Active Flexible Films for Food Packaging: A Review

Abstract

Active food packaging is a dynamic area where the scientific community and industry have been trying to find new strategies to produce innovative packaging that is economically viable and compatible with conventional production processes. The materials used to develop active packaging can be organized into scavenging and emitting materials, and based on organic and inorganic materials. However, the incorporation of these materials in polymer-based flexible packaging is not always straightforward. The challenges to be faced are mainly related to active agents’ sensitivity to high temperatures or difficulties in dispersing them in the high viscosity polymer matrix. This review provides an overview of methodologies and processes used in the production of active packaging, particularly for the production of active flexible films at the industrial level. The direct incorporation of active agents in polymer films is presented, focusing on the processing conditions and their effect on the active agent, and final application of the packaging material. Moreover, the incorporation of active agents by coating technologies and supercritical impregnation are presented. Finally, the use of carriers to help the incorporation of active agents and several methodologies is discussed. This review aims to guide academic and industrial researchers in the development of active flexible packaging, namely in the selection of the materials, methodologies, and process conditions.

Colloidal Solutions as Advanced Coatings for Active Packaging Development: Focus on PLA Systems

“…Since this technology omits the stage of adding anything directly into the food, it is convenient and satisfactory from both the manufacturer’s and consumer’s perspectives. Active packaging films have been employed successfully in the packaging of food products such as meat and fish products, dairy products, vegetables, bread and bakery products, etc., [ 47 ].…”

Fiber-based food packaging materials in view of bacterial growth and survival capacities

“…In recent years, extensive research on active food packaging has aimed to provide new materials to maintain microbial food integrity beyond traditional packaging systems ( Norrrahim et al, 2021 ). However, many active food packaging strategies are still in their infancy, demand complex functionalization and therefore can only address single steps in the food supply chain ( Azevedo et al, 2022 ). In contrast, the sources of microbial contaminants are manifold and may occur in all steps of food production, transportation, storage and preparation.…”

Mechanism of a novel antibacterial polymeric film with freshness‐retentive and hygiene‐keeping functions

“…Several literature studies have reported the fabrication of antimicrobial and antibacterial polymer films. 3,4 In this area, Zeolite-supported silver-based technologies as antimicrobial agents are widely recognized. 5,6 These technologies have gained significant attention due to their effectiveness in controlling microbial growth and their potential application in various fields.…”

“…Several literature studies have reported the fabrication of antimicrobial and antibacterial polymer films 3,4 . In this area, Zeolite‐supported silver‐based technologies as antimicrobial agents are widely recognized 5,6 .…”