This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A new study has found a sustainable and scalable way to improve the durability of plant-based packaging; it's a discovery that researchers say could help curb the environmental footprint of plastic. Researchers used advanced plasma technology to apply layered, protective coatings to the surface of cellulosic nanofibril (CNF) films, with the goal of reducing water absorption and improving moisture resistance.
They found that one of the plasma-treated coatings reduced liquid water absorption in CNF films to less than 1%, while another weakened the film's moisture barrier and allowed more water vapor to pass through. According to the researchers, the results show that the plasma technology—dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma—can be used to precisely control how CNF films interact with moisture, opening new possibilities for plant-based packaging. The work is published in the journal Applied Surface Science.
"This research provides a practical strategy for turning natural plant and tree fibers into functional, water-resistant packaging. It moves society one step closer to replacing everyday plastic wraps with truly renewable, biodegradable materials," said Nathalie Lavoine, one of the study's lead authors and an associate professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University. CNF films are derived from renewable biomass such as wood pulp.
They are completely biodegradable and provide strong barriers against oxygen and grease, offering a more sustainable alternative for additives, coatings and films in packaging products. Many conventional packaging products, such as potato chip bags, candy wrappers and squeeze pouches, are made by fusing multiple layers of petroleum-based plastics with materials like aluminum foil or paper. Because the layers are difficult to separate, standard recycling facilities often cannot process this type of packaging.
As a result, it may end up in landfills, where it can eventually break down into microplastics that can contaminate soil and water. Widespread industrial adoption of more sustainable alternatives like CNF films remains limited in part because of their poor moisture barrier performance. Because cellulose naturally attracts water, the films rapidly absorb moisture from the environment.
Moisture absorption can compromise the structural integrity of CNF films, causing them to lose strength and experience a significant reduction in gas barrier performance. In packaging, this can compromise product protection and shorten shelf life. If CNF films were used in a potato chip bag and that bag were exposed to high humidity, for example, moisture could permeate the film and reach the chips.
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