Edible packaging

Food containers which can be eaten

Development of an edible casein film overwrap[1]

Edible packaging refers to packaging which is edible and biodegradable.

## Edible food packaging

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Several manufacturers are developing or producing food packaging that is edible.[2] One example is made based on the seaweed, Eucheuma cottonii.[3][4]

## Traditional water containers

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About 50 billion single-use plastic water bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are produced in the United States each year, and most are discarded.[5] According to the National Association for PET Container Resources, the recycling rate for PET has held steady at 31% since 2013.[6]

Polyesters like PET can be broken down through hydrolytic degradation: the ester linkage is cut by a water molecule. The reaction proceeds differently in acidic or alkaline conditions, but works best at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. Under environmental conditions the process is undetectably slow.[7]

PET is considered to be essentially non-biodegradable, with plastic bottles estimated to take as long as 450 years to decompose.[8] Because of this, other packaging materials are being sought.

### Calcium alginate gel

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Sodium alginate (NaAlg)

Alginates are the natural product of brown algae and have been used extensively in wound dressing, drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well as food applications.[9][10][11] Sodium alginate is an unbranched copolymer of 1,4-linked-β-d-mannuronate (M) and α-l-guluronate (G) sugars.

Sodium alginate (NaAlg) coagulates when exposed to calcium chloride (CaCl2) and forms calcium alginate (CaAlg2) and sodium chloride (NaCl), according to the following reaction:

2NaAlg + CaCl2 → CaAlg2 \+ 2NaCl

### Safety and biodegradability

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The biocompatibility of alginate gels has been studied extensively and their safety for consumption is well established.[12][13] As natural polysaccharides resistant to breakdown by human digestive enzymes, alginates are classified as dietary fiber. Although undigested if eaten, an alginate capsule will gradually decompose as the calcium diffuses out of the gel matrix in the reverse of the reaction above.[14]

CaAlg2 \+ 2NaCl → 2NaAlg + CaCl2

Because it is a single-strand polymer, alginate can be depolymerized (broken into smaller units) by a variety of chemical reactions. Both acid and alkaline mechanisms can break down the linkages between the mannuronate (M) and guluronate (G) monomers. Free radical oxidation is another way the alginate can be degraded in the environment. Many bacterial species produce an enzyme (alginate lyase) which can break the molecule down into single sugar components, which can act as an energy source for the organism.[15]

## Kodo millet-based edible packaging

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In 2025, researchers team, consisting of Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad and Bhushan P. Meshram from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee invented Kodo millet-based edible cups as an sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional plastic cups and bowls to reduce plastic waste. [16] This sustainable packaging approach utilizes Paspalum scrobiculatum (Kodo millet), guar gum, and hibiscus powder to enhance structural integrity and environmental sustainability. This research, demonstrates how underutilized crops can be harnessed to develop biodegradable, edible alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.[17]

The study emphasizes the environmental benefits of using natural polymers to produce packaging that can either be consumed or composted, reducing long-term waste.[18] The combination of guar gum and hibiscus powder improves the mechanical strength and moisture resistance of the cups, making them viable for real-world applications in the food and beverage industry.

This development aligns with the circular economy model by promoting the use of renewable resources and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics.[19] Researchers highlight the potential for such innovations to mitigate plastic pollution while offering sustainable solutions for packaging industries globally.

## See also

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* Biodegradation
* Calcium alginate
* Low plastic water bottle
* Molecular gastronomy
* Spherification
* Water bottle
* Starch-based foam peanuts
* WikiCell

