Review and Analysis of Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Sustainable Hotel Packaging Applications

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Saurabh Tripathi,

  • Sidhanshu Rai,

  • Arvind Chauhan,

  • Siddharth Singh,

  • Sandeep Kumar Singh,

  1. Assistant Professor, School of Hotel Management CSJM University Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant professor, School of Business Management CSJM University Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, School of Hotel Management CSJM University Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  4. Assistant Professor, School of Hotel Management CSJM University Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  5. Assistant Professor, School of Hotel Management BBD University Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Given the fast expansion in the hospitality and tourism industry, the decline in single use packaging materials has greatly amplified the quantity of plastic wastes, as well as the destruction of the environment. The present review is dedicated to the design and use of biodegradable polymer composites (BPCs) as the sustainable solution to the hotel packaging. The paper will be a synthesis of recent developments in the field of natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers that include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), starch-based plastics as well as cellulose reinforced composites. It also investigates the reinforcement techniques with natural fibers such as jute, hemp, bamboo and sisal in order to increase the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier properties necessary in food and amenity packaging in the hospitality industry. The review evaluates material properties, degradation profile, life-cycle assessment (LCA) and performance in comparison to the traditional petroleum-based plastics. Moreover, it deals with issues of cost, scalability of processing, resistance to water and also compliance to regulations in the operation of a hotel. The application of biodegradable materials in composites is in line with global sustainability models and circular economy, which will present an environmentally sustainable route to minimize plastic addiction and carbon footprint in hotel supply chains. The paper ends with the identification of the prospects of nanofiller-enhanced bio-composites, smart biodegradable coating, and policy-based adoption mechanism to make the hospitality ecosystem more responsible and greener.

Keywords: Biodegradable Polymer Composites, Sustainable Packaging, Hotel Industry, Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Starch-Based Plastics, Cellulose Fibers, Natural Fiber Reinforcement, Eco-Friendly Materials, Circular Economy, Life-Cycle Assessment, Hospitality Sustainability.

How to cite this article:
Saurabh Tripathi, Sidhanshu Rai, Arvind Chauhan, Siddharth Singh, Sandeep Kumar Singh. Review and Analysis of Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Sustainable Hotel Packaging Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Saurabh Tripathi, Sidhanshu Rai, Arvind Chauhan, Siddharth Singh, Sandeep Kumar Singh. Review and Analysis of Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Sustainable Hotel Packaging Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=238450


