What is Food wrappers?
Food wrappers refers to packaging materials that are made from edible or renewable plant-based components and can be safely consumed as food. It provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic packaging that ends up in landfills and oceans. Food wrappers is usually made from plant starches, lipids and protein that come from agriculture byproducts and waste streams. These components are processed into films, coatings or molded containers that can wrap, enclose or contain food products.
Main Benefits of Food wrappers
Reduce Plastic Waste: Conventional plastic packaging like PET bottles, snack wrappers and cling films create a massive amount of non-biodegradable waste that pollutes the environment for hundreds of years. Food wrappers is made from renewable plant sources so it reduces dependence on fossil fuels and eliminates plastic waste.
Compostable and Biodegradable: Being produced from agricultural and food industry waste, food wrappers is completely biodegradable and compostable. It returns to nature as carbon dioxide, water and biomass when disposed without harming the soil or waterways. This makes it a more eco-friendly solution compared to plastic that persists in the environment.
Adds Nutritional Value: Some types of food wrappers formulations incorporate ingredients like fiber, protein and micronutrients that can provide nutritional benefits if consumed. For example, film made with spirulina can offer extra protein or packaging fortified with prebiotics enhance gut health. This makes them more than just wrappers but also functional food.
Regain Food Safety: Accidental consumption of small pieces of Edible Packaging is a rising health concern. Edible alternatives regain the safety aspect as they do not cause any harm even if small quantities are ingested along with food. It provides reassurance for parents and children while snacking.
Popular Edible Packaging Materials and Applications
Starch-Based Films: Starch extracted from corn, potatoes, rice etc. is widely used to produce flexible films and coating materials for snacks, baked foods and confectionery items. It provides barrier against gases, oil and grease.
Seaweed: Red and brown seaweeds like alginate produce elastic gels and films. Used as sushi wrappers, salad dressing cups and liquid capsules. Rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins.
Protein Films: Whey, casein and soy proteins form skins, casings and pouches for meat alternatives, cheese slices and nutrition bars. Acts as oxygen barrier.
Lipid Films: Beeswax, carnauba wax, acetylated monoglycerides form rigid containers and coatings for dried fruits, nuts and biscuits to prevent moisture loss.
Plant Gums: Mulberry, guar gum and acacia gum produce flexible coatings and films for cut fruits and fresh produce to extend shelf-life.
The Future of Food wrappers
According to research, the global food wrappers size was valued at USD 15.8 billion in 2020. It is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2022 to 2030 as more food brands recognize its significance in addressing sustainability issues. Europe currently contributes to over 35% share due to stringent regulations on single-use plastics in the region. Asia Pacific region is witnessing fastest growth rate owing to rapidly developing food processing sector in major economies like India and China.
Startup companies and major food corporations are developing novel Edible Packaging materials made from spent coffee grounds, orange peels, apple pulp, banana leaves etc. Research is ongoing in precision fermentation techniques to produce edible films with attributes similar to plastic like transparency, strength and moisture barrier properties. Regulatory agencies are formulating standards to ascertain the safety and shelf-stability of such innovative solutions.
With mounting global concern over plastic footprint and emphasis on circular economy principles, Edible Packaging is gaining popularity as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. If developed skillfully, it can play a key role in completely replacing plastic food wrappers in the future while curbing pollution. Partnership between private industries, governmental organizations and research institutions will be crucial to drive large scale commercialization of this promising technology worldwide for a cleaner and greener tomorrow.
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About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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