Table 2.

Bioplastics as food contact materials [129].

Bioplastic	Main Food Applications
Starch-based polymers	Substitute for polystyrene (PS). Used in food packaging, disposable tableware and cutlery, coffee machine capsules, bottles.
Cellulose-based polymers	Low water vapor barrier, poor mechanical properties, bad processability, brittleness (pure cellulosic polymer), Regulated under 2007/42/EC. Coated, compostable cellulose films. Used in the packaging of bread, fruits, meat, dried products, etc.
Polylactide (PLA)	Possible alternative of low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE), polystyrene (PS), and poly terephthalate (PET). Transparent, rigid containers, bags, jars, films.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)	Family of many, chemically different polymers Brittleness, stiffness, thermal instability.
Bio-based polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE)	Mainly based on sugar cane. Identical physicochemical properties.
Partially bio-based (PET)	Alternative to conventional PET. Up to 30% bio-based raw materials. Used in bottles.
Bio-based polyethylene furanoate (PEF)	Better barrier function than PET. Up to 100% bio-based raw materials. May be used in the future in bottles, fibers, films.
Aliphatic (co)polyesters	Includes polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene succinate (PES), and polyethylene adipate (PEA). Used in disposable cutlery.
Aliphatic-aromatic (co)polyesters	Includes polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene, and succinate terephthalate (PBST). Used as fast food disposable packaging, PBAT for plastic films.
Polycaprolactone (PCL)	Biodegradable polyester. Low melting temperature, easily biodegradable. Used in medical applications.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)	Used for coatings, adhesives, and as additive in paper and board production.