Value-added utilization of fruit and vegetable processing by-products for the manufacture of biodegradable food packaging films.

Currently, the demand for eco-friendly packaging materials to replace plastic is increasing. Edible or biodegradable packaging films prepared from natural compounds such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids have emerged as alternatives to non-biodegradable packaging materials. Fruit and vegetable waste has potential as a bioplastic material promoting environmental sustainability.

Development of edible films and coatings from alginates and carrageenans.

The use of renewable resources, which can reduce waste disposal problems, is being explored to produce biopolymer films and coatings. Renewability, degradability, and edibility make such films particularly suitable for food and nonfood packaging applications. Edible films and coatings play an important role in the quality, safety, transportation, storage, and display of a wide range of fresh and processed foods.