Evaluation of Barrier Properties of Food Packaging Papers Coated with Hemicellulose Biopolymers

The existing food packaging papers are obtained by coating with aluminium/plastic foils and synthetic polymers. Due to the use of non-renewable resources, poor recyclability and lack of biodegradability, these solutions are not sustainable. In this paper are presented the results on utilisation of xylan hemicelluloses as biopolymers in coating of paper to improve its characteristics for food packaging. In this scope, biopolymer coatings based on xylan and xylan derivatives (acetylated and hydrophobized xylan) were applied in single and successive layers on paper surface. The structural and barrier (to water, gases, oil and grease) properties of coated paper samples showed the good performance to be used in food packaging applications. These findings will make possible obtaining of packaging papers with functional properties, recyclable, biodegradable and compostable that will contribute to reduce of plastic packaging utilisation.