Sustainable Packaging Solutions in the Food Industry - An Investigation into the viability of edible packaging as an alternative to plastic packaging
| dc.contributor.author | Chapwanya, Simbarashe | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-10-08T11:26:17Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-10-08T11:26:17Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This thesis explores the viability of edible packaging as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging within the food industry, addressing the increasing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste. The research evaluates the potential of edible packaging materials such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids and their applications in various food products. The study was structured around four primary objectives: (1) to review the current state of edible packaging technologies; (2) to conduct a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) between traditional plastic and edible packaging; (3) to assess the practical applicability of edible packaging by evaluating critical factors such as moisture barrier properties, microbial growth inhibition, and overall environmental impact; and (4) to provide recommendations for the implementation of edible packaging within the food industry. This research employed a thorough review of peer-reviewed literature, LCAs comparing the environmental impacts of plastic and edible packaging, and the analysis of case studies that demonstrate real-world applications of edible packaging. The results indicate that edible packaging offers significant environmental advantages, including reduced plastic waste and enhanced biodegradability. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the lower moisture barrier properties and higher production costs associated with edible films, which currently limit their broader adoption. The novel contribution of this research lies in its critical evaluation of edible packaging through the lens of LCA and practical industry applications, an area that remains underexplored in existing literature. The findings suggest that edible packaging could become a viable solution for specific food products, especially fresh produce with short-term shelf life requirements, provided there are further advancements. Future research must focus on improving mechanical properties and lowering production costs. Additionally, industry trials paired with comprehensive LCAs are essential to validate the real-world performance of edible packaging and facilitate its integration into sustainable practices within the food industry | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14136/178 | |
| dc.title | Sustainable Packaging Solutions in the Food Industry - An Investigation into the viability of edible packaging as an alternative to plastic packaging | |
| dc.type | Thesis |