journal article·2025-01-31Open access

Sustainability in Bio-Based Edible Films, Coatings, and Packaging for Small Fruits

Ivo Oliveira, Teresa Pinto, Sílvia Afonso, Monika Karaś, Urszula Szymanowska, Berta Gonçalves, Alice Vilela

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 3

Abstract

Sustainability in bio-based edible films, coatings, and packaging integrates environmental, economic, and social sustainability using renewable resources. These materials offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics and can extend the shelf life of fruits. The wine industry’s by-products, rich in bioactive compounds, can create bio-based films and coatings. However, some challenges and limitations may occur. Producing bio-based films and coatings on a commercial scale can be challenging, requiring significant investment in research and development. While bio-based materials offer many benefits, they may not always match synthetic plastics’ mechanical strength and barrier properties. However, ongoing research is actively working to improve the functionality and durability of these materials, offering hope for the future. Bio-based materials can be more expensive to produce than conventional plastics, which may limit their widespread adoption without economic incentives or subsidies. Therefore, this review, which aims to provide a literature review about the benefits, challenges, and prospects of the sustainability offered using bio-based edible films, coatings, and packaging, particularly in small fruits and grapevine by-products, is important in the field.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging · Botanical Research and Applications · biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Biology, Centre for the Research and Technology for Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production—Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Life Sciences, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland

Department of Agronomy (DAgro), Chemistry Research Centre (CQ-VR), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

Funding

CQ-VR · Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology · project LA/P/0126/2020

References (100+)

