Impact of edible films as an alternative food packaging alternative
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Published:
Jan 1, 2025
Keywords:
Edible films, environmental pollution, sustainable alternative, biodegradable
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Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of edible films as a sustainable and biodegradable alternative for food packaging in response to increasing plastic pollution. The objective is to analyze the effectiveness of these films in sustainability, multifunctionality and food waste reduction. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in scientific databases, selecting relevant studies published between 2019 and 2024 using specific criteria and PICOC, BIBLIOMETRIX and PRISMA methodologies. The results reveal that 64.29 % of the studies consider edible films to be beneficial, standing out not only for being biodegradable, but also for their ability to protect food, prolong its shelf life and reduce environmental contamination. In addition, their antimicrobial and antioxidant functionality is highlighted, using materials such as gelatin, chitosan and other natural polymers. In conclusion, edible films are a promising solution to reduce plastic pollution and improve food preservation, presenting themselves as an environmentally friendly alternative in the packaging industry. However, more research is needed to optimize their production and efficacy in various applications.
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Nelssi Chamorro, Soledad Yalupalin, Christian Larrea, Daniel Alvarado, & David Callirgos. (2025). Impact of edible films as an alternative food packaging alternative. Revista De Investigaciones De La Universidad Le Cordon Bleu, 12(1), 16 - 33. https://doi.org/10.36955/RIULCB.2025v12n1.002
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References
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Kaur, N., Somasundram, C., Razali, Z., Mourad, A.-H. I., Hamed, F., & Ahmed, Z. F. R. (2024). Aloe vera/Chitosan-Based Edible Film with Enhanced Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Thermal, and Barrier Properties for Sustainable Food Preservation. Polymers, 16(2), 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020242
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Mira, JJ, Matarredona, V, Tella, S, Sousa, P, Neves, V, Strametz R, y López-Pineda A. (2024). Unveiling the hidden struggle of healthcare students as second victims through a systematic review. BMC Medical Education, 24(1):378 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05336-y
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Suresh, S., Pushparaj, C., & Subramani, R., (2021). Recent development in preparation of food packaging films using biopolymers. Food Research, 5(6) : 12 - 22. https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.5(6).082
Tang, B., Ma, J., Liu, L., Xu, J., Zhang, H., Li, K., Tu, X., & Qing-Fang, G. (2024). Preparation of pullulan-shellac edible films with improved water-resistance and UV barrier properties for Chinese cherries preservation. Journal Of Future Foods, 5(1), 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfutfo.2024.01.010.
Taylor, S., Colonna, A., Jung, J., Gutierrez, J., & Zhao, Y. (2024). Consumer perception and acceptance of edible packaging for various food products. Journal Of Food Science, 89(4), 2423-2437. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16992
Terzioglu, N., Ceschin, F., Jobling, S., & Tarverdi, K. (2024). A literature and practice review to develop archetypes of upstream packaging strategies for a circular economy. Resources, Conservation & Recycling Advances, 21, 200211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2024.2002
Tien, N. D., Lyngstadaas, S. P., Mano, J. F., Blaker, J. J., & Haugen, H. J. (2021). Recent Developments in Chitosan-Based Micro/Nanofibers for Sustainable Food Packaging, Smart Textiles, Cosmeceuticals, and Biomedical Applications. Molecules, 26(9), 2683. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092683
Xiao, M., Peng, C., Qin, J., Wang, S., Wu, X., Nishinari, K., & Jiang, F. (2024). Development of a water gradient film through film and ice-glazing approach utilizing konjac glucomannan and high acyl gellan gum for enhanced preservation of frozen snakehead (Channa argus) fillets. Food Hydrocolloids, 152, 109904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2024.109904
Adeyeye, S., Surendra, B., Guruprasath, N., & Sankar, K., (2023).
