Recent Trends in Active Food Packaging

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is related to one of the most innovative applications in the field of the food industry, which is active food packaging. The development of new active systems for food packaging is becoming an object of increased interest and research due to its high potential to improve the protection of packaged food. The traditional concept of minimal interaction between packaging and foodstuffs has been cast aside with the development of active packaging, where such interactions are considered beneficial. These systems interact with food or with its headspace, modifying positively the sensorial, nutritive, and microbiological properties of food and consequently increasing its shelf-life and overall quality. In particular, antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging systems have caught the attention of the food processing industries, as these systems are able to control microbiological growth and avoid the oxidative deterioration of perishable food. For this purpose, antioxidant and preservative compounds are added or released into the headspace of packaging by using sachets, labels, or films since the controlled release of these active compounds is an important issue. Active packaging systems also involve scavenging or the absorption of undesirable compounds such as ethylene, moisture, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and off-flavours.

Different strategies have been reported for the development of new active food packaging systems, including active nanocomposites, edible or biodegradable materials, and the use of natural plant extracts due to the current consumer's preference for more sustainable packaging materials. The production of multilayer matrices for the incorporation and controlled release of active components towards foodstuffs is also a trending technology.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight cutting-edge technologies in the field of new materials for active food packaging, including the synthesis, modification, and functionalization of polymer matrices as well as the extraction, isolation, and purification of chemicals with different functionalities to be used in this application. Reviews of future studies, perspectives, and policy issues are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Alfonso Jimenez
Prof. Dr. María Carmen Garrigós Selva
Guest Editors

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