Chitosan nanocomposite films with metal nanoparticles: Synthesis, antimicrobial mechanisms and applications in sustainable packaging.

Food packaging solutions need to be redesigned to be more sustainable, but determining which solution is ‘more optimal’ is a very difficult task when considering the entire food product value chain. Previous papers paved the way toward a sustainable food packaging definition, but it is far from being commonly accepted or well usable in the broad food systems domain, which further results in uninformed choices for sustainable food packaging made by all stakeholders in the value chain: producers, distributors, practitioners and consumers. Therefore, this work aims first at giving a state-of-the-art overview of sustainable food packaging terms (38 similar terms were identified and grouped into four clusters: Sustainable, Circular, Bio and Other sustainable packaging) and definitions using systematic (narrative) review analysis and ‘controlled expert opinion feedback’ methodology. Second, it aims to offer an updated definition for sustainable food packaging, which is also specific to food packaging and be simple, coherent, easily understandable, and communicable to everybody. The applied holistic approach intends to include all aspects of the food-packaging unit, to consider food safety and packaging functionality, while taking into account different disciplines and challenges related to food packaging along the supply chain. Being a balancing act, a sustainable food packaging may not be a perfect solution, but contextual, suboptimal and in need of constant validation.

PurposeThis study aims to examine the public discourse on sustainable food packaging, evaluating the main characteristics of that discourse and how risk and analytical message content influence consumer engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use two studies with databases built from messages posted on Twitter (now X). Study 1 explores the discourse of sustainable food packaging by conducting a content/sentiment analysis. Study 2 examines more than four million messages posted by or mentioning the world’s most relevant food companies. Hypotheses are tested through censored regression analyses.FindingsThe results show that plastic is the term that can better classify how we talk about sustainable food packaging. The authors also show that food packaging messages related to sustainability, compared to those not related to sustainability, are composed using more analytical language, contributing to generating greater engagement. Moreover, social network users remain skeptical about food companies, as the latter messages on packaging sustainability generate less engagement (likes + retweets) than when other users post these messages.Originality/valueThis study addresses important points in the public discourse on social networks about the sustainability of food packaging and its language features. First, the data are representative of the food market with posts from leading worldwide food companies. Second, identifying the hot topics of the discussion on sustainability packaging on social media provides a new perspective on how companies and society view sustainable food packaging. Third, the authors show how the source of the message moderates the impact of sustainability on engagement.

Active nanocomposite film for sustainable packaging: A study on sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, honey, and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Bio-based and sustainable food packaging technology has emerged as a crucial solution to address the environmental impact of conventional plastic packaging. Bio-based food packaging represents a vital advancement toward environmentally sustainable solutions in the food industry. These materials, derived from renewable biological sources such as polysaccharides, proteins, and biopolymers, offer significant benefits including reduced dependency on fossil fuels, biodegradability, and potential for compost ability, all contributing to lowered plastic pollution and carbon footprint. Their capacity to protect and preserve food while minimizing environmental impact aligns closely with global sustainability goals and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Nevertheless, challenges remain in performance optimization, cost competitiveness, scalability, and regulatory acceptance that must be overcome for broader implementation. Addressing these obstacles requires continued research into enhancing mechanical and barrier properties, innovation in active and intelligent packaging technologies, and robust policy support to foster market adoption. Collaboration across industry, academia, and policymakers will be crucial to accelerating these developments. Looking ahead, the integration of emerging materials such as nanocomposites, advances in circular economy models, and stronger regulatory frameworks offer promising pathways to sustainable growth. Future research focusing on lifecycle impact reduction, multifunctional materials, and consumer education will ultimately drive the transition to a more sustainable packaging future. By embracing these innovations and commitments, bio-based food packaging stands to play a pivotal role in reducing environmental burdens while supporting food quality and safety. The review also discusses major challenges including material performance limitations, scalability, cost, and regulatory aspects. Finally, it highlights future prospects involving advanced bio-composites, active and intelligent packaging innovations, and circular economy integration, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary strategies for transitioning towards sustainable food packaging systems.

The food industry is adapting to evolving consumer demands for “healthy” and premium quality food by reducing the adverse effects of food packaging through innovative advancements in active and intelligent packaging technologies. These smart innovations offer diverse and creative ways to enhance food product quality and safety while extending shelf life. Emerging techniques are also improving the passive aspects of food packaging systems, such as thermal stability, barrier effectiveness, and mechanical strength. Notably, the use of plants, biodegradable materials, and nanomaterials in sustainable food packaging helps mitigate its negative environmental impact. By integrating intelligent, environmentally friendly, and active packaging technologies, a multipurpose food packaging system can be developed that maintains the integrity of all its components, representing the pinnacle of technological advancement in food packaging. This article reviews the fundamentals of food packaging systems, recent advancements in various packaging techniques, commercialized patents, future research trends, and the challenges that need to be addressed in food packaging.

Chlorogenic acid crosslinked cellulose nanocomposite film embedded with chitosan for improved mechanical and barrier properties.

Sustainable food packaging is essential in reducing environmental waste and protecting the environment, which aligns with the SDG. However, limiting sustainable packaging usage is often due to a lack of environmental awareness, inconvenience, associated costs, and lack of government enforcement. The chapter delves into the pivotal role of the Brunei government in spearheading sustainable food packaging initiatives to mitigate environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices within the food industry. The study gathers qualitative data from pertinent documents. Results indicate that Brunei's government enforces stringent regulations and policies to drive the adoption of sustainable packaging materials, aligning with global sustainability goals and reducing harmful chemicals released into the environment. The research highlights the factors driving the industry's transition to sustainable packaging, primarily in the emerging economy, enhancing long-term urban sustainability and improving quality of life.

