Bio-based agrotextiles: A comprehensive review of natural fibers, biopolymers, processing technologies, functionalization, and sustainability

The demand for sustainable agriculture practices has brought up the necessity for environmentally sustainable raw materials, which may replace conventional petroleum-based agrotextiles. As a result, bio-based agrotextiles become an innovative solution allowing the development of sustainable agricultural practices through the application of new eco-friendly materials. The goal of this review is to perform a comprehensive overview of bio-based agrotextile materials considering their structure (natural fibers and biodegradable polymers), processing methods, functionalization, applications, sustainability performance, and major future research directions. This review shows the opportunities provided by the use of natural fibers such as jute, hemp, flax, coir, and banana in combination with bio-based polymers (PLA, PHA, PBS) for the production of agrotextiles. Woven, knitted, nonwoven, composite materials, and many functionalization approaches (such as UV protection, controlled release, and smart responsiveness) allow for various applications, including mulch, erosion control, and crop protection. According to the findings, such agrotextile materials allow a reduced carbon footprint, improved life cycle performance, and good circular economy aspects. However, some challenges connected with durability control and costs still exist. Possible directions for future research include manufacturing of advanced agrotextiles, development of nanobiotechnology, integration of AI technologies, and circular economy.