## References

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1. ^ OBrien (February 2018). "That's a Wrap: Edible Food Wraps from ARS". USDA Agricultural Research: 22. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
2. ^ US US2015/0030775A1, Edwards, ., "ENCLOSING MATERIALS IN NATURAL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS", published 13 May 2015
3. ^ In race for sustainable alternative to plastic, Indonesia bets on seaweed
4. ^ Evoware, the algae based packaging that disappears
5. ^ "Why Tap Water Is Better". National Geographic. 13 March 2010. Archived from the original on 9 November 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
6. ^ Moore, Rick (13 October 2015). "2014 U.S. PET container recycling rate holds at 31%" (PDF). National Association for PET Container Resources. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
7. ^ Kint*, Darwin (1999). "A review on the potential biodegradability of poly(ethylene terephthalate)". Polymer International. 48 (5): 346–352\. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1097-0126(199905)48:5<346::AID-PI156>3.0.CO;2-N.
8. ^ "Garbage Decomposition Time | Waste Segregation Guide". www.getwaste.info. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
9. ^ Chiu, Chih-Tung; Lee, Jui-Sheng; Chu, Chi-Shung; Chang, Yi-Pin; Wang, Yng-Jiin (12 February 2008). "Development of two alginate-based wound dressings". Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine. 19 (6): 2503–2513\. doi:10.1007/s10856-008-3389-2. ISSN 0957-4530. PMID 18266085. S2CID 21846770.
10. ^ Tønnesen, Hanne Hjorth; Karlsen, Jan (1 January 2002). "Alginate in Drug Delivery Systems". Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. 28 (6): 621–630\. doi:10.1081/DDC-120003853. ISSN 0363-9045. PMID 12149954. S2CID 38054722.
11. ^ Alsberg, E.; Anderson, K. W.; Albeiruti, A.; Franceschi, R. T.; Mooney, D. J. (1 November 2001). "Cell-interactive Alginate Hydrogels for Bone Tissue Engineering". Journal of Dental Research. 80 (11): 2025–2029\. doi:10.1177/00220345010800111501. ISSN 0022-0345. PMID 11759015. S2CID 38527822.
12. ^ Lee, Kuen Yong; Mooney, David J. (1 January 2012). "Alginate: Properties and biomedical applications". Progress in Polymer Science. 37 (1): 106–126\. doi:10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2011.06.003. PMC 3223967. PMID 22125349.
13. ^ "CALCIUM ALGINATE - National Library of Medicine HSDB Database". toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
14. ^ Bouhadir, Kamal H.; Lee, Kuen Yong; Alsberg, Eben; Damm, Kelly L.; Anderson, Kenneth W.; Mooney, David J. (1 January 2001). "Degradation of Partially Oxidized Alginate and Its Potential Application for Tissue Engineering". Biotechnology Progress. 17 (5): 945–950\. doi:10.1021/bp010070p. ISSN 1520-6033. PMID 11587588. S2CID 19770274.
15. ^ Steinbüchel, Alexander (2005). Polysaccharides and Polyamides in the Food Industry. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 222\. ISBN 978-3-527-31345-7.
16. ^ "In a first, IIT-Roorkee develops kodo millet-based edible cups". The Times of India. 8 November 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
17. ^ Meshram, Bhushan P.; Jain, Prachi; Gaikwad, Kirtiraj K. (21 February 2025). "Innovative Development of Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum)-Based Functional Edible Cups Modified with Hibiscus Powder and Guar Gum: An Eco-Efficient Resource Utilization". ACS Food Science & Technology. 5 (2): 788–799\. doi:10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00985.
18. ^ Siddiqui, Bareera; Ahmad, Alisha; Yousuf, Owais; Younis, Kaiser (16 November 2023). "Exploring the potential of mosambi peel and sago powder in developing edible spoons". Sustainable Food Technology. 1 (6): 921–929\. doi:10.1039/D3FB00111C. ISSN 2753-8095.
19. ^ Rani, Aishwarya; Negi, Suraj; Fan, Chihhao; Lam, Su Shiung; Kim, Hyunook; Pan, Shu-Yuan (5 July 2024). "Revitalizing plastic wastes employing bio-circular-green economy principles for carbon neutrality". Journal of Hazardous Materials. 472: 134394. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134394. ISSN 0304-3894.

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Packaging

General
topics|

* Active packaging
* Child-resistant packaging
* Contract packager
* Edible packaging
* Modified atmosphere/modified humidity packaging
* Overpackaging
* Package delivery
* Package pilferage
* Package testing
* Package theft
* Packaging engineering
* Resealable packaging
* Reusable packaging
* Reuse of bottles
* Shelf life
* Shelf-ready packaging
* Shelf-stable
* Sustainable packaging
* Tamper-evident
* Tamper resistance
* Wrap rage

Product
packages|

* Alternative wine closure
* Ammunition box
* Banana box
* Beer bottle
* Box wine
* Case-ready meat
* Coffee bag
* Cosmetic packaging
* Currency packaging
* Disposable food packaging
* Drink can
* Egg carton
* Evidence packaging
* Field ration
* Flour sack
* Foam food container
* Food packaging
* Fuel container
* Gas cylinder
* Glass milk bottle
* Growler
* Juicebox
* Low plastic water bottle
* Luxury packaging
* Milk bag
* Optical disc packaging
* Oyster pail
* Popcorn bag
* Pharmaceutical packaging
* Pizza box
* Plastic milk container
* Purdue Improved Crop Storage bags
* Sand bag
* Seasonal packaging
* Self-heating food packaging
* Screw cap (wine)
* Single-serve coffee container
* Spray paint
* Toothpaste pump dispenser
* Unit dose
* Water bottle
* Wine bottle

