What is the role of active packaging in the future of food sustainability? A systematic review

J Sci Food Agric. 2023 Feb;103(3):1004-1020. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.11880. Epub 2022 Apr 2.

Abstract

Nowadays, the strong increase in products consumption, the purchase of products on online platforms as well as the requirements for greater safety and food protection are a concern for food and packaging industries. Active packaging brings huge advances in the extension of product shelf-life and food degradation and losses reduction. This systematic work aims to collect and evaluate all existing strategies and technologies of active packaging that can be applied in food products, with a global view of new possibilities for food preservation. Oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide emitters/absorbers, ethylene scavengers, antimicrobial and antioxidant active packaging, and other active systems and technologies are summarized including the products commercially available and the respective mechanisms of action. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Keywords: active packaging; antimicrobial; antioxidant; carbon dioxide emitter; ethylene scavenger; food packaging; oxygen scavenger.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • Antioxidants
  • Food Packaging*
  • Food Preservation

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Anti-Infective Agents