Emerging Trends in Sustainable Packaging of Food Products: An Updated Review

Food waste and packaging disposal have become a problem throughout the ecosphere because more than 90% of wasted food is discarded into landfills. Paper, wood fiber and cellulose nanoparticles are all biologically based materials that have been found in response to the growing demand for environmentally friendly packing. These tend to be more environmentally friendly with more extraordinary shelf life. There are still requirements to be effective solutions applied, however to augment performance in packing. Recent novelties have led to food safety-improving films of nanoparticles and bio-based bioplastics. Active packaging solutions comprise antimicrobial agents and antioxidant-rich inorganic nanoparticles that improve the oxygen and moisture barrier properties and prevent microbial contamination. Due to their capability to extend shelf life without affecting food safety, antimicrobial bio-nanocomposites are acquiring more popularity. Since it delivers long-term costs and energy savings and decreases reliance on fossil fuels, the economic viability of bio-based packaging is a critical consideration.