Edible Packaging: A Review on Packaging Strategy Through Novel Sources, Processing Techniques and Its Sustainability

Abstract

There is an increase in the growth of edible films and coatings because of rising awareness among consumers and also because of progress in material science and processing technology. Additionally, it is potential to reduce environmental impact by diminishing the complexity, more sustainability and thus improving the recyclability of materials, compared to the more traditional non-environmentally friendly materials, and may be able to substitute such synthetic polymers. Due to the favourable potential as contemporary food packaging systems, unconventional sources of edible materials, as well as the new processing techniques, it is a matter of great interest. A large number of bio-based polymers have been utilized in the development of edible films and coatings. Furthermore, it is observed that for each kind of foods, edible coatings need to be tailored considering its effects and implication on several food models. Thus, this chapter also aims to explore the concept of edible packaging for food, their sustainability and industrial applications.