Final Report Summary

 

1.1.3 History of edible food packaging 

Edible packaging was used in the production of sausages, preserving meat by stuffing it in animal intestines, a process developed by Sumerians in Mesopotamia around 3000 B.C., and by Chinese settlers in China around 580 B.C. Wax was used in citrus fruits to prevent moisture loss and to promote a shiny surface in China around the 12th century. This type of packaging can be produced from bioproducts, e.g., polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, or biocomposites, that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and recyclable and of renewable origin. A particular type of edible thin film made from the skin of boiled soy milk was used in Japan during the 15th century to cover different foods. During the 16th century in China and Europe, animal grease (lard) and wax were used to coat fruits and other food products for their conservation and later consumption. And later, back in the 19th century, a coating made from gelatin was patented by the USA and used in meat products. As synthetic plastics dominated the packaging market after WWII, the use of edible resources for packaging was left behind until recently.

Figure 4

Photo of Women Cleaning Casings at Swift Company Packing House, Chicago, IL

Note: Library of Congress Digital Collection, Reproduction no. LC-USZ62-50217. The worst, filthiest and smelliest work was cleaning animal intestines to be used as sausage casings.

2.1 Biscuit containers lined with seaweed (Proposed Solution)

Biscuit containers are currently unable to store liquid-based foods due to their moisture-absorbing nature. To address the issue, seaweed is being considered as a viable option to assist in eliminating this concern. Seaweed possesses properties that make it ideal for food packaging, including its natural moisture, thermal and oxygen resistance, which helps preserve food freshness, quality and extends food shelf life. It can also be processed into films or coatings that can be used to wrap or cover various food products using different methods such as grinding, blending, or extrusion. The natural polysaccharides obtained from seaweeds such as alginates, carrageenan, ulvans, fucoidans, and laminarins are enormously significant in the film-forming ability of seaweeds. The texture and strength of seaweed packaging can vary, making it a versatile packaging option for various food items like sushi, sandwiches, and fruits, and can be tailored to suit different shapes and sizes.

Some companies such as Sway and Evoware, make seaweed-based packaging an alternative to plastics. Sway produces eco-friendly seaweed-based packaging as a substitute for plastic, with $2.5 million in funding from Valor Siren Ventures. They aim to create two compostable products, including retail and polybags, which are durable, non-toxic, and have a carbon-negative effect. Evoware creates halal-certified food packaging and containers using seaweed that are biodegradable, edible, and nutrient-rich. These products can also improve soil quality when disposed of.

3.1 Biscuit containers lined with seaweed (Benefits)

Seaweed is gaining popularity as an alternative to plastic packaging due to its sustainability, renewability, and biodegradability. The growth and utilisation of seaweed eases the waste management process as it is biodegradable and the packaging can be naturally decomposed. This reduction in the production of plastic will directly contribute to a reduction in gas emissions and the contamination of soil, water, and air. Some studies have reported that it takes a hectare of the ocean to create 40 tons of dry seaweed. During processing, that same volume can absorb 20.7 tons of CO2 emissions. Although the initial cost of production may be higher, the long-term benefits of using a sustainable and biodegradable material can outweigh the investment. Seaweed is also a highly nutritious food that offers various health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of cancer. To sum up, seaweed packaging is an excellent alternative to traditional plastic packaging due to its sustainability, biodegradability, and edible nature. It is a renewable resource that can help reduce plastic waste, and it has multiple applications for food packaging. The increasing popularity of seaweed packaging highlights the need for more sustainable packaging options in today's world, where plastic pollution is becoming a significant environmental concern.

4.1 Biscuit containers lined with seaweed (Evaluation)

While seaweed shows promise as an alternative to plastic containers, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before it can be widely adopted. One challenge is the need for more research and development to improve the properties of seaweed packaging, such as its strength and moisture resistance. Another challenge is the cost of production, as seaweed is currently more expensive to produce than traditional plastic containers. 

Seaweed has the potential to be an environmentally friendly and nutritious alternative to traditional plastic containers. While there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, the use of seaweed as an edible food container material is a promising development in the fight against plastic pollution.