Starch Nanocrystal and its Food Packaging Applications. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 11(1). https://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CRNFSJ.11.1.1
Athanasopoulou, E., Bigi, F., Maurizzi, E., Karellou, E., Pappas, C., Quartieri, A., & Tsironi, T. (2024). Síntesis y caracterización de películas comestibles a base de polisacáridos y proteínas y aplicación como materiales de embalaje para filetes de pescado fresco. Representante científico, 14, 517. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51163-y
Atta, O. M., Manan, S., Ahmed, A. A. Q., Awad, M. F., Ul-Islam, M., Subhan, F., Ullah, M. W., & Yang, G. (2021). Development and Characterization of Yeast-Incorporated Antimicrobial Cellulose Biofilms for Edible Food Packaging Application. Polymers, 13(14), 2310. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142310
Azizah, F., Nursakti, H., Ningrum, A., & Supriyadi, N. (2023). Development of Edible Composite Film from Fish Gelatin–Pectin Incorporated with Lemongrass Essential Oil and Its Application in Chicken Meat. Polymers, 15(9), 2075. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092075.
Azizah, F., Nursakti, H., Ningrum, A., & Supriyadi. (2023). Development of Edible Composite Film from Fish Gelatin–Pectin Incorporated with Lemongrass Essential Oil and Its Application in Chicken Meat. Polymers, 15(9), 2075. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092075
Bahar, A., Samik, S., Sianita, M., Kusumawati, M., Khafidlah, I., Muslim, S., & Auliya, A. (2023). Development and Characterization of Edible Films Based on Gelatin/Chitosan Composites Incorporated with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Food Protection. Molekul. 18 (3). https://doi.org/10.20884/1.jm.2023.18.3.6630
Campina, A., C., Lorca, A., A., y De las Heras, M., A. (2024). Indagación, modelización y pensamiento computacional: Un análisis bibliométrico con el uso de Bibliometrix a través de Biblioshiny. https://www.redalyc.org/journal/920/92075647006/92075647006.pdf
Chen, Z., Liu, R., Wey, Y., LI, R., Lou, R., Zhu, X. y Huang C. (2024). A novel strategy to transform mango peel waste into useful product– Preparing antibacterial film containing tea polyphenols for chicken breast preservation. LWT. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2024.115933
Danila, M, Uttam, C., & Athanassiou, A. (2024). Blending of polysaccharide-based carrot pomace with vegetable proteins for biocomposites with optimized performance for food packaging applications, Food Hydrocolloids, 152 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2024.109903
De Souza, H. K. S., Guimarães, M., Mateus, N., De Freitas, V., & Cruz, L. (2024). Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Biofilms Using Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvents towards Innovative Color-Stabilizing Systems for Anthocyanins. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), 6154. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116154
Egolf, A., Hartmann, C., & Siegrist, M. (2019). When Evolution Works Against the Future: Disgust’s Contributions to the Acceptance of New Food Technologies. Risk Analysis. 39 (7). https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.13279
Gamboni, J, E., Bonfilio, G, V., Slavutsky, A, M., & Bertuzzy M, A., (2023). Evaluation of edible films as single-serve pouches for a sustainable packaging system. Food Chem. Adv. (3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2023.100547
Gamboni, J. E., Bonfiglio, G. V., Slavutsky, A. M., & Bertuzzi, M. A. (2023). Evaluation of edible films as single-serve pouches for a sustainable packaging system. Food Chemistry Advances, 3, 100547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2023.100547
Han, T., Chen, W., Zhong, Q., Xu, Y., & Wu, Y., (2023). Development and Characterization of an Edible Zein/Shellac Composite Film Loaded with Curcumin. Foods. 12 (8). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081577
Kampeerapappun, P., O-Charoen, N., Dhamvithee, P., & Jansri, E. (2024). Biocomposite Based on Polylactic Acid and Rice Straw for Food Packaging Products. Polymers, 16(8), 1038. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081038
Kaur, N., Somasundram, C., Razali, Z., Mourad, A.-H. I., Hamed, F., & Ahmed, Z. F. R. (2024). Aloe vera/Chitosan-Based Edible Film with Enhanced Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Thermal, and Barrier Properties for Sustainable Food Preservation. Polymers, 16(2), 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020242
Khan, K., S., Bueno, C., y Zamora, J. (2022). Revisiones sistemáticas en cinco pasos: II. Cómo identificar los estudios relevantes. Medicina de Familia. SEMERGEN, 48 (6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semerg.2021.12.006
Kuprina, E., Yakkola, A., Manuylov, A., Kabysh, O., Zhirkova, M., Zhernyakova, & A., Shmelkova, M., (2020). Development of biodegradable packaging films and edible coatings for food products based on composite materials. Prog. Chem. Appl. Chitin Deriv. 25. https://doi.org/10.15259/PCACD.25.009
Lindi, A. M., Gorgani, L., Mohammadi, M., Hamedi, S., Darzi, G. N., Cerruti, P., Fattahi, E., & Moeini, A. (2024). Fenugreek seed mucilage-based active edible films for extending fresh fruit shelf life: Antimicrobial and physicochemical properties. International Journal Of Biological Macromolecules, 269, 132186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132186
Lu, W., Liu, Z., Huang, Y., Bu, Y., Li, X., & Cheng, Q. (2020). How do authors select keywords? A preliminary study of author keyword selection behavior. Journal of Informetrics, 14(4), 101066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2020.101066
Mengist, W., Soromessa, T., & Legese, G. (2020). Method for conducting systematic literature review and meta-analysis for environmental science research. MethodsX, 7, 100777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2019.100777
Ministerio de Ambiente. (2019). Decreto Supremo N° 006-2019-MINAM Reglamento Ley de Plásticos. Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y Agricultura.