Containers|

* Aerosol spray dispenser
* Aluminium bottle
* Aluminum can
* Ampoule
* Antistatic bag
* Bag-in-box
* Bag
* Barrel
* Biodegradable bag
* Blister pack
* Boil-in-bag
* Bottle
* Box
* Bulk box
* Cage
* Case
* Carboy
* Carton
* Chub
* Clamshell
* Corrugated box design
* Crate
* Disposable cup
* Drum
* Endcap
* Envelope
* Euro container
* Flexible intermediate bulk container
* Flexible tank
* Folding carton
* Glass bottle
* Gunny sack
* Inhaler
* Insulated shipping container
* Intermediate bulk container
* Jar
* Jerrycan
* Jug
* Keg
* Mesh bag
* Multilayered packaging
* Multi-pack
* Packet (container)
* Padded envelope
* Pail
* Paper bag
* Paper sack
* Plastic bag
* Plastic bottle
* Retort pouch
* Salvage drum
* Sachet
* Water sachet
* Security bag
* Shipping container
* Shipping tube
* Skin pack
* Spray bottle
* Squround
* Stand-up pouch
* Steel and tin cans
* Tetra Brik
* Thermal bag
* Tub (container)
* Tube
* Unit load
* Vial
* Wooden box

Materials
and
components|

* Adhesive
* Aluminium foil
* Bail handle
* Bioplastic
* Biodegradable plastic
* BoPET
* Bubble wrap
* Bung
* Cellophane
* Closure
* Coated paper
* Coating
* Coextrusion
* Container glass
* Corrugated fiberboard
* Corrugated plastic
* Cushioning
* Desiccant
* Double seam
* Flip-top
* Foam peanut
* Gel pack
* Hot-melt adhesive
* Humidity indicator card
* Kraft paper
* Label
* Lid
* Linear low-density polyethylene
* Liquid packaging board
* Living hinge
* Low-density polyethylene
* Meat absorbent pad
* Metallised film
* Modified atmosphere
* Molded pulp
* Nonwoven fabric
* Overwrap
* Oxygen scavenger
* Package handle
* Packaging gas
* Pallet
* Paper
* Paper pallet
* Paperboard
* Plastic-coated paper
* Plastic film
* Plastic pallet
* Plastic wrap
* Polyester
* Polyethylene
* Polypropylene
* Pressure-sensitive tape
* Pump dispenser
* Screw cap
* Screw cap (wine)
* Security printing
* Security tape
* Shock detector
* Shock and vibration data logger
* Shrink wrap
* Slip sheet
* Staple (fastener)
* Strapping
* Stretch wrap
* Susceptor
* Tamper-evident band
* Tear tape
* Temperature data logger
* Time temperature indicator
* Tinplate
* Velostat

Processes|

* Aseptic processing
* Authentication
* Automatic identification and data capture
* Blow fill seal
* Blow molding
* Calendering
* Canning
* Coating
* Containerization
* Converting
* Corona treatment
* Curtain coating
* Die cutting
* Die forming (plastics)
* Electronic article surveillance
* Extrusion
* Extrusion coating
* Flame treatment
* Glass production
* Graphic design
* Hazard analysis and critical control points
* Hermetic seal
* Induction sealing
* Injection moulding
* Lamination
* Laser cutting
* Molding
* Package tracking
* Papermaking
* Plastic extrusion
* Plastic welding
* Printing
* Product development
* Production control
* Quality assurance
* Radio-frequency identification
* Roll slitting
* Shearing (manufacturing)
* Thermoforming
* Track and trace
* Ultrasonic welding
* Vacuum forming
* Vacuum packaging
* Verification and validation

Machinery|

* Barcode printer
* Barcode reader
* Bottling line
* Calender
* Can seamer
* Cap torque tester
* Cartoning machine
* Case sealer
* Check weigher
* Conveyor system
* Drum pump
* Extended core stretch wrapper
* Filler
* Heat gun
* Heat sealer
* Industrial robot
* Injection molding machine
* Label printer applicator
* Lineshaft roller conveyor
* Logistics automation
* Material-handling equipment
* Mechanical brake stretch wrapper
* Multihead weigher
* Orbital stretch wrapper
* Packaging machinery
* Pallet inverter
* Palletizer
* Rotary wheel blow molding systems
* Seed-counting machine
* Shrink tunnel
* Staple gun
* Tape dispenser
* Turntable stretch wrapper
* Vertical form fill sealing machine

Environment,
post-use|

* Biodegradation
* Can collecting
* Closed-loop box reuse
* Environmental engineering
* Glass recycling
* Industrial ecology
* Life-cycle assessment
* Litter
* Packaging waste
* Paper recycling
* PET bottle recycling
* Plastic recycling
* Recycling
* Reusable packaging
* Reverse logistics
* Source reduction
* Sustainable packaging
* Waste management

Category: Packaging
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