Active Edible Packaging: A Sustainable Way to Deliver Functional Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceuticals

Edible materials intended for packaging purposes could be used as carriers of bioactive and nutraceutical substances, and consequently to provide an active role in packaging. Active compounds, including a variety of antioxidants, antimicrobials, probiotics, or other functional ingredients incorporated in edible films and coatings could protect foods against deterioration during storage, reducing undesirable effects, extend their shelf life, improve the quality, as well as provide certain health benefits to consumers. Micro- or nano-encapsulation of bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals or other forms of inclusions of bioactives into edible materials aim to increase the stability of bioactive compounds, utilisation and customise their delivery mechanisms from the packaging to food item or human body, but also to extend their usage in a variety of food categories. Proper active inclusions in edible packaging can serve also as indicators, making a smart type of packaging; they could act on humidity, food changes, or deterioration in a timely manner. Applications of active edible packaging for a variety of food items remain still an open field for further investigation; it is a sustainable method of food preservation with environmental concerns for a less polluted world.