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To tackle the persistent global issue of nonbiodegradable petro‐plastics, this study undertakes the challenge of developing environmentally sustainable and active packaging alternatives. The approach involves preparing composite films by blending poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) while integrating olive oil and zinc oxide to augment their effectiveness. The films are fabricated by mixing different concentrations of ZnO (0.5% to 2.5%) and 10% olive oil into PHB/PLA (70/30) matrix using solvent‐casting. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to assess the properties of prepared films, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, mechanical testing, water vapor permeability, and UV‐blocking properties. Among the tested samples, film containing 1.5% ZnO (referred to as PPOZ1.5) displays highest tensile strength (30.8 MPa) along with improved water vapor permeability. Consequently, PPOZ1.5 film is selected for further investigations which include DPPH (diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, and antimicrobial activity. PPOZ1.5 film exhibits exceptional antioxidant activity (>65%) and significant antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger. Moreover, when utilized to package bread samples, PPOZ1.5 film effectively inhibits microbial growth, ensuring food safety for an extended storage period of more than 12 days, ultimately contributing to the preservation and safety of packaged bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major objective of present work was to fabricate poly(hydroxybutyrate) based luminescent films for genuine food packaging applications. These films were synthesized by incorporating varying Chromone (CH) concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) into poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrix through solvent-casting. Different characteristics of prepared films were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Mechanical testing, and Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL). UV-blocking properties and water vapor permeation were also examined. FTIR spectra indicated the occurrence of hydrogen bonding between PHB and CH. Among all prepared film samples, PHB/CH15 showed maximum tensile strength (22.5 MPa) with enhanced barrier ability against water vapor and UV rays, thermal stability, and luminescent performance. After overall analysis, PHB/CH15 film was selected to investigate its X-ray diffraction, release behavior, DPPH scavenging, and antimicrobial potential. Release kinetics revealed that the cumulative release percentage of CH was higher in fatty acid stimulant. Moreover, results suggested that this film demonstrated antioxidant activity (>55 %) and superior antimicrobial potential against Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, packaging of bread samples using PHB/CH15 film demonstrated the complete inhibition of microbial growth in bread up to 10 days of storage and ensure the safety of genuine food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]