Development of novel food packaging materials for enhanced freshness and shelf life of perishable food products

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The demand for fresh and safe food products with extended shelf life has been on the rise due to changing consumer preferences and global food safety concerns. This thesis focuses on the development of novel food packaging materials to enhance the freshness and prolong the shelf life of perishable food products. The study begins with an introduction to the importance of food packaging in preserving product quality and safety. The background of the study provides an overview of existing packaging materials and technologies, highlighting the limitations and challenges faced in current food packaging systems. The problem statement identifies the need for innovative packaging solutions to address issues such as food spoilage, contamination, and waste. The objective of the study is to develop and evaluate novel packaging materials that can effectively extend the shelf life of perishable food products while maintaining their freshness and quality. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including budget constraints, time limitations, and potential technical challenges in material development and testing. The scope of the study covers the design, fabrication, and testing of novel packaging materials using sustainable and food-safe components. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions that can reduce food waste and enhance food safety. The structure of the thesis is outlined to provide a roadmap for the reader, guiding them through the chapters and sections that present the research findings and conclusions. The literature review chapter critically analyzes existing research on food packaging materials, exploring factors influencing freshness and shelf life extension. The research methodology chapter details the experimental design, material selection criteria, testing procedures, and data analysis methods employed in the study. The findings chapter presents the results of material characterization, performance evaluation, and comparison with conventional packaging solutions. The discussion of findings chapter interprets the results in the context of the research objectives, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the developed packaging materials. Finally, the conclusion and summary chapter offer a comprehensive overview of the study outcomes, including recommendations for future research and practical applications of the novel packaging materials. Overall, this thesis contributes to the advancement of food packaging technology towards sustainable and effective solutions for enhancing freshness and shelf life of perishable food products.