Promising technology belongs to scientists from Rutgers University. They have developed a biodegradable, plant-based coating that can be sprayed onto food. The resulting film will protect against pathogenic microorganisms and damage during transportation. Such packaging reportedly extends the shelf life of tested avocados by 50 percent.

Development details

The scientific article was published in the journal Nature Food. According to him, the new packaging technology uses fibers based on biopolymers and polysaccharides. Like a web, the fibrous material can be woven and wrapped into products of different shapes and sizes using a device similar to a hair dryer.

The resulting material is strong enough to protect against foreign liquids and dry matter, and also contains antimicrobial elements. The fibers are impregnated with natural antimicrobial ingredients such as oregano oil, citric acid and scrub. such a movie It can even fight Escherichia colileaving products fresh for a long time.

The technology of the film, which decomposes in the soil for three days and can be easily washed from products with ordinary water, was called “focused rotary jet spinning”.

We need to get rid of petroleum-based food packaging and replace it with something biodegradable and non-toxic. At the same time, we ask ourselves, “Can we develop packaging for products that will reduce food waste and extend shelf life while increasing food safety?” we asked. Our technology allows you to convert biopolymers into fibers that can wrap food directly. This is a new level, “smart” and “green” food packaging,
– says Philip Democritus, head of the study.

Nothing has been said about commercialization yet. But companies that focus on environmentally friendly production and waste reduction are clearly interested in technology. Tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean today. At the same time, 30 times more waste lies at the bottom than floats on the surface.