In recent years, studies on environmentally friendly solutions have been increasing. Sustainability has become an important issue in many sectors today. In this context, the food and packaging industry is also in search of new and innovative solutions. This is where edible packaging comes into play. These packages, which offer both an environmentally friendly and practical solution, have started to be preferred as an alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
What is Edible Packaging?
Edible packages are packages that are produced from various natural materials and can be eaten by consumers. They are usually produced using food ingredients such as starch, gelling agents, proteins and fibers. Edible packaging stands out as an environmentally friendly option due to the natural materials it contains.
Advantages:
- Sustainability: Traditional plastic packaging contains materials that do not dissolve in nature for a long time and harm the environment. However, edible packages are easily biodegradable because they are produced from natural and biodegradable materials. In this way, they help to reduce the problem of environmental pollution.
- Reducing Food Waste: Many food products are packaged before reaching the consumer. However, traditional plastic packaging mostly turns into garbage after consumption and is thrown into nature. Edible packaging, on the other hand, reduces the amount of waste and prevents food waste, as it is naturally consumable.
- Innovation: Edible packaging can be produced in different shapes and sizes. This gives manufacturers and designers more creativity and flexibility. For example, consider a juicy juice pack. This pack can be made from a material that can be consumed even after the juice has been consumed. In this way, the packaging can be dual-functional and offer the consumer an additional taste experience.
- Nutritional Values: Edible packages can have additional nutritional values thanks to the natural ingredients they contain. For example, a package produced using seaweed may contain minerals that are healthy for the consumer’s body. In this way, packaging offers more than just a preservative.
- Less Chemical Use: Traditional packaging materials often contain a variety of chemicals. However, since edible packaging is produced from natural materials, it reduces the use of chemicals. This both has a positive effect on consumer health and causes less harm to the environment.
Edible packaging is a promising option for the food and packaging industry looking for sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions. These packages offer consumers unique experiences while reducing environmental impact. In our world, which has already reached 8 billion people, we can see that edible packaging is used more widely in the near future and replaces traditional plastic packaging. The transition to edible packaging is an important step for a more sustainable world, both for our environment and for future generations.
