Edible Packaging for Food Concentrate with Barrier Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current edible packaging materials face challenges such as being perceived as unhygienic due to consumer handling, limited use for products with long shelf lives, and recyclability issues, especially for hygroscopic and lipid-containing food concentrates that require strong aroma and oxygen barriers.
Innovation Solution
A packaging assembly comprising an edible primary packaging layer with compounds like gellans, waxes, whey protein isolate, and cellulose, which provides the necessary barrier properties, combined with a recyclable secondary packaging that protects the primary layer from consumer contact and facilitates easy recycling or biodegradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If edible packaging materials are used for concentrated food products, then sustainability and edibility are improved, but barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and aroma are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining edible packaging materials (such as biopolymers, waxes, or proteins) with non-edible barrier layers (such as biodegradable polymers or recyclable materials) to create a multi-layer packaging structure. The edible layer provides sustainability and safety, while the non-edible layer provides the necessary barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and aroma loss for concentrated food products.
2Reliability
If edible packaging is used without outer protection, then edibility is maintained, but hygiene is compromised due to consumer handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packaging into distinct functional layers: an inner edible packaging layer that remains untouched by consumers and an outer protective layer that consumers handle. This segmentation allows the edible layer to maintain its edibility and safety, while the outer layer protects it from contamination during storage, transport, and display.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple packaging layers are used to protect edible packaging, then hygiene and barrier properties are improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the outer protective layer by selecting biodegradable polymers or recyclable materials that can be easily separated from the edible inner layer. This allows the outer layer to be recycled or composted independently, maintaining recyclability while providing the necessary protection for the edible packaging.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional packaging is used for concentrated food products, then barrier properties are sufficient, but environmental sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing the outer protective layer to be biodegradable or recyclable, allowing it to be discarded in an environmentally friendly manner after use. The edible inner layer can be consumed with the food product, eliminating the need for disposal and reducing waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for the packaging of concentrated food products with extended shelf life in ambient conditions while maintaining the edible primary packaging's integrity and enabling recyclable or biodegradable secondary packaging, addressing concerns of hygiene and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the edible primary packaging provides the required barrier properties
Implementation Method 2
the edible primary packaging comprises compounds selected from the group consisting of gellans, waxes, whey protein isolate, cellulose, alginates
Implementation Method 3
whey protein isolate, corn zein, gluten, soy protein, caseinate
Implementation Method 4
due to their concentration - they are often hygroscopic
Implementation Method 5
a recyclable secondary packing, wherein the edible primary packaging provides the required barrier properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the field of packaged food products. In particular, the present invention relates to a packaged food product, wherein the packaging comprises at least one edible packaging layer and the barrier properties of that packaging are mainly provided by that edible packaging layer. For example, the present invention relates to a packaged food concentrate, the packaging comprising an edible primary packaging in contact with the food concentrate and a secondary packing, wherein the edible primary packaging provides the required barrier properties and wherein the edible primary packaging comprises compounds selected from the group consisting of gellans, waxes, whey protein isolate, cellulose, alginates, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, corn zein, gluten, soy protein, caseinate, chitosan, pectin, carrageenan, or combinations thereof.