Gist of the talk

Dr. Jayeeta Mitra’s session highlighted the integration of active and intelligent packaging technologies as a driving force toward achieving a circular economy in the food sector. Key discussion points included:

• Sustainable packaging demand: Overview of the rapid global growth of the biopolymer market, fueled by consumer preference for eco-friendly and biodegradable materials.
• Material innovation: Chemical modification of native macromolecules and the formation of bio-nanocomposites to enhance film functionality and performance.
• Model system – Pullulan: Use of microbial polysaccharide pullulan for developing biodegradable films with excellent gas-barrier properties, and strategies to overcome its hydrophilicity.
• Active and intelligent integration: Incorporation of beetroot-derived natural compounds to impart pH-based color sensing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial functionalities.
• Zero-waste and circular approach: Valorization of agro-waste components to achieve environmental and economic sustainability.
• Performance evaluation: Detailed characterization of mechanical, morphological, and toxicological aspects demonstrating practical potential for food packaging applications.
• Conclusion: Smart packaging with bio-based sensing and active properties can serve as a transformative step toward circular, sustainable food systems.

Keywords

Smart Packaging, Active Packaging, Intelligent Packaging, Pullulan, Circular Economy, Bio-nanocomposites, Sustainable Food Systems