DESCRIZIONE
The present invention relates to a biodegradable polymer composition with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, useful for actively preserving foods, pharmaceuticals or products in general for human or animal consumption. The present composition comprises a biodegradable polymer matrix, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(lactic acid) or PLA, polyhydroxybutyrate or PHB, polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate or PHBV, and polycaprolactone or PCL, and further comprises myrtle leaves as the source of active antioxidant or antimicrobial compounds, including polyphenols, and at least one vegetable or organic oil selected from the group consisting of olive oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, soy lecithin or a mixture thereof, as the plasticiser. The present composition exhibits satisfactory antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The present invention also relates to the method for preparing the above composition.