Turning agricultural waste into packages for food: A literature review from origin to end-of-life

The upcycling of agricultural waste (AW)into monomers and additives for biopolymers/biocomposites production can contribute to developing sustainable and/or functional packaging for food. This literature review aims to discuss AW's potential as a material for food packages, considering its life cycle from raw material to end-of-life, using the latest published literature. Materials made of AW (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids)or containing AW as functional compound (antimicrobials, antioxidants, sensors/indicators)are mostly produced using solvent casting while those with AW as a plastic filler use a variety of common plastic processing technologies, blown film extrusion and thermoforming being the most recent ones. AW-based biopolymers and biocomposites generally present weaker barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties than traditional packaging materials, however, some possess unique properties to extend food shelf life. Physical, chemical, and other treatments can improve these properties and further enhance performance. Although consumers have a positive attitude toward AW-incorporated packaging, further validation with food is required. Biodegradation under aerobic conditions is a possible end-of-life scenario for these materials to get back to the soil. If AW-based biopolymers/biocomposites are to be utilized for food packaging, advancements in conversion and performance, and studies on consumer behavior, migration, and biodegradation are all necessary.