Scientists have created a safe alternative to plastic packaging

Scientists from Rutgers University and Harvard developedProtecting foods with biopolymer fibers / Nature Food plant-based packaging that is safer and more environmentally friendly than plastic. This is a special compound that can be sprayed onto food to protect food from bacteria and physical damage.

Such a film consists of fibers based on a biopolymer and a polysaccharide (the most common carbohydrate in food). The resulting protection is strong enough to protect fruits and vegetables from dents, and due to natural antimicrobial substances (citric acid, nisin and thyme oil), it allows you to fight bacteria and viruses.

During tests, such packaging was able to extend the shelf life of avocados by 50%. At the same time, it completely decomposes in just three days and is washed off with plain water. Moreover, fiber can be obtained by processing spoiled food. Thus, the production of packaging will further reduce the amount of waste.

So far, there are no plans to launch mass production of such a film. Probably, we will not be able to take bread or vegetables in eco-friendly packaging from the store shelf soon, but we hope that sooner or later this will happen. Such a coating can reduce the load on landfills, limit the spread microplastics and reduce food waste.