Revisão bibliográfica sistemática: Viabilidade de substituição de polímeros convencionais por biopolímeros no setor de embalagens alimentícias.

Abstract

Conventional polymers are widely used in the food packaging industry due to their low cost, versatility, and strength. However, they generate a large amount of waste and have a long degradation time, harming the environment. Thus, biopolymers emerge as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials. This study aims to analyze the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of biopolymers in the food packaging sector to replace conventional polymers with biodegradable materials. The methodology used was a systematic literature review, searching databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, limiting the search to studies published between 2021 and 2025. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were selected for qualitative analysis. Based on the results obtained, the analysis shows that biopolymers have several advantages: biodegradability, use of renewable raw materials, and reduction of solid waste. It was also observed that materials such as PLA (polylactic acid), starch, cellulose, and chitosan have great potential for application in biodegradable packaging. However, there are still barriers related to material resistance, humidity sensitivity, thermal stability, and production costs. Thus, it is clear that biopolymers are a promising alternative to conventional polymers, but technological advances, process improvements, and greater economic viability are still needed to expand their industrial applications.