A review on natural fiber-reinforced biodegradable composites for sustainable solid food packaging: Focus on barkcloth and velvetleaf fiber

The growing environmental and health concerns associated with petroleum-based plastic packaging have intensified global efforts to develop sustainable alternatives. This review examines the application of natural fiber-based composites for solid food packaging, focusing on their environmental benefits, material properties, and potential to replace conventional plastics. In particular, the research investigates the creation and characterization of a biodegradable composite made from Ficus natalensis (barkcloth) and Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) fiber, with a matrix based on cassava starch. These materials present promising solutions for improving food safety, prolonging shelf life, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. The rise in consumer demand for single-use packaging that accommodates minimally processed and ready-to-eat foods has created substantial opportunities to reduce plastic pollution through innovations in natural fiber-based composites. This paper examines the documented research on different fiber orientations in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites, emphasizing their relevance for sustainable food packaging applications.