Biobased Material for Food Packaging

Abstract

Seeking alternative for conventional packaging material in food industry is the need of the hour considering adverse environmental impacts and pollution. With the advancement in science and technology, the potential for utilization of biobased material in food packaging can be exploited. Biobased materials have the potential to be used as biofilms, edible coatings, and foams. In this chapter, utilization of different types of polysaccharide-, protein-(animal- and plant-based), and lipid-based biobased biodegradable material extracted from biomass will be discussed in detail. These polysaccharide-based materials include cellulose, starch, chitosan, or lignin. Protein based include both animal (keratin, collagen, gelatin, casein, whey) and plant (gluten, zein, soy, corn protein) based material, while the lipid based include fatty acids and waxes. This chapter will also highlight the microbial biopolymers and their application in the food packaging industry. Biobased material can also improve the shelf life and quality of food products via its application in active and intelligent packaging. The utilization of such materials can assist in lowering the quantity of waste generated, thereby providing sustainable solutions for food packaging.