Starch-Based Smart Food Packaging in Tropical Climates: A Review of Bibliometric Trends, Degradation Kinetics, and Circular Economy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/jomalisc.v5.122Keywords:
Smart packaging;, Starch-based biopolymer;, Bibliometric analysis, Tropical Degradation Behavior, Circular economyAbstract
The global imperative to replace recalcitrant petrochemical plastics with biopolymer alternatives has directed increasing attention toward starch-based smart food packaging. This review synthesizes current knowledge across three interrelated domains: bibliometric trends, degradation kinetics, and circular economy considerations, with a specific focus on tropical climates. A localized bibliometric analysis reveals a pronounced research emphasis on valorizing indigenous resources in major food-producing tropical nations, yet identifies critical gaps in climate-specific degradation studies, regulatory fragmentation, and limited multidisciplinary integration. Concerning degradation kinetics, the high ambient humidity and elevated temperatures characteristic of tropical regions create a paradox: rapid post-disposal compostability is offset by compromised mechanical integrity and premature shelf life failure during use. This review examines advanced polymer blending and nanofiller strategies designed to balance functional stability with controlled hydrolytic breakdown. From a circular economy perspective, the analysis assesses alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021 to 2030, the National Agrofood Policy (NAP 2.0), and Halal certification (MS 1500:2019). By integrating material science, environmental management, and regulatory governance, this review highlights the necessity for synchronized frameworks to translate laboratory-scale innovations into commercially viable, climate-appropriate packaging solutions for developing bioeconomies.
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