11 - Sustainable food packaging

At present, there is an escalating concern among consumers regarding the spoilage and safety of food items. Furthermore, the packaging materials used within the packaging industry are typically unsustainable food packaging. To confront this significant challenge, nanotechnology may offer a feasible alternative to standard packaging practices. Several naturally derived polymers are capable of substituting petrochemical-based polymers. The application of biopolymers has demonstrated an ability to prolong the shelf life of food items. However, these materials frequently exhibit limited functionality. The incorporation of nanomaterials can significantly enhance the capabilities of these films. Furthermore, the fields of nanotechnology and food packaging are trending areas of research that hold promise for addressing various challenges within the packaging sector. Integrating nanomaterials into food packaging materials yields significant advantages relative to traditional packaging approaches. It contributes to enhanced food quality and safety, provides consumers with insights into their dietary practices, enables the repair of packaging tears, and increases the longevity of food storage. Incorporating various nanomaterials into biobased films has gained prominence in sustainable food packaging. This review explores the general overview of the historical perspective of nanotechnology. In addition, we addressed the various kinds of nanomaterials involved in food packaging. The functions of nanomaterials in food packaging applications are briefly reviewed. The compilation and discussion highlight the nanotechnology for safe, sustainable, and satisfiable food packaging. Finally, the toxicity, safety, and future trends of the nanomaterials in sustainable food packaging were briefly summarized. This review underscores the necessity of nanotechnology in sustainable food packaging.

Sustainable food packaging is gaining importance as the world increasingly addresses environmental concerns, food waste, and safety. Although traditional plastic packaging has long been effective, it significantly contributes to pollution and relies on nonrenewable resources. In response, this review highlights recent advancements in sustainable packaging, focusing on biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials. Moreover, it explores the integration of active and smart packaging systems, as well as the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving packaging efficiency. Material innovations, such as biopolymers, cellulose-based films, algae-derived coatings, and nanomaterials, offer eco-friendly alternatives while still maintaining essential functions like barrier protection, antimicrobial activity, and shelf-life extension. In addition, active and smart packaging technologies enhance preservation through antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and also enable real-time monitoring of food freshness via embedded sensors. Furthermore, AI technologies, particularly machine learning, support the optimization of material selection, shelf-life prediction, and quality control through data analytics. Ultimately, the synergy between sustainable materials and digital technologies is transforming the food packaging landscape. This integrated approach, therefore, offers a promising route to reduce environmental impact, enhance food safety, and improve operational efficiency throughout the supply chain.

Sustainable food packaging, which has a lower environmental impact than conventional options, is increasingly important for industry, academia, and policymakers. However, consumer perceptions ultimately drive the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. This study systematically reviews 79 peer‐reviewed articles to understand consumer evaluations of sustainable food packaging and address inconsistencies in prior findings. Using the SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol and bibliometric keyword analysis, the review identifies factors that influence positive and negative consumer reactions. Positive responses often stem from appealing design, while negative reactions occur in three scenarios: (1) when consumers lack awareness about benefits and risks related to new packaging solutions, (2) when there is a mismatch between explicit and implicit sustainable packaging cues, and (3) when multiple attributes (e.g., sustainability and healthiness) are signaled at once. The paper also proposes a framework of key concepts in sustainable food packaging literature and highlights future research opportunities to enhance consumer acceptance of sustainable packaging.

Sustainable packaging is a relatively new concept and lacks a definite and complete definition. However, it is possible to explain this by evaluating and combining the definition of packaging and sustainability. Most often, sustainable packaging is defined as the development of packaging materials that have as little impact on the environment as possible without compromising the quality of the packaged product. The lack of clarity in the terms of sustainable packaging creates additional difficulties for both consumers and manufacturers when trying to distinguish sustainable packaging from less sustainable alternatives. This study aims to identify parameters that can be used for characterizing and recognizing sustainable packaging. By using monographic analysis methods and secondary data analysis methods in this study, authors have identified main circular economy principles in packaging and have developed concept for sustainable and circular food packaging model. The authors conclude that no single type of packaging - plastic, glass, metal, cardboard or paper - has all the characteristics of sustainable packaging. All of these materials have advantages and costs that vary depending on their application, regional standards, and other factors. Based on the above, the author offers a definition of sustainable packaging that refers to materials and designs used in the packaging of products that prioritize environmental responsibility throughout their entire lifecycle. It encompasses various key elements, including sustainability, recyclability, food protection, and adherence to the principles of the circular economy.

Fully bio-based grease resistant composite coating: chitosan-Genipin-microfibrillated cellulose for sustainable paper food packaging.

Comprehensive review on developments in starch-based films along with active ingredients for sustainable food packaging

The increasing environmental impact of conventional plastic packaging has accelerated the global demand for sustainable alternatives in the food industry. This article explores recent advancements in sustainable food packaging, with a focus on bioplastics, edible films, and active packaging technologies. Bioplastics derived from renewable resources offer biodegradability and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, while edible films made from polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids provide an eco-friendly solution with additional nutritional or functional properties. Active packaging systems, incorporating antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, extend shelf life and enhance food safety. The review highlights current research, technological innovations, material properties, and industrial applications, as well as the regulatory and economic challenges associated with commercial adoption. It also outlines future directions emphasizing smart packaging integration, improved barrier properties, and circular economy principles. The development and widespread implementation of sustainable packaging are crucial for achieving environmental sustainability, food security, and consumer health in a rapidly evolving global market.