Application of Edible Film in Food Packaging Industry

Edible films are defined as a thin layer of edible material formed on food as a coating. Additionally, edible films can carry antioxidants and antimicrobials, while traditional packaging materials can not compete in these aspects. Edible films are used to extend the shelf life of food and maintain its quality by inhibiting the migration of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, aromas and lipids. The edible films have been prepared of proteins, carbohydrate and lipids in different combination and compositions. The properties of the edible films those have been mostly evaluated are mechanical properties and the barrier properties. The favorable aspects of edible films are: completely biodegradable can be a part of a food and can reduce the consumption of naphtha-based polymeric films. Therefore, development of edible films with good mechanical and barrier properties is undoubtedly a challenge in the modern food science. So, a comprehensive review of edible films in the food packaging industry should be necessary and these provide a general review of previous research.