Edible film industry

Ben, A. and Kurth, L. B. 1995. Edible film coatings for meat cuts and primal. In Meat 95, The Australian Meat Industry Research Conference, Gold Coast, Australia. CSIRO, September 10-12. 

This chapter provides a general overview of the various applications of cellulose in the packaging industry. In general, cellulose application in the packaging industry can be organized around three main topics the preparation of composites, the production of coating materials, and the preparation of edible and non-edible films. Detailed discussions about each of these topics are presented in this chapter. 

To summarize, cellulose applications in the packaging industry can be organized into three main topics. The first one is to extract cellulose from plants and use it directly to prepare composites. The second one is to produce cellulosic plastics like cellulose acetate, which are the best examples of biopolymers derived from renewable resources. The third one is to prepare cellulose coating materials, edible and non-edible films. Therefore, detailed discussions about each of these topics and processes are presented in this chapter along with many related subjects based on cellulose and its derivatives. 

Multicomponent edible films and coatings could have innovative applications in the food industry. The barrier properties of these systems strongly... 

Edible films are arrother form of biodegradable polymer. These films act as moisture and aroma barriers arrd protect the food s mechanical integrity or handling characteristics. Emphasis is also being given for development and use of protein based plastics, polysaccharides, and wood derived plastics. The higher cost of the biodegradable plastics than petrolerrm-based polymers has been the major factor for their lirrtited rrse in food industry. 

Casein is a natural polymer extracted from skim milk proteins. It represents a small but important percentage of all the natural polymers used for the manufacturing of water-based adhesives. The casein formulations are highly soluble in alkaline solutions and in water. Casein polymers (modified or not) are mainly used in the manufacture of adhesives and the packaging industry for breweries, wineries and refrigerated products. Casein is also a binder for paints and an additive for adhesives formulations. It can also be used as a plasticiser for concrete. Beyer Richard (2002) demonstrated die feasibility of preparing casein polymer to make edible films and for food products containing this polymer. 

There are many different types of seaweed extracts used in the food industry. Generally, alginate, carrageenan, agar and furcellan are used for edible films and coatings. 

Pascall, M.A. and Lin, S.-J. 2013. The application of edible polymeric films and coatings in the food industry. J. FoodProc. Technol. 4 ell6. 

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