ABSTRACT
The excessive use of non-biodegradable synthetic plastics in food packaging has led to environmental pollution, waste accumulation, and challenges in waste management, driving the need for sustainable alternatives. Edible packaging composed of food-grade, biodegradable, and naturally derived materials, has emerged as a promising solution. These films and coatings, made from polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, or composite materials, can serve as primary packaging by acting as barriers to moisture, oxygen, gases, and microbes, while incorporating active agents like antimicrobials, antioxidants, and vitamins to enhance food safety, sensory qualities, and shelf life. Plasticizers, emulsifiers, plant extracts, and antioxidants are added to improve mechanical, structural, and functional properties. Applications of edible coatings have demonstrated effective preservation of fruits, vegetables, and perishable foods by reducing microbial growth, delaying ripening, and minimizing weight loss. Nanotechnology further enhances edible films by enabling nanoencapsulation of bioactive agents, improving solubility, stability, and controlled release, though careful regulation is required due to the potential toxicity of nanoparticles. The global edible packaging market is rapidly growing, reflecting rising consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. Despite its advantages, industrial-scale adoption is limited by mechanical, barrier, and cost challenges, highlighting the need for continued research to optimize material properties and enable commercial feasibility.
AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Community Science College and Research Institute, Madurai-625104, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Community Science College and Research Institute, Madurai-625104, Tamil Nadu, India
CITATION
Sakthi TS, Amutha S and Saravanakumar R (2025) Edible Food Packages: An Approach towards Sustainable Future. Environmental Science Archives 4(2): 728-734.
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