Introduction
Edible Packaging has become an alternative ‘Green Packaging’ solution in a world that generates around 142.6 million metric tons of plastic packaging waste annually. It is an eco-friendly packaging that not only safeguards food but can also be consumed as part of the meal. Edible packaging can reshape the future of the food and packaging industries.
Exploring Edible Packaging: The ‘Next Gen’ Packaging Solution
Edible packaging is available in various forms, from coatings and films to wrappers and containers. These products have been designed to serve as a protective shield for food while remaining entirely edible. This innovative solution has transformed packaging from a disposable item into an integral part of the food supply chain.
Types of Edible Packaging Materials
Currently, there are two distinct types of edible food packaging materials These are films and coatings.
Edible Films
These are thin, flexible sheets made from biopolymers, such as polysaccharides (like starch and gums) or proteins (such as gelatine and gluten). These films are produced separately and then applied to food products. Edible films form a protective layer that shields the food from external factors. However, these films are sensitive to moisture, these are not considered suitable for application to foods susceptible to rapid food deterioration.
Edible Coatings
Edible coatings are protective layers that are directly formed and applied to food items. These materials can be placed as superficial coatings or in the form of layers between different compartments within the same food product. Food Processing industry uses biopolymers like polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids such as waxes and lipid derivatives as edible coatings. Unlike, edible films, these coatings provide moisture resistance. Hence, it is suitable for application to foods susceptible to rapid food deterioration. Among edible coatings, lipid-based coatings lack transparency and flexibility. It makes them susceptible to rancidity over time.
Types of Edible Packaging
Currently, there are various types of Edible packaging having unique properties and applications. These are:
Edible Wrappers and Containers
These wrappers and containers are made from ingredients like rice, seaweed, or edible plant materials. These materials are also used to give a unique flavor and texture to dishes. The modern food processing industry is using them to pack sushi, rice balls, and takeaway foods. However, these materials have less durability than traditional packaging materials and thus require specific handling.
Edible Gelatin Capsules
Gelatin is a material derived from animal collagen. It does not have odor or taste. The medicine industry uses it for encapsulating pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. Gelatin Capsules can dissolve quickly and release their contents. However, Gelatin capsules have some limitations. These materials carry a limitation of flavor retention and hence can’t be used for all food items.
Edible Baking Cups
Wheat flour and rice flour are examples of ingredients used for making these cups. These cups can withstand a range of baking temperatures. Food Processing Industry uses them for baking muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods. Edible baking cups do away with the use of disposable paper or plastic liners. These cups are limited to baking only hence lack the versatility to be used in other fields.
Limitations of Edible Packaging
Although edible packaging represents a promising solution to combat food waste and reduce environmental impact, it has various challenges and limitations. These can be summarized as:
Technological Hurdles
Currently, there is a lack of technical expertise in developing edible packaging materials to effectively preserve a wide range of foods. This is because maintaining the taste, texture, and safety of different food items can be catered with tailor-made solutions for each of them which is technologically demanding.
Expensive
Edible packaging materials are made up of natural ingredients. It makes them more expensive than conventional packaging. It raises the product prices.
Non-Compatible
All food products are not suitable for edible packaging. Especially, the items with high moisture content or specific storage requirements that are not compatible with current edible packaging solutions.
Climatic Conditions
Temperature and humidity which are different in different environments can affect the stability and shelf life of edible packaging. Hence, the adaptability of these materials to different climates and storage environments is difficult posing logistical challenges.
Regulatory Mechanism
Edible packaging has different regulatory mechanisms for different regions. It makes it difficult to ensure the safety and quality standards of these packaging.
Significance of Edible Packages
There are multiple benefits associated with Edible packaging and hence becomes an alternate ‘Green Packaging Solution’ for sustainable food systems.
Reduction in Plastic Waste Generation
Edible packaging can curb plastic waste generation to manifolds. Hence, it can mitigate this environmental burden.
Biodegradable
If not eaten or consumed, edible packaging materials can naturally biodegrade. These packagings break down into harmless organic compounds, eliminating ecological footprint. Hence, this packaging solution owes to the principles of a circular economy and reduces the burden on landfill sites.
Lower Carbon Emissions
These packaging solutions can lower carbon emissions throughout the entire product lifecycle. This is because the production of traditional plastic packaging is dependent on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. While edible packaging materials are sourced from renewable resources. Hence, it reduces the carbon footprint associated with their manufacturing.
Food Waste Reduction
This type of packaging prevents spoilage and the need for premature disposal. Such packaging can be made by incorporating food waste making full use of food items and reducing food wastage.
Sustainable Raw Materials
Materials used in such packaging are derived from sustainable raw materials such as plant-based biopolymers. The production of such materials including growth, harvesting, and processing causes minimal environmental impact. Hence, it further enhances their eco-friendly profile.
Examples of Edible Based Packaging
Casein-Based Films
Casein-based films are derived from milk protein. They have smaller pores as compared to traditional plastic packaging. This feature makes them up to 500 times more effective at blocking out oxygen. This prevents spoilage and extends the freshness of food. Further, after discarding these materials biodegrade or can be consumed along with the food it protects.
Reusing By-Products
Discarded shrimp shells, silk, or milk products can be used to create biodegradable and eco-friendly edible packaging and reduce food waste. These innovative materials not only safeguard food by blocking oxygen but also mitigate the rapid oxidation that traditional plastic packaging can induce.
Conclusion: Eliminating Waste Generation
The multi-cornered approach of innovative edible packaging can revolutionize the food industry by reducing food waste offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging, and extending food shelf life. There is a need to elevate R&D in Edible Packaging to make tailor-made compatible solutions for different types of food processing industries. It will do away with the need for producer compliance on generated waste in different regulatory domains.