Edible packaging is set to revolutionize the food industry with new composite materials being developed to replace traditional plastic packaging.

Scientists from the University of Birmingham have developed a new composite material that combines two biopolymers – cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and alginate – to create a transparent, edible and biodegradable material that could be used for packaging food and drink.

The new material is made from a type of biocellulose, a material derived from plants and algae, which is then combined with alginate, a material derived from seaweed. This combination of biopolymers creates a material that is both strong and flexible, making it ideal for packaging. The material is also edible and biodegradable, which means it could be an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org