Show source-provided references
1. Díaz-Montes, E., and Castro-Muñoz, R. (2021). Edible Films and Coatings as Food-Quality Preservers: An Overview. Foods, 10.10.3390/foods10020249 ↗
2. Martins, V.F.R., Pintado, M.E., Morais, R.M.S.C., and Morais, A.M.M.B. (2024). Recent Highlights in Sustainable Bio-Based Edible Films and Coatings for Fruit and Vegetable Applications. Foods, 13.10.3390/foods13020318 ↗
3. Pei, J., Palanisamy, C.P., Srinivasan, G.P., Panagal, M., Kumar, S.S.D., and Mironescu, M. (2024). A comprehensive review on starch-based sustainable edible films loaded with bioactive components for food packaging. Int. J. Biol. Macromol., 274.10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133332 ↗
4. Edible microbial cellulose-based antimicrobial coatings and films containing clove extract10.1186/s43014-024-00241-9 ↗
5. Cosme, F., and Vilela, A. (2021). Chitin and Chitosan in the Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry: An Overview. Appl. Sci., 11.10.3390/app112311427 ↗
6. Bio-based film development: Harnessing alginate and fucoidan extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum with glycerol and choline chloride-based solvent10.1016/j.foodhyd.2024.110013 ↗
7. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and their implementation: A national global framework for health, development and equity needs a systems approach at every level
8. Recent Advances in Edible Coating of Food Products and Its Legislations: A Review
9. Bose, I., Roy, S., Pandey, V., and Singh, R. (2023). A comprehensive review on significance and advancements of antimicrobial agents in bio-degradable food packaging. Antibiotics, 12.10.3390/antibiotics12060968 ↗
10. Bioplastics for a circular economy10.1038/s41578-021-00407-8 ↗
11. Ncube, L.K., Ude, A.U., Ogunmuyiwa, E.N., Zulkifli, R., and Beas, I.N. (2020). Environmental Impact of Food Packaging Materials: A Review of Contemporary Development from Conventional Plastics to Polylactic Acid Based Materials. Materials, 13.10.3390/ma13214994 ↗
12. Mazhandu, Z.S., Muzenda, E., Mamvura, T.A., Belaid, M., and Nhubu, T. (2020). Integrated and Consolidated Review of Plastic Waste Management and Bio-Based Biodegradable Plastics: Challenges and Opportunities. Sustainability, 12.10.3390/su12208360 ↗
13. Leal Filho, W., Azul, A.M., Brandli, L., Lange Salvia, A., and Wall, T. (2021). Natural Environment and Human Well-Being. Life on Land, Springer. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.10.1007/978-3-319-95981-8 ↗
14. Morashti, J.A., An, Y., and Jang, H. (2022). A Systematic Literature Review of Sustainable Packaging in Supply Chain Management. Sustainability, 14.10.3390/su14094921 ↗
15. Eissenberger, K., Ballesteros, A., De Bisschop, R., Bugnicourt, E., Cinelli, P., Defoin, M., Demeyer, E., Fürtauer, S., Gioia, C., and Gómez, L. (2023). Approaches in Sustainable, Biobased Multilayer Packaging Solutions. Polymers, 15.10.3390/polym15051184 ↗
16. Ungureanu, C., Tihan, G., Zgârian, R., and Pandelea, G. (2023). Bio-Coatings for Preservation of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Coatings, 13.10.3390/coatings13081420 ↗
17. Cocetta, G., and Natalini, A. (2022). Ethylene: Management and breeding for postharvest quality in vegetable crops. A review. Front. Plant Sci., 13.10.3389/fpls.2022.968315 ↗
18. Water loss of fresh fruit: Influencing pre-harvest, harvest and postharvest factors10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109519 ↗
19. Innovative edible coatings for postharvest storage of sweet cherries10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111738 ↗
20. Angeloni, C., Malaguti, M., Prata, C., Freschi, M., Barbalace, M., and Hrelia, S. (2023). Mechanisms Underlying Neurodegenerative Disorders and Potential Neuroprotective Activity of Agrifood By-Products. Antioxidants, 12.10.3390/antiox12010094 ↗
21. Vilela, A., Cruz, I., Oliveira, I., Pinto, A., and Pinto, T. (2022). Sensory and Nutraceutical Properties of Infusions Prepared with Grape Pomace and Edible-Coated Dried–Minced Grapes. Coatings, 12.10.3390/coatings12040443 ↗
22. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS): History and description10.1016/j.toxlet.2003.07.004 ↗
23. (2004). Regulation (EC). No 1935/2004. REGULATION
24. (EC) No 1935/2004 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUN-CIL of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and repealing Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC. Off. J. Eur. Union, 338, 4-17.
