Review of Cellulose and Lignin in Advanced Functional Packaging Materials

TANG Shuhai; XU Xi; YANG Mingcong; ZHU Qi; CHEN Guangxue

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.15.008

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (15) : 72-85. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.15.008

Special Topic on Sustainable Packaging Technology Innovation and Industrial Development

Review of Cellulose and Lignin in Advanced Functional Packaging Materials

TANG Shuhai¹, XU Xi^1,2*, YANG Mingcong^1*, ZHU Qi¹, CHEN Guangxue²

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Abstract

The work aims to explore the application potential of cellulose and lignin in biodegradable packaging materials, analyze their molecular characteristics, synergistic effects, and performance optimization pathways, and provide theoretical support for sustainable packaging development. Based on the literature from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (2010-2025), 70+ studies were screened by key words "cellulose," "lignin," and "biodegradable packaging." A thematic analysis was conducted to examine extraction, modification, and composite technologies, comparing effects of nanocomposite and chemical crosslinking strategies on the material performance, while critically summarizing technical bottlenecks. Cellulose/lignin synergy significantly enhanced the material performance. Composite films achieved 81.8% UV-C shielding efficiency and nearly 100% antibacterial activity. Nanocomposite technology improved mechanical strength (dry/wet tensile strength +218%/+233%) and barrier properties (oxygen permeability: (4.15±0.13)×10^-20 m³/(m²·s·Pa)). Lignin enhanced hydrophobicity (water contact angle >80°) and thermal stability (decomposition temperature +20%). Dissolution-regeneration strategies enabled full-cycle biodegradability. Cellulose/lignin composites, with renewability and multifunctionality, are ideal alternatives to conventional plastics. Future work requires overcoming lab-scale limitations through cost-effective scalable processes and life cycle assessments. Prioritizing smart responsive materials and interdisciplinary technologies will accelerate green packaging industrialization.

Key words

cellulose / lignin / lignocellulosic biomass / biodegradable packaging materials / UV-resistant packaging materials / antibacterial and antioxidant packaging materials / gas barrier packaging materials

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TANG Shuhai, XU Xi, YANG Mingcong, ZHU Qi, CHEN Guangxue. Review of Cellulose and Lignin in Advanced Functional Packaging Materials[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2025, 46(15): 72-85 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.15.008

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