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The past few years have witnessed a significant surge in research focused on sustainable food packaging, driven by consumer ecological awareness. Food packaging can be categorized as functional, which requires resistance to oxygen, water, and bacteria, and high-performance, which demands strong mechanical properties. A notable trend in sustainable packaging has resulted in the emergence of green composites, due to their intrinsic bio-based and biodegradable nature. Among these green composites, there has been growing interest in utilizing poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-based composites for high-performance packaging, particularly through the incorporation of natural fibers as reinforcement. In parallel, the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers in PLA-based composites has gained attention in the field of functional packaging. However, a noteworthy gap persists in the literature concerning packaging materials demanding both functional and mechanical properties, with combinations of natural fibers and ZnO-functionalizing fillers within the PLA matrix. This review intends to explore the effects of ZnO nanofillers in functional films, as well as the effectiveness of natural fibers as reinforcements in PLA matrices. This review also emphasizes the need for future research on integrating natural fibers and ZnO nanofillers in a PLA matrix for active and rigid packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Current research and design initiatives are cautiously focused on the use of natural fibers from agricultural waste, as they can generate financial gains, improve crop sustainability, and effectively address environmental issues. In Ethiopia, an estimated 100–million Enset plants are harvested annually for their starchy food, providing 20% of the population. This process generates approximately 150,000 tons of Enset fiber, which researchers are actively investigating as a promising and eco-friendly fiber source. Fibers from the Enset plant have been investigated for their potential use in various applications, particularly as materials for cellulosic nanocrystals, paper, and composites production. However, the potential of Enset fiber remains largely untapped due to the limited understanding of its properties, and the inconsistencies in the data reported by previous studies regarding its chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Therefore, it is crucial to organize the data for researchers and manufacturers to make informed decisions regarding future studies and applications of this fiber. This review discusses recent research on the unique properties of Enset fibers, their potential as green composites, and their potential for paper and cellulosic nanocrystals as an alternative to natural fibers. The review also unveils the challenges of Enset fibers in advanced applications and suggests future research avenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...