Technological feasibility and environmental assessment of polylactic acid-nisin-based active packaging

Abstract

The new consumption patterns based on the “use and throw away” trend has led to an increase in the production of petroleum-based plastics for their application as food packaging films, leading to significant environmental impacts. In the search for alternatives to conventional plastics, polylactic acid (PLA) stands out due to its renewable origin, its mechanical properties and its biodegradability potential. In this regard, this manuscript addresses the large-scale simulation of a bio-technological process for the valorization of wheat straw residues for the co-production of nisin and lactic acid through a batch-type fermentation process. Subsequently, lactic acid will be used for the production of PLA films, to which nisin will be applied to convert them into functional antimicrobial films. To assess the degree of environmental impacts and sustainability of this biotechnological process, Life Cycle Assessment, considering a cradle-to-gate approach, and Greenness Grid methodologies have been applied. The environmental profiles obtained showed that the pre-treatment and downstream stages are the ones leading to the highest impact, being the energy requirements the main hot spots. Moreover, seeking an environmental communication perspective, useful for researchers and stakeholders, the Green Index indicator value obtained leads to the consideration of a potentially sustainable process