Sustainable innovations in edible films and coatings: An overview

Background: The production of packaging has generated heightened interest among researchers due to the repercussions of its disposal, particularly concerning petroleum-based plastics. Furthermore, consumers and industries require novel biodegradable packaging. In the food area, active and smart packaging represents innovative options for increasing the shelf life of products and interacting with the consumer. Scope and approach: This review presents the different types of edible packaging based on GRAS materials, confirming their importance in the food sector as a biodegradable, non-toxic, economical, and promising alternative to traditional packaging. This review also explores the impact of edible packaging on health, its use as active and smart packaging, and other potential applications. Key findings and conclusions: Various edible films and coatings have been formulated using primary ingredients such as carbohydrates, lipids, waxes, proteins, and their mixtures. Recent works show that edible packages can be applied as thin layers protecting food products. They can offer several benefits, including improving food quality through color and compound preservation, decreased water loss, inhibitory activity against microorganisms, and delayed ripening. When bioactive compounds are integrated into edible packages, they enhance antioxidant potential. In addition to maintaining food quality, they also offer potential health benefits. Therefore, this review presents diverse edible films and coatings created from a comprehensive range of raw materials and various bioactive compounds. Additionally, it discusses the application of these materials in the food industry and other industrial sectors and the health benefits of adopting this type of packaging.