Utilizing Cellulose and Lignin Derivatives in Green Packaging: Development of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil-Loaded Antibacterial and UV-Blocking Materials

Abstract

The environmental impact of long-lasting conventional plastics and related microplastic pollution have created an urgent need for sustainable packaging alternatives. Multifunctional green packaging films were developed by incorporating calcium lignosulfonate (CaLS) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil emulsion (SAEO) into a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix. Films were prepared by the aqueous solution casting method at different SAEO concentrations. The chemical profile of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS analysis, confirming eugenol as the major component (86.9%). The structural, thermal, mechanical, color, and selected functional properties of the films were characterized. CaLS incorporation increased tensile strength by approximately 9% compared to neat HPMC. The addition of SAEO reduced tensile strength while enhancing flexibility. CaLS remarkably enhanced UV-blocking performance of HPMC from 55% to 98%, which was slightly decreased to 94% following SAEO addition. Antibacterial activity increased with essential oil concentration, particularly the film containing 6 wt.%. SAEO achieving approximately 99% reduction against Escherichia coli and 70% against Staphylococcus aureus. The findings suggest that the combined use of cellulose and lignin derivatives with clove essential oil offers an integrated approach for the development of multifunctional food packaging materials, as well as providing a field of application for non-wood forest products.