Use of Agricultural Food Residue to Make Bioactive Packaging Material

As a result of the growing concern about the use of conventional plastic packaging that is not biodegradable, there has been a search for bioactive packaging materials from agricultural food residues. This review gives an idea of the development of bioactive packaging from agricultural residues, its properties, and its various uses. Fruit skin, rice husk, and wheat bran are some of the agricultural by-products that possess natural antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, which can be used in food preservation. Some recent studies have shown that these materials can serve to increase the shelf life of perishable food products and as well minimize the negative impact on the environment through biodegradability and sustainability. The mechanical, barrier, and functional characteristics of bioactive packaging materials are discussed, focusing on the cost, fabrication issues, and potential for large-scale production. This review also includes a discussion of the most recent advancements in processing technologies, the application of biopolymer reinforcement and the market prospects for these environmentally friendly options. The knowledge presented in this research adds to the current literature on sustainable packaging with a focus on the potential of using agricultural waste in managing waste and in preserving food products.