A comparative review of biodegradable and conventional plastic packaging

With growing environmental concerns, the shift from conventional to biodegradable plastic packaging has gained significant momentum. This review paper comprehensively explores the environmental impacts, material properties, manufacturing techniques, and applications of both conventional and biodegradable plastic packaging. Highlighting key case studies, it showcases successful implementations of biodegradable packaging and the lessons learned. The paper also delves into future perspectives, discussing technological advancements and policy recommendations to promote the widespread adoption of biodegradable materials. The goal is to provide a balanced view to aid industry stakeholders and policymakers in making informed decisions for sustainable packaging solutions. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.