Environmental advantages and challenges of nanocellulose reinforced starch-based packaging

Abstract Sustainable packaging development with lower environmental impact is urgent due to the petroleum-based plastic accumulation. Thereby, nanocellulose arouses the interest of several industrial sectors as renewable sources material and its mechanical properties for packaging manufacture. Biopolymers such as starch have been an alternative in packaging preparation, although its low mechanical and water resistance represents a challenge for its application. An alternative to improve these starch characteristics is nanocellulose incorporation. Thus, this chapter proposes obtaining nanocellulose from renewable sources, and its environmental advantage to replace plastics. Furthermore, types of nanocellulose, methods for obtaining, and the main physicochemical characteristics of nanocellulose are discussed since this polymer versatility allows its application in several industrial sectors, especially in packaging development. Finally, this review presents the incorporation nanocellulose-based nanocomposites in matrices, aiming to obtain formulations containing active agents to improve mechanical strength and water resistance and packaged product quality.