References

  1. Bhowmik, P. 2023. “Development and Characterisation of Waste Kibisu Silk Reinforced Biodegradable Polymer Composite.” PhD diss., Indian Institute of Technology Ropar.
  2. Biswal, T., T. R. Sethy, and P. K. Sahoo. 2024. “Biopolymers for Food Packaging.” In Biopolymers: Current Trends and Applications, 179–202. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. ISSN: 0097-6156.
  3. Caicedo, C., L. Melo-López, C. Cabello-Alvarado, and C. H. Zárate. 2019. “Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites Applied to Technical Textiles: A Review.” Dyna 86 (211): 297–307. ISSN: 0012-7353.
  4. Chincholikar, P., K. R. B. Singh, A. Natarajan, R. G. Kerry, J. K. Patra, and R. K. Das. 2023. “Green Nanobiopolymers for Ecological Applications: a Step Towards a Sustainable Environment.” RSC Advances 13 (50): 35162–35181. ISSN: 2046-2069.
  5. Choudhury, M., H. S. Bindra, K. Singh, and N. K. Jha. 2022. “Antimicrobial Polymeric Composites in Consumer Goods and Healthcare Sector: A Healthier Way to Prevent Infection.” In Polymers for Advanced Technologies, edited by S. Thomas and A. D. S. Aswathi, 329–366. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISSN: 1042-7147.
  6. D’Alessandro, A., M. Coletta, M. Ricci, A. Petrini, G. Peruzzi, S. Marinari, and G. C. Di Renzo. Forthcoming. “From Full-Scale Composting of OFMSW with Compostable Plastic Packaging to Field Application: Effects on Wheat Growth and Rhizosphere Microbiome Structure.” Available at SSRN.
  7. Dixit, S., and V. L. Yadav. 2021. “Biodegradable Polymer Composite Films for Green Packaging Applications.” In Advances in Sustainable Polymers, 217–242. Singapore: Springer. ISSN: 2524-6446 (for the book series).
  8. Duan, J., K. O. Reddy, B. Ashok, J. Cai, L. Zhang, and A. V. Rajulu. 2016. “Effects of Spent Tea Leaf Powder on the Properties and Functions of Cellulose Green Composite Films.” Journal of Polymers and the Environment 24 (2): 78–85. ISSN: 1566-2543.
  9. Dukalska, L., S. Muizniece-Brasava, S. Kampuse, I. Ungure, and V. Levkane. 2008. “Studies of Biodegradable Polymer Material Suitability for Food Packaging Applications.” In Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production: Present and Future,” 304–309. Jelgava, Latvia: Latvia University of Agriculture.
  10. Ennahal, I., W. Maherzi, Y. Mamindy-Pajany, F. Pacheco-Torgal, and M. Taha. 2019. “Eco-friendly Polymers Mortar for Floor Covering Based on Dredged Sediments of the North of France.” Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 21 (5): 1037–1049. ISSN: 1438-4957.
  11. Flores-Silva, P. C., E. Hernández-Hernández, P. E. Díaz-Montes, C. M. López-López, J. A. Rodríguez-García, J. de la Rosa, and E. Aguirre-Mandujano. 2023. “Active Mono-material Films from Natural and Post-Consumer Recycled Polymers with Essential Oils for Food Packaging Applications.” Journal of Polymers and the Environment 31 (6): 2303–2318. ISSN: 1566-2543.
  12. Georgios, K., A. Silva, and S. Furtado. 2016. “Applications of Green Composite Materials.” In Biodegradable Green Composites, 264–283. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 9781118911069.
  13. Julkapli, N. M., S. Bagheri, and S. M. Sapuan. 2015. “Multifunctionalized Carbon Nanotubes Polymer Composites: Properties and Applications.” In Eco-friendly Polymer Nanocomposites, 155–214. New Delhi: Springer. ISSN: 2191-5407 (for the book series).
  14. Kirillova, A., T. R. Yeazel, D. Asheghali, S. H. Lee, and M. L. Becker. 2021. “Fabrication of Biomedical Scaffolds Using Biodegradable Polymers.” Chemical Reviews 121 (18): 11238–11304. ISSN: 0009-2665.
  15. Meena, P. L., A. Goel, V. Rai, E. Rao, and K. Singh. 2017. “Packaging Material and Need of Biodegradable Polymers: A Review.” International Journal of Applied Engineering Research 12 (19): 8455–8461. ISSN: 0973-4562.
  16. Mhlabeni, T. L. 2019. “Effect of Marula Oil Loading on the Performance of Poly (lactic acid)/Poly [(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] Biodegradable Polymer Blends for Cosmetics Packaging Applications.” Master’s thesis, Durban University of Technology.
  17. Moshood, T. D., G. Nawanir, F. Mahmud, and S. N. B. M. Zuki. 2023. “The Plastic of the Future: Determinants for Switching Intention from Synthetic to Biodegradable Plastics Among the Young Consumers.” Journal of Social Marketing 13 (4): 558–581. ISSN: 2042-6763.
  18. Moshood, T. D., F. Mahmud, G. Nawanir, and S. N. B. M. Zuki. 2025. “Sustainable Adoption of Biodegradable Plastics: a Quantitative Analysis of Determinants and Consumer Behaviour in Developing Economies.” Management of Environmental Quality 36 (1): 1–24. ISSN: 1477-7835.
  19. Moustafa, H., A. M. Youssef, N. A. Darwish, and A. I. Abou-Kandil. 2019. “Eco-friendly Polymer Composites for Green Packaging: Future Vision and Challenges.” Composites Part B: Engineering 172: 16–25. ISSN: 1359-8368.
