging materials.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of a Novel Food Packaging Material with Enhanced Biodegradability" aims to address the growing concern over environmental sustainability in the food packaging industry. In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards developing packaging materials that are not only functional and safe for food products but also environmentally friendly. Traditional food packaging materials, such as plastics, have raised concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature, leading to pollution and long-term environmental damage. The primary objective of this research project is to develop a novel food packaging material that combines the essential properties of traditional packaging materials, such as durability and barrier protection, with enhanced biodegradability. By incorporating biodegradable components and innovative production techniques, the proposed packaging material seeks to reduce the environmental impact associated with food packaging waste. The research will involve a comprehensive literature review to explore the current trends and advancements in biodegradable packaging materials, as well as an analysis of the challenges and limitations faced in developing sustainable packaging solutions. The project will also include experimental work to test and optimize the properties of the novel packaging material, such as mechanical strength, barrier properties, and biodegradability under various conditions. Through this research, the aim is to contribute to the development of sustainable food packaging solutions that align with the principles of the circular economy, where materials are designed to be reused, recycled, or safely returned to nature after use. The successful development of a novel food packaging material with enhanced biodegradability has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of food packaging waste and promote a more sustainable approach to packaging design and production.