Researchers from Rutgers University and Harvard University have developed a biodegradable, plant-based coating that can be sprayed on foods, guarding against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms and transportation damage and it could replace the use of plastics entirely.

Figure 1: A biodegradable food package as a substitute of plastics.

Figure 1 shows that “We knew we needed to get rid of the petroleum-based food packaging that is out there and replace it with something more sustainable, biodegradable and nontoxic,” said Philip Democritus.

Democritus added, “And what we have come up with is a scalable technology, which enables us to turn biopolymers, which can be derived as part of a circular economy from food waste, into smart fibers that can wrap food directly. This is part of new generation, ‘smart’ and ‘green’ food packaging.” [1]

The stringy material can be spun from a heating device that resembles a hair dryer and “shrink-wrapped” over foods of various shapes and sizes, such as an avocado or a sirloin steak. The resulting material that encases food products is sturdy enough to protect bruising and contains antimicrobial agents to fight spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli and listeria.

The research paper includes a description of the technology called focused rotary jet spinning, a process by which the biopolymer is produced, and quantitative assessments showing the coating extended the shelf life of avocados by 50 percent. The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days.

The new packaging is targeted at addressing a serious environmental issue: the proliferation of petroleum-based plastic products in the waste stream. [2] Scientists even envision turning the fibers into sensors that could activate to kill bacteria.

There's no mention of near-term plans to put this spray-on wrap replacement into production. It could be a long while before you're picking up bread or fruit with eco-friendly protection. Still, it may be just a matter of time before this technology reaches your grocery store. The coating could reduce the load on landfills, limit the spread of microplastics and minimize food waste. [3]

References:

1. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-scientist-develops-antimicrobial-plant-based-food-wrap-designed-replace-plastic
2. https://www.labmanager.com/news/scientists-develop-antimicrobial-plant-based-food-wrap-to-replace-plastic-28321
3. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/plant-food-wrap-replaces-plastic-163124565.html

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), Grass Based Food Packaging Containers as a Substitute of Plastic, AnaTechMax, pp.187