Chapter 11: Recent Insights in Potential Applications of Edible Packaging Materials in Food Industries

Increasing global food demands have led to enhanced production of food products, leading to chances of economic loss associated with food insecurity. Hence, challenges associated with high scale production of food products, enhanced shelf life, and transport practices, as well as consumer demand for health beneficial packaging and environmental awareness, have led to development of edible packaging in food industries. Edible packaging has attracted great attention since they are renewable, require less carbon footprint and can be easily degraded. In addition, current research studies are also focused on exploring new methodologies for reducing environmental problems using sustainable solutions. Advances in research have explored numerous biomolecules, food bioactive compounds and biotechnological processes in the development of active edible packaging. This chapter comprehensively discusses recent insights into development of edible packaging utilizing essential biomolecules, namely carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Further, potential applications of edible films in food industries are also discussed herein. Recent insights into development of smart/intelligent films are mentioned too. Future studies must include exploratory research on development of novel edible packaging for diverse and multi-disciplinary approaches using cheaper substrate materials, and hence help to understand the molecular behavior of edible films in meticulous manner.