Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Nanakpreet Kaur

Abstract:
In today’s era with the advancement of technology in every sector, food industries are also seeking for new inventions in the packaging unit operations due to multiple ill effects of traditional version of packaging materials which are constantly giving rise to environmental pollution. Edible films are manufactured in order to enhance food product quality, shelf life extension, safeguarding food from numerous atmospheric conditions with additional benefits such as providing antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutritional properties. By-products of fruits and vegetables are rich source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, proteins and bioactive compounds which are discarded as waste and loss of nutrition in the form of peels, pomace and seeds ultimately leads to environmental hazards. Edible films production is the best alternative to prevent food waste and reduction in the use of plastic based packaging materials. The current review focuses on the edible films prepared using by-products of fruits and vegetables, components of edible films and application of edible films in the preservation of fruits and vegetables.