Innovations in biodegradable packaging materials

The packaging industry is evolving rapidly as brands seek alternatives to conventional plastics. Credit: Avector / Shutterstock

A​​​​​​​s sustainability becomes a central focus in the packaging industry, biodegradable materials are emerging as a key solution to reducing environmental impact.  

Advances in material science are driving the development of innovative alternatives to conventional plastics, offering compostable and biodegradable solutions without compromising on functionality.  

Below, we examine some of the most promising breakthroughs shaping the future of biodegradable packaging. 

One of the most exciting developments in biodegradable packaging comes from seaweed-based bioplastics. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, these materials decompose naturally and pose no risk of microplastic pollution.  

Start-ups like Notpla, a UK-based company, have pioneered seaweed-derived films and coatings for food packaging. Their innovation replaces conventional plastic linings in takeaway containers with a fully compostable alternative that prevents leakage and grease absorption. 

Seaweed-based bioplastics are not only biodegradable but also renewable, with seaweed growing rapidly without the need for freshwater or fertilisers. This makes it a highly sustainable resource.  

Furthermore, some variations of seaweed-based packaging are even edible, offering unique applications in food and beverage industries. Water pods, made from seaweed film, are already being used at sporting events to replace single-use plastic bottles. 

Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, is revolutionising protective packaging. When combined with agricultural waste such as hemp or sawdust, mycelium grows into moulds that can be shaped into custom packaging solutions. 

This material offers a direct alternative to expanded polystyrene, which is notoriously difficult to recycle.

Companies like Ecovative and Mushroom Packaging are at the forefront of this technology, producing lightweight, durable, and biodegradable protective packaging for electronics, glassware, and other fragile goods. Once discarded, mycelium packaging decomposes in soil within a few weeks, leaving no harmful residues behind.

Beyond protective packaging, research is underway to develop flexible mycelium-based films that could serve as biodegradable wraps for food products. The versatility and compostability of mycelium make it a highly promising alternative for a range of packaging applications.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biodegradable polymers produced by bacteria through the fermentation of plant oils or organic waste. Unlike PLA (polylactic acid), which requires industrial composting conditions, PHAs break down naturally in soil, freshwater, and even marine environments. 

Several companies are investing in PHA production to scale up its application in food packaging, films, and even single-use cutlery. US-based Danimer Scientific and UK-based Biome Bioplastics are leading the way in bringing PHA-based packaging to market.  

Their materials offer the strength and flexibility of traditional plastics while being fully biodegradable under natural conditions. 

PHA production is still in its early stages compared to more established biodegradable materials, but ongoing research is improving its cost-effectiveness. As production scales up, PHAs have the potential to replace a wide range of conventional plastic packaging applications, from shopping bags to food wrappers. 

The packaging industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by consumer demand for sustainable alternatives and regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste. While innovations such as seaweed-based bioplastics, mycelium packaging, and PHAs are gaining traction, challenges remain.  

Scaling up production, reducing costs, and ensuring widespread composting infrastructure are key hurdles to overcome. 

Nevertheless, the shift towards biodegradable packaging materials is well underway. As more companies invest in research and development, the next generation of packaging will be not only functional and cost-effective but also capable of returning to nature without harm.  

For brands looking to enhance their sustainability credentials, adopting these innovations represents a tangible step towards a circular packaging economy.