This plant-based coating has been developed by researchers at Rutgers University and Harvard University as a packaging alternative that could one day replace conventional plastic materials.
The coating works by being spraying onto food products to protect against bruising, while also utilizing natural antimicrobial agents like citric acid, nisin and thyme oil to fight against bacteria. This could greatly reduce the occurrence of spoilage until the food is consumed to further reduce waste.
The plant-based coating was tested with avocados where it extended the shelf life by roughly 50%. The coating biodegrades in just three days and is capable of being rinsed off easily with water. The fibers within the coating are hoped to, in the future, be engineered into sensors that activate to kill bacteria when required.
Eco-Friendly Food Coatings
This Plant-Based Coating Could Replace Plastic Packaging
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Packaging - The development of this plant-based coating highlights an opportunity for the packaging industry to shift towards a more sustainable future.
2. Natural Antimicrobial Agents - The use of natural antimicrobial agents in this coating presents opportunities for the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial products for various industries.
3. Smart Coating Technology - The potential use of engineered fibers within this coating as sensors presents an opportunity for the development of smarter and more efficient coating technologies.
Industry Implications
1. Food Packaging - This plant-based coating provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the food packaging industry to shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.
2. Food Preservation - The natural antimicrobial agents in this coating offer potential for the development of eco-friendly food preservation methods in the food industry.
3. Coating Technology - The use of engineered fibers as sensors in this coating presents opportunities for the development of smarter and more efficient coating technologies in various industries.