25. (2024, October 05). Codex Alimentarius 2024. Available online: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/.
26. Packaging films based on biopolymers from sea-food processing wastes: Preparation, properties, and their applications for shelf-life extension of seafoods—A comprehensive review10.1111/1541-4337.13230 ↗
27. Mahmud, N., Islam, J., and Tahergorabi, R. (2021). Marine Biopolymers: Applications in Food Packaging. Processes, 9.10.3390/pr9122245 ↗
28. Advancements in edible films for aquatic product preservation and packaging10.1111/raq.12880 ↗
29. Edible films and coatings for food packaging applications: A review10.1007/s10311-021-01339-z ↗
30. Dilucia, F., Lacivita, V., Conte, A., and Del Nobile, M.A. (2020). Sustainable use of fruit and vegetable by-products to enhance food packaging performance. Foods, 9.10.3390/foods9070857 ↗
31. Fish gelatin: A renewable material for developing active biodegradable films
32. Aquatic polymer-based edible films of fish gelatin crosslinked with alginate dialdehyde having enhanced physicochemical properties10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117317 ↗
33. Development of active gelatin films by means of valorisation of food processing waste: A review10.1016/j.foodhyd.2016.08.021 ↗
34. Edible films/coating with tailored properties for active packaging of meat, fish and derived products10.1016/j.tifs.2020.01.032 ↗
35. Development of active films poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate)—PBAT incorporated with oregano essential oil and application in fish fillet preservation10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.06.058 ↗
36. Socaciu, M.-I., Semeniuc, C.A., and Vodnar, D.C. (2018). Edible Films and Coatings for Fresh Fish Packaging: Focus on Quality Changes and Shelf-life Extension. Coatings, 8.10.3390/coatings8100366 ↗
37. Effect of polymer mixture on bio-plastic development from fish waste10.20950/1678-2305.2019.45.4.518 ↗
38. Chitosan based nanocomposite films and coatings: Emerging antimicrobial food packaging alternatives10.1016/j.tifs.2020.01.002 ↗
39. Adegoke, I.I., Oberholster, P.J., and Erasmus, M. (2023). From garbage to treasure: A review on biorefinery of organic solid wastes into valuable biobased products. Bioresour. Technol. Rep., 24.10.1016/j.biteb.2023.101610 ↗
40. Rațu, R.N., Veleșcu, I.D., Stoica, F., Usturoi, A., Arsenoaia, V.N., Crivei, I.C., Postolache, A.N., Lipșa, F.D., Filipov, F., and Florea, A.M. (2023). Application of agri-food by-products in the food industry. Agriculture, 13.10.3390/agriculture13081559 ↗
41. Silva, V., Oliveira, I., Pereira, J.A., and Gonçalves, B. (2024). Almond by-products substrates as sustainable amendments for green bean cultivation. Plants, 13.10.3390/plants13040540 ↗
42. Processing agroindustry by-products for obtaining value-added products and reducing environmental impact
43. Plant-based edible films and coatings for food-packaging applications: Recent advances, applications, and trends10.1039/D4FB00110A ↗
44. Olawade, D.B., Wada, O.Z., and Ige, A.O. (2024). Advances and recent trends in plant-based materials and edible films: A mini-review. Front. Chem., 12.10.3389/fchem.2024.1441650 ↗
45. Polysaccharide-based films and coatings for food packaging: A review10.1016/j.foodhyd.2016.09.009 ↗
46. Fabrication of cellulose film with enhanced mechanical properties in ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl)10.3390/ma6041270 ↗
47. Particle alignment effects on mechanical properties of cellulose nano-crystal thin films10.1039/D2MA00870J ↗
48. Kocira, A., Kozłowicz, K., Panasiewicz, K., Staniak, M., Szpunar-Krok, E., and Hortyńska, P. (2021). Polysaccharides as edible films and coatings: Characteristics and influence on fruit and vegetable quality—A Review. Agronomy, 11.10.3390/agronomy11050813 ↗
49. Pillai, A.R.S., Eapen, A.S., Zhang, W., and Roy, S. (2024). Polysaccharide-based edible biopolymer-based coatings for fruit preservation: A Review. Foods, 13.10.3390/foods13101529 ↗
50. Hashemi, S.M.B., Kaveh, S., Abedi, E., and Phimolsiripol, Y. (2023). Polysaccharide-based edible films/coatings for the preservation of meat and fish products: Emphasis on incorporation of lipid-based nanosystems loaded with bioactive compounds. Foods, 12.10.3390/foods12173268 ↗
51. Mihalca, V., Kerezsi, A.D., Weber, A., Gruber-Traub, C., Schmucker, J., Vodnar, D.C., Dulf, F.V., Socaci, S.A., Fărcaș, A., and Mureșan, C.I. (2021). Protein-based films and coatings for food industry applications. Polymers, 13.10.3390/polym13050769 ↗
