Foamed bioplastics: a review

*Corresponding author e-mail: maciej.combrzynski@up.lublin.pl A b s t r a c t. Based on a literature review, the development and importance of foamed bioplastics in the context of conventional materials has been discussed in the paper. Raw materials, technological aspects, types of products (including a new generation of bioplastics), their advantages and disadvantages as well as user expectations are presented. Despite considerable progress, especially in the formulation of new raw material compositions, there is still a need to continue research work on the application of different techniques in the production of biodegradable porous packaging materials. It still remains the current primary goal – to produce products with physical characteristics that are comparable with those of petroleum based plastic. K e y w o r d s: physical properties, foams, porous materials, bioplastics, starch-based packaging materials