What is Edible Packaging?

Edible packaging is a type of packaging made from edible materials that can be safely consumed along with the product. 

Some examples of edible food packaging include:​

"yes" lettering with decorative red and black letters on wooden surface with white brick wall at background - depositphotos.com

1. Coatings - made from cellulose, soy or whey protein that can be used to coat food products and extend their shelf life.

2. Milk protein-based packaging - made from casein, a milk protein that can be used as a coating for food products.

3. Edible seaweed packaging - made from seaweed

4. Antibacterial edible films - made from natural materials like chitosan, a substance derived from the shells of crustaceans that has antimicrobial properties.

5. Antimicrobial coatings - applied to food packaging to reduce the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

​6. Edible sugar-based packaging - made from sugar, a renewable and biodegradable material that can be used to make films and containers for food.

Dr. Claire Sand
Food Packaging Expert
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Associated

Sustainable Packaging

​Smart Packaging

Intelligent Packaging

Active Packaging

Antimicrobial Packaging

PTR identifies the right packaging science and the value chain initiatives for you to optimize your packaging  - including using edible packaging solutions.

Reach out to discuss your project >

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Featured Edible Packaging Case Study

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Frequently asked questions 

What are the benefits of edible packaging?
Edible packaging can reduce food waste by providing an oxygen or moisture barrier within a product or on the outside of a product and provide additional nutrients to the consumer.

​How does edible packaging reduce waste?
Edible packaging can reduce the need for other types of packaging.

Related Content & Insights

Selected related content includes:

1. ARTICLE: Antimicrobials Grant Superpowers to Food Packaging  
2. ARTICLE: Antimicrobial Packaging on the Rise Again​
3. PRESENTATION: Packaging for food waste minimization in symposia: Food loss and waste minimization in fruit and vegetable chains: global perspectives and opportunities for transformation into high-value products and ingredients  

Check out more articles, presentations and insights!

Read more about Edible Packaging >

We frequently work with food industry clients on edible packaging solutions including:

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Farms & Produce Companies

PTR projects include direct from farm packaging , support of produce packaging including fruit packaging and vegetable packaging 

Frozen Food Companies

Our project work includes frozen bakery packaging, frozen fruit packaging, frozen vegetable packaging and frozen meat packaging.

Bakery

Packaging for fresh breads, pastry packaging, cake packaging, desert packaging and more!