Emerging trends in food packaging

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the recent approaches in food packaging trends to address the preferences of the modern world. Design/methodology/approach Recent studies in all the emerging food packaging technologies have been discussed with the examples of commercially available products. Findings Advanced food packaging solutions have acquired much appreciation from food industries to address the preferences of the modern world. This paper attempts to describe the current practices in food packaging with examples of commercially available products. Significant emphasis has been given on the technical aspects of the intelligent packaging components, namely, barcodes, radio frequency identification, sensors and indicators. Another distinctive area of packaging focused in this review is the importance of bioplastics due to non-degradable nature of synthetic polymers. Three major categories of biodegradable polymers, namely, polysaccharide-based materials, protein-based materials and lipid-based materials, have been discussed along with an insight about sustainable packaging and edible films and coatings. Originality/value Changes in the industrial & retail matters and increasing demand for fresh, safe, nutritious food are the factors owing to the new innovations in the packaging sector. Imminent packaging technologies aim at value addition involving the extension of shelf life, prevention of microbial attack, proper moisture barrier, use of carbon dioxide scavengers/emitters, ethylene scavengers, flavor absorbers, freshness indicators, biosensors and release of bioactive compounds during storage.

Recent Advances in the Development of Smart and Active Biodegradable Packaging Materials

“…In general, the optimization of an active packaging material for a particular application depends on several factors, including the water activity, composition, and pH of the food product, as well as the temperature and relative humidity of the environment during storage [ 147 ]. In addition, the packaging materials must be formulated so that they have desirable physicochemical and functional properties, such as optical, mechanical, barrier, sensory, and other attributes.…”

Bio-Based Sensors for Smart Food Packaging—Current Applications and Future Trends

“…Freshness indicators can be divided into direct or indirect indicators. Direct indicators are the ones which action is based on the direct reaction with a specific metabolite or toxin produced, whereas the indirect ones are based on an indirect reaction caused by chemical or microbiological changes that modify the environment where the food is placed [ 47 , 48 ].…”

“…Meat, fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables are perishable products and assuring their quality is very important to protect the consumer from hazardous metabolites produced during its degradation process. Meat freshness decreases with microbial growth leading to the formation of several compounds like acetic acid, n-butyrate, and biogenic amines [ 47 ]. The formation of these compounds compromises meat quality and so the freshness indicator can be used to detect them.…”

Can Sustainable Packaging Help to Reduce Food Waste? A Status Quo Focusing Plant-Derived Polymers and Additives

“…The main functions of food packaging are protection/preservation, containment, communication/marketing, and convenience. Thereby, food safety and quality related properties as well as reducing food waste are targeted [1][2][3]. With an appropriate packaging solution, a high quality, safe (extended) shelf life along the entire supply chain can be ensured.…”