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. 2022 Feb 21;14(4):829. doi: 10.3390/polym14040829

Table 2.

Properties of synthetically-derived biogenic polymers used in food packaging.

Biogenic Polymer Monomeric Unit Structure of Monomeric
Unit		 Properties
Synthetic Biogenic Polymer
Polylactic acid (PLA)/Polylactide Lactic acid/lactide graphic file with name polymers-14-00829-i006.jpg Non-toxic, biodegradable, aliphatic polyester [132].
Produced from lactic acid either by polycondensation reaction or through ring-opening polymerization of lactide monomer [133].
Derived from renewable sources such as starch and/or sugar [134].
Reduced carbon emissions (15% to 60%) and 25% to 55% lower energy consumption in comparison to petroleum-based polymers [135].
Enhanced strength, transparency, fracture strain, and high elastic modulus [136].
Glass transition lies between 50–80 °C, and its crystalline melting temperature varies from 130 and 180 °C [137].
Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) Succinic acid
and butanediol		 graphic file with name polymers-14-00829-i007.jpg Aliphatic polyester [138].
Polycondensation product of bio-based succinic acid and 1,4 butanediol [139].
Exhibits good elongation properties [140].
Poor gas barrier characteristics [141].
Highly crystalline [142].
Is stiff.
High crystallinity results in a reduced rate of degradation, because of its highly-coordinated structure [143].
Polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) Succinic acid, adipic acid
and butanediol		 graphic file with name polymers-14-00829-i008.jpg Semi-crystalline polyester produced by co-condensation of succinic and adipate acid with 1-4-butanediol.