Development of a novel food packaging material with enhanced biodegradability and barrier properties for extended shelf life

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the development of a novel food packaging material aimed at enhancing biodegradability and barrier properties to extend the shelf life of packaged food products. The need for sustainable packaging solutions has become increasingly important in the food industry due to environmental concerns associated with traditional packaging materials. This study addresses these challenges by exploring innovative approaches to create a packaging material that not only protects the quality and safety of food products but also minimizes its environmental impact through enhanced biodegradability. The introduction provides an overview of the significance of sustainable packaging in the food industry and highlights the motivation for developing a novel packaging material. The background of the study delves into the current trends and challenges in food packaging, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly alternatives. The problem statement identifies the gaps in existing packaging materials and sets the foundation for the research objectives. The objectives of the study are to design and develop a novel food packaging material that offers improved biodegradability and enhanced barrier properties. The limitations and scope of the study are also outlined to provide a clear understanding of the research boundaries. The significance of the study lies in its potential to offer a sustainable solution that addresses both environmental concerns and food safety requirements. The literature review chapter critically examines existing research and technologies related to biodegradable packaging materials and barrier properties. The review highlights key findings and gaps in the current knowledge, providing a foundation for the development of the novel packaging material. The research methodology chapter details the experimental approach and techniques used in developing the novel food packaging material. It includes information on material selection, manufacturing processes, testing methods, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses the criteria used to evaluate the performance of the packaging material in terms of biodegradability and barrier properties. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the experimental work, including the characterization of the developed packaging material and its performance in terms of biodegradability and barrier properties. The findings are analyzed and discussed in relation to the research objectives, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the novel packaging material. In conclusion, this thesis presents a comprehensive overview of the development of a novel food packaging material with enhanced biodegradability and barrier properties for extended shelf life. The study contributes to the ongoing efforts to create sustainable packaging solutions that meet the dual objectives of environmental sustainability and food safety. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for the food industry and pave the way for future advancements in eco-friendly packaging materials.