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Eco-Smart Packaging: A Green Approach to Prolonging Freshness of Chicken and Chicken Products
Summary
Researchers reviewed advances in sustainable bio-based packaging systems for chicken and poultry products, finding that materials incorporating natural extracts, ZnO nanoparticles, and biopolymer matrices can extend shelf life and reduce the microplastic release and environmental harm associated with conventional plastic packaging.
Food waste is a critical global concern, with a significant portion resulting from the spoilage of perishable items like meat and meat products. Among these, chicken is the most popular and widely consumed protein-rich staple but highly susceptible to microbial degradation, leading to foodborne illnesses and economic losses. Novel preservation methods are needed to address this challenge. Advanced packaging systems are playing an important role in extending preservation beyond mere protection, containment and information. A key advantage of these advanced packaging solutions is their eco-friendly nature, compared to conventional plastic-based packaging, thereby offering sustainable alternatives while maintaining food quality and safety. Conventional plastic packaging preserves chicken to a limited extent with passive protection, while its non-biodegradability, microplastic release and resource depletion pose serious environmental concerns. This review explores advancements in sustainable chicken packaging, focusing on bio-based materials and their role in its preservation. Key trends include the enhancement of antimicrobial efficacy, use of natural extracts-particularly essential oils-as functional additives and the increasing adoption of bio-based nanocomposites, with PVA and gelatin being the most commonly used matrix. Among various nanomaterials, ZnO nanoparticles are frequently incorporated due to their safety and compliance with permissible limits. The barrier properties of packaging against UV, gases and moisture are essential to prevent oxidation, preserve the colour, odour and texture of chicken and chicken products and inhibit microbial growth, under diverse storage conditions. However, research on migration and toxicity is limited, raising concerns about chemical leaching, health effects and bioaccumulation, while large-scale use of bio-based packaging depends on production ease, scalability and affordability.