52. Chen, H., Wang, J., Cheng, Y., Wang, C., Liu, H., Bian, H., Pan, Y., Sun, J., and Han, W. (2019). Application of protein-based films and coatings for food packaging: A review. Polymers, 11.10.3390/polym11122039 ↗
53. Preparation, characterization, and application of edible antibacterial three-layer films based on gelatin–chitosan–corn starch–incorporated nisin10.1016/j.fpsl.2022.100980 ↗
54. Lagarón, J.-M. (2011). Protein-Based Resins for Food Packaging. Multifunctional and Nanore-Inforced Polymers for Food Packaging, Woodhead Publishing.10.1533/9780857092786.1 ↗
55. Sustainable biodegradable coatings for food packaging: Challenges and opportunities10.1039/D3GC02647G ↗
56. Kitsiou, M., Purk, L., Ioannou, C., Wantock, T., Sandison, G., Harle, T., Gutierrez-Merino, J., Klymenko, O.V., and Velliou, E. (2023). On the evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of grape seed extract and cold atmospheric plasma on the dynamics of Listeria monocyto-genes in novel multiphase 3D viscoelastic models. Int. J. Food Microbiol., 406.10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110395 ↗
57. Ivanov, Y., and Godjevargova, T. (2024). Antimicrobial polymer films with grape seed and skin extracts for food packaging. Microorganisms, 12.10.3390/microorganisms12071378 ↗
58. Effects of polyphenol-rich grape seed and green tea extracts on the physicochemical properties of 3D-printed edible soy protein films10.1016/j.fpsl.2023.101184 ↗
59. Figueroa López, K., Villabona-Ortíz, Á., and Ortega-Toro, R. (2024). Sustainable starch-based films from cereals and tubers: A comparative study on cherry tomato preservation. Polymers, 16.10.3390/polym16202913 ↗
60. Innovations in applications and prospects of bioplastics and biopolymers: A review10.1007/s10311-021-01334-4 ↗
61. Bouchard, J., Malalgoda, M., Storsley, J., Malunga, L., Netticadan, T., and Thandapilly, S.J. (2022). Health benefits of cereal grain- and pulse-derived proteins. Molecules, 27.10.3390/molecules27123746 ↗
62. Wang, C., An, X., Lu, Y., Li, Z., Gao, Z., and Tian, S. (2022). Biodegradable active packaging material containing grape seed ethanol extract and corn starch/κ-carrageenan composite film. Polymers, 14.10.21203/rs.3.rs-1726538/v2 ↗
63. Effect of using biodegradable film constituting red grape anthocyanins as a novel packaging on the qualitative attributes of emergency food bars during storage10.1002/fsn3.3951 ↗
64. Bio-based films and coatings: Sustainable polysaccharide packaging alternatives for the food industry10.1007/s10924-022-02442-0 ↗
65. Current status of biobased and biodegradable food packaging materials: Impact on food quality and effect of innovative processing technologies10.1111/1541-4337.12715 ↗
66. Recent developments in gum edible coating applications for fruits and vegetables preservation: A review10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115141 ↗
67. Novel grasshopper protein/soy protein isolate/pullulan ternary blend with hesperidin derivative for antimicrobial edible film10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.104563 ↗
68. Antibacterial activity in gelatin-bacterial cellulose composite film by thermally crosslinking with cinnamaldehyde towards food packaging application10.1016/j.fpsl.2021.100766 ↗
69. Importance of gelatin, nanoparticles and their interactions in the formulation of biodegradable composite films: A review10.1007/s00289-020-03283-4 ↗
70. Optimization of collagen extraction from chicken feet by papain hydrolysis and synthesis of chicken feet collagen based biopolymeric fibres10.1016/j.fbio.2018.03.003 ↗
71. A review of gelatin: Properties, sources, process, applications, and commercialisation10.1016/j.matpr.2020.12.922 ↗
72. The potential of proteins for producing food packaging materials: A review10.1002/pts.2198 ↗
73. Structural characteristics of camel-bone gelatin by demineralization and extraction10.1080/10942912.2016.1244543 ↗
74. Amani, F., Rezaei, A., Akbari, H., Dima, C., and Jafari, S. (2022). Active packaging films made by complex coacervation of tragacanth gum and gelatin loaded with curcumin, characterization and antioxidant activity. Foods, 11.10.3390/foods11203168 ↗
75. Ștefănescu, B.E., Socaciu, C., and Vodnar, D.C. (2022). Recent progress in functional edible food packaging based on gelatin and chitosan. Coatings, 12.10.3390/coatings12121815 ↗
