Can Edible Packaging Reduce the Amount of Plastic Used by the Food Industry?

One of the highest consumers of plastic packaging is the food industry. Many manufacturers use plastic packaging that is often thrown out in regular waste bins. Due to the sheer size of the food industry, this is a large scale issue that is present throughout the world. 

That’s why the food industry will likely change its packaging methods in the upcoming years. Since we can’t go on using that much plastic packaging for individually wrapped food, we’ll have to find new solutions that serve as a sustainable substitute.

One solution that’s already being worked on is edible packaging. While being more than just a little ironic, edible packaging is now being considered as a serious alternative to plastic packaging for certain foods. Contrary to initial reactions, it’s also been quite successful.

A recent Washington Post article covers edible packaging and explains how it’s changing packaging in the food industry. Developed by Harvard professor David Edwards, WikiCells is a new type of edible packaging composed from food. From fruit, nuts, coconut flakes to calcium ions, this new material has the strength to package coffee or ice cream; its design keeps moisture in and prevents oxidization.

There is the possibility of other products also switching over to edible packaging. Other examples appear in Germany’s first packaging-free supermarket, the Unverpackt in the Kreuzberg region of Berlin. One unique offering is their toothpaste, which comes in a single chewable tablet.

Edible packaging is a tasty and environmentally-friendly way of reducing our dependency on plastic. As long as it’s sanitary and saves materials, edible packaging should be considered as a realistic alternative in the food industry.