Dive Brief:
- Researchers have developed an edible packaging film made of the milk protein casein.
- The casein-based films act as oxygen blockers to prevent food spoilage up to 500 times better than plastics, which can cut down on product waste.
- The packaging itself is also edible and biodegradable, which further reduces waste.
Dive Insight:
This edible milk protein-based packaging can aid manufacturers' sustainability efforts by cutting out various instances of food and packaging waste throughout the supply chain, from factories to consumers. Reducing food and packaging waste benefits the company's bottom line in addition to protecting the environment and boosting the company's reputation among eco-conscious consumers.
Packaging innovations have often focused on either preventing food spoilage better—such as containers with silver nanoparticles that can extend milk's shelf life—or on reducing packaging waste—such as biodegradable plant-based packaging. These casein-based films provide both benefits, and it's likely edible packaging will become more common as manufacturers derive better ways to reduce food and packaging waste.
Packaging could eventually become not just a sustainability initiative but a new revenue stream for manufacturers. With flavorings, vitamins and a range of natural additives, edible packaging could be another source of flavor, nutrition and health functionality in addition to the practical role it serves as a container.