Packaging applications waste control

In view of the necessity for getting waste disposal under control coupled with the limited fossil raw material resources, biodegradable polymer and in particular polymers from renewable resources will gain importance in the future. In the most sensitive application area, food contact materials and articles, it is possible initially to use these materials in very limited amounts. The easy decomposition of these packaging materials is in opposition with the inertness needed to protect packaged food. These polymers are particularly sensitive to moisture. By finishing operations such as surface treatments, one could improve the inertness of these polymers. However, the degradability would be diminished by such processes. 

In conclusion, a solution to waste treatment by self-degradation of plastics has not been favored at least for the packaging industry. However, it has been successfully implemented for selected controlled-life plastics in agriculture (mulching). It is also a possible solution for marine debris, plastics in release control of fertilizers and pesticizers, biomedical applications, and diapers. Converting to polymers which are soluble in selected solvents may also permit some special treatment. 

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