Mira, JJ, Matarredona, V, Tella, S, Sousa, P, Neves, V, Strametz R, y López-Pineda A. (2024). Unveiling the hidden struggle of healthcare students as second victims through a systematic review. BMC Medical Education, 24(1):378 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05336-y
Momtaz, M., Momtaz, EMehrgardi, A., Fatemeh T., Farkhondeh P. (2024) Preparación y caracterización de nanocompuestos de gelatina/quitosano reforzados con nanopartículas de NiO como envase activo para alimentos. Biochem Pharmacol, 24 (17). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50260-8
Naseri, H., Beigmohammadi, F., Mohammadi, R., Sadeghi, R., (2020). Production and characterization of edible film based on gelatin–chitosan containing Ferulago angulate essential oil and its application in the prolongation of the shelf life of turkey meat. Journal of Food Processing. Preservation. 44 (8). https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.14558
Pavlátková, L., Sedlaříková, J., Pleva, P., Peer, P., Uysal‐Unalan, I., & Janalíková, M. (2022). Bioactive zein/chitosan systems loaded with essential oils for food‐packaging applications. Journal Of The Science Of Food And Agriculture, 103(3), 1097-1104. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11978
Solano-Doblado, L. G., Alamilla‐Beltrán, L., & Jiménez‐Martínez, C. (2018). Películas y recubrimientos comestibles funcionalizados. Deleted Journal, 21, 30 https://doi.org/10.22201/fesz.23958723e.2018.0.153
Suresh, S., Pushparaj, C., & Subramani, R., (2021). Recent development in preparation of food packaging films using biopolymers. Food Research, 5(6) : 12 - 22. https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.5(6).082
Tang, B., Ma, J., Liu, L., Xu, J., Zhang, H., Li, K., Tu, X., & Qing-Fang, G. (2024). Preparation of pullulan-shellac edible films with improved water-resistance and UV barrier properties for Chinese cherries preservation. Journal Of Future Foods, 5(1), 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfutfo.2024.01.010.
Taylor, S., Colonna, A., Jung, J., Gutierrez, J., & Zhao, Y. (2024). Consumer perception and acceptance of edible packaging for various food products. Journal Of Food Science, 89(4), 2423-2437. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16992
Terzioglu, N., Ceschin, F., Jobling, S., & Tarverdi, K. (2024). A literature and practice review to develop archetypes of upstream packaging strategies for a circular economy. Resources, Conservation & Recycling Advances, 21, 200211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2024.2002
Tien, N. D., Lyngstadaas, S. P., Mano, J. F., Blaker, J. J., & Haugen, H. J. (2021). Recent Developments in Chitosan-Based Micro/Nanofibers for Sustainable Food Packaging, Smart Textiles, Cosmeceuticals, and Biomedical Applications. Molecules, 26(9), 2683. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092683
Xiao, M., Peng, C., Qin, J., Wang, S., Wu, X., Nishinari, K., & Jiang, F. (2024). Development of a water gradient film through film and ice-glazing approach utilizing konjac glucomannan and high acyl gellan gum for enhanced preservation of frozen snakehead (Channa argus) fillets. Food Hydrocolloids, 152, 109904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2024.109904