Plastic waste is a massive problem in the world, but it is one of the most important materials that will help to protect food and shield it from harmful germs or bacteria that may lead to spoilage or diseases. However, what if there is a way to avoid plastic use and keep germs away from biodegradable products such as foods and produce, as developed by researchers?
Plant-based food wraps in the form of sprays are under development by researchers now.
Plant-Based Food Wraps: Avoid the Use of Plastics, Keep Food Fresh
(Photo : John Cameron on Unsplash)
Researchers from Rutgers University and Harvard University joined together to develop a new way to protect food from germs and spoilage, and it aims to eliminate single-use plastics for packaging. According to Phys.org, the alternative packaging from the researchers is a spray-on application, meaning that users would have to spray it onto their foods.
These sprays are not chemicals that would harm the food or change its composition, only that they will form a protective layer on it, so that users may consume it later on. The food wraps would no longer need to use plastics to cover them, as it already has a protective layer that will shield them, and help them retain freshness longer.
Its research tested on an avocado showed that it kept its freshness 50 percent more than average plastic coverings.
Germs Away: This Food Wrap Aims to Keep it Fresh At All Times
One of the most important offers of this spray-on food wrap is to keep the germs away, and it aims to keep it fresh at all times, longer than expected. It is one promising innovation from researchers, while also focusing on its environmental effects that would help reduce pollution and plastic needs among the public.
Food Packaging and Plastics in the World
Many research studies in the world focus on eliminating single-use plastics for their applications, allowing the public to have a better environment without the threat of destruction. However, it is only starting now, and most corporations have massive dependence on the said material and use it for most packaging, including food.
A good side and a bad side are always present in these situations, and plastics also have an advantage over other materials in the market. It is waterproof and can protect the food more, compared to paper that tears due to water or other liquid forms.
Food packaging is mostly using plastic materials to protect and keep its freshness from within, and here, regulatory agencies and NGOs focus on rating based on its environmental effect. Foods are not exempted from plastic use, and users should be wary of their consumption.
Researchers and environmentalists join together to make the world a better place, and it is through significantly reducing plastic use among the public. The spray-on food wraps aim to bring a new option for people to use, especially in the coming years.
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Written by Isaiah Richard
