Future Trends In Packaging: Edible, Biodegradable Coats And Films

摘要

Nowadays we are assisting to a continuous development of packaging technologies under the pressure of two factors: on the one hand, an increased demands for new types of packaging materials, and on the other, the issue of environmental pollution and the recycling of waste. Because present requirements are to produce biodegradable materials made from renewable, environmentally friendly materials as an alternative to plastic materials, edible coats and films seem to be the solution to these problems and they present a big potential in a number of different areas, combining successfully the knowledge of biodegradable materials with the knowledge of the packaging of food products. Edible films have potential in a number of different areas: they can coat foodstuffs surfaces, separate different components, or act as casings, pouches or wraps. Meanwhile they can preserve product quality by forming oxygen, aroma, oil or moisture barriers; carrying ingredients and additives, such as antioxidants or antimicrobials; and improving appearance, structure and handling.