76. Investigation of the physicochemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of gelatin-chitosan edible film mixed with plant ethanolic extracts10.1016/j.fbio.2016.07.003 ↗
77. Yan, D., Li, Y., Liu, Y., Li, N., Zhang, X., and Yan, C. (2021). Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan and Chitosan Derivatives in the Treatment of Enteric Infections. Molecules, 26.10.3390/molecules26237136 ↗
78. Fatima, S., Mir, M., Khan, M., Sayyed, R., and Masih, R. (2022). The Optimization of Gelatin Extraction from Chicken Feet and the Development of Gelatin Based Active Packaging for the Shelf-Life Extension of Fresh Grapes. Sustainability, 14.10.3390/su14137881 ↗
79. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study on the structure of sodium caseinate in dispersions and at the oil-water interface: Effect of calcium ions10.1016/j.foostr.2022.100276 ↗
80. Review of recent progress in Chitosan/chitin-carbonaceous material composites for the adsorption of water pollutants10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116690 ↗
81. Development of multifunctional food packaging films based on chitosan, TiO2 nanoparticles and anthocyanin-rich black plum peel extract10.1016/j.foodhyd.2019.03.009 ↗
82. Antimicrobial activity of Chitosan and a chitosan oligomer against bacterial pathogens of Warmwater Fish10.1111/jam.13460 ↗
83. Oxygen scavengers for Food Packaging Applications: A Review10.1016/j.tifs.2019.05.013 ↗
84. Gerna, S., D’Incecco, P., Limbo, S., Sindaco, M., and Pellegrino, L. (2023). Strategies for Exploiting Milk Protein Properties in Making Films and Coatings for Food Packaging: A Review. Foods, 12.10.3390/foods12061271 ↗
85. Liyanapathiranage, A., Dassanayake, R.S., Gamage, A., Karri, R.R., Manamperi, A., Evon, P., Jayakodi, Y., Madhujith, T., and Merah, O. (2023). Recent developments in edible films and coatings for fruits and vegetables. Coatings, 13.10.20944/preprints202305.2142.v1 ↗
86. Milk protein-based edible films and coatings–preparation, properties, and food applications
87. Khan, M., Volpe, S., Valentino, M., Miele, N., Cavella, S., and Torrieri, E. (2021). Active Casein Coatings and Films for Perishable Foods: Structural Properties and Shelf-Life Extension. Coatings, 11.10.3390/coatings11080899 ↗
88. Casein/natamycin edible films efficiency for controlling mould growth and on microbiological, chemical and sensory properties during the ripening of Kashar cheese10.1002/jsfa.7348 ↗
89. Application of casein-lipid edible film emulsions to reduce white blush on minimally processed carrots10.1016/0925-5214(94)90043-4 ↗
90. Casein/wax blend extrusion for production of edible films as carriers of potassium sorbate—A comparative study of waxes and potassium sorbate effect10.1016/j.fpsl.2018.01.005 ↗
91. Effects of film constituents on packaging-relevant properties of sodium caseinate-based emulsion films10.1016/j.porgcoat.2017.10.016 ↗
92. Sodium caseinate films containing linseed oil resin as oily modifier10.1016/j.foodhyd.2014.10.016 ↗
93. Preparation of Active Nanocomposite Film Consisting of Sodium Caseinate, ZnO Nanoparticles and Rosemary Essential Oil for Food Packaging Applications
94. Reinforcing and release controlling effect of cellulose nanofiber in sodium caseinate films activated by nanoemulsified cinnamon essential oil10.1016/j.fpsl.2019.100341 ↗
95. Effect of cellulose nanocrystals from sugarcane bagasse on whey protein isolate-based films10.1016/j.foodres.2018.02.052 ↗
96. Sodium caseinate-magnesium aluminum silicate nanocomposite films for modified-release tablets10.1016/j.msec.2018.07.040 ↗
97. Schmid, M., Prinz, T.K., Stäbler, A., and Sängerlaub, S. (2017). Effect of Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, and Urea on the Molecular Interactions and Properties of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Films. Front. Chem., 4.10.3389/fchem.2016.00049 ↗
98. Evaluation of probiotic carboxymethyl cellulose-sodium caseinate films and their application in extending shelf life quality of fresh trout fillets10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109305 ↗
99. Whey protein films added with galactooligosaccharide and xylooligosaccharide10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.105755 ↗
100. Nunes, C., Silva, M., Farinha, D., Sales, H., Pontes, R., and Nunes, J. (2023). Edible Coatings and Future Trends in Active Food Packaging–Fruits’ and Traditional Sausages’ Shelf Life Increasing. Foods, 12.10.3390/foods12173308 ↗