  20. Oleksy, M., K. Dynarowicz, and D. Aebisher. 2023. “Advances in Biodegradable Polymers and Biomaterials for Medical Applications—A Review.” Molecules 28 (24): 8033. ISSN: 1420-3049.
  21. Pahlevi, M. R., and D. Suhartanto. 2020. “The Integrated Model of Green Loyalty: Evidence from Eco-friendly Plastic Products.” Journal of Cleaner Production 257: 120844. ISSN: 0959-6526.
  22. Pandey, J. K., A. P. Kumar, M. Misra, A. K. Mohanty, L. T. Drzal, and R. P. Singh. 2005. “Recent Advances in Biodegradable Nanocomposites.” Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 5 (4): 497–526. ISSN: 1533-4880.
  23. Pokharel, A., K. J. Falua, A. Babaei-Ghazvini, and Y. Acharya. 2022. “Biobased Polymer Composites: A Review.” Journal of Composites Science 6 (7): 204. ISSN: 2504-477X.
  24. Rajendran, D. S., S. Venkataraman, S. K. Jha, S. S. S. Sarma, and S. K. S. Sharma. 2024. “A Review on Bio-Based Polymer Polylactic Acid Potential on Sustainable Food Packaging.” Food Science and Biotechnology 33 (12): 2815–2833. ISSN: 1226-7708.
  25. Rathinavel, S., S. S. Saravanakumar, and J. A. Kumar. 2025. “Natural Particulate Reinforced Biocomposite Film: A Review.” Journal of Natural Fibers 22 (1): 2382741. ISSN: 1544-0478.
  26. Rhim, J. W. 2007. “Potential Use of Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposite Films in Food Packaging Applications.” Food Science and Biotechnology 16 (5): 691–709. ISSN: 1226-7708.
  27. Rydz, J., M. Musioł, B. Zawidlak-Węgrzyńska, and W. Sikorska. 2018. “Present and Future of Biodegradable Polymers for Food Packaging Applications.” In Biopolymers for Food Design, 431–467. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press. ISBN: 9780128114490.
  28. Sabet, M. 2025. “Exploring Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Sustainable Packaging: A Review on Properties, Manufacturing Techniques, and Environmental Impacts.” Iranian Polymer Journal 34 (1): 1–21. ISSN: 1026-1265.
  29. Santulli, C., M. Rallini, D. Puglia, S. Gabrielli, L. Torre, and J. M. Kenny. 2020. “Characterization of Licorice Root Waste for Prospective Use as Filler in More Eco-friendly Composite Materials.” Processes 8 (4): 637. ISSN: 2227-9717.
  30. Savitha, K. S., B. R. Paghadar, M. S. Kumar, and S. S. S. Saravana. 2022. “Polybutylene Succinate, a Potential Bio-degradable Polymer: Synthesis, Copolymerization and Bio-degradation.” Polymer Chemistry 13 (46): 6347–6373. ISSN: 1759-9954.
  31. Sen, R., A. Maan, and U. Pandel. 2017. “Synthesis and Testing of Corn Starch Based Biodegradable Plastic and Composite.” In Proceedings of the 8th International Science, Social Science, Engineering and Energy Conference, 1–10. Pathum Thani, Thailand.
  32. Silva, R. J., A. C. de Aguiar, B. M. Simões, S. C. da Silva, M. A. de Almeida Teixeira, and G. P. de Andrade. 2024. “Biodegradable Polymer Packaging System for ‘Benitaka’ Table Grapes during Cold Storage.” Polymers 16 (13): 1924. ISSN: 2073-4360.
  33. Tengku Mohd, T. A., M. Abd Naim, N. A. Ghazali, N. H. Alias, and N. A. M. Zaki. 2014. “Biodegradable Polymer from Terrestrial Edible Mushroom for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR).” Research report, Universiti Teknologi MARA.
  34. Versino, F., O. V. López, and M. A. García. 2021. “Green Biocomposites for Packaging Applications.” In Biocomposite Materials: Design and Mechanical Properties, 1–34. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. ISSN: 2730-6216 (for the book series).
  35. Wani, K. M., G. Pandita, A. R. S. Pillai, A. S. Eapen, and S. Thomas. 2025. “Sustainable Coatings and Films for Active Food Packaging.” In Nanostructured Materials for Active Food Packaging, 1–31. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. ISSN: 2730-6216 (for the book series).
  36. Wróblewska-Krepsztul, J., T. Rydzkowski, I. Michalska-Pożoga, and V. K. Thakur. 2018. “Recent Progress in Biodegradable Polymers and Nanocomposite-Based Packaging Materials for Sustainable Environment.” International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization 23 (4): 383–395. ISSN: 1023-666X.
  37. Yadav, M., A. K. Maurya, and S. K. Chaurasia. 2025. “Eco-friendly Polymer Composites for Green Packaging: Environmental Policy, Governance and Legislation.” In Sustainable Packaging Strengthened with Biocomposites, 223–245. Cambridge, MA: Elsevier. ISBN: 9780443239450.
  38. Yorseng, K., N. Rajini, S. Siengchin, N. Ayrilmis, and A. V. Rajulu. 2019. “Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Spent Coffee Bean Filler/Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biocomposites: Effect of Recycling.” Process Safety and Environmental Protection 124: 203–211. ISSN: 0957-5820.

 

Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
01
Received 27/12/2025
Accepted 20/01/2026
Published 13/03/2026
Publication Time 76 Days
80

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics