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This study traces the journey of edible film and its various visible benefits, right down to its future applications and technical innovations. Explaining what it means, the report reviews the need for edible film formats in the modern-day context, as an effective solution and alternative to packaging waste.
The study also illustrates the composition of edible film, its multi-pronged functions, benefits, primary usage and application areas, and makes a comparison between various types of edible films. An insight into the competitive environment is also provided, along with a description of the key suppliers and consumers. Market trends and developments in edible films and their significant impact on various other industries are also analysed, along with a description of the rapidly growing end-user markets, promising forecast growth prospects and newer avenues and frontiers to explore. In particular, the following aspects are discussed:
Definitions of some commonly used terms, including examples and practical applications for the same, thus enabling a reader new to the subject to comprehend seemingly difficult concepts.
- Basic definition and understanding of the edible film concept in respect of edible coatings, an explanation of the broader picture (i.e. an introduction to bio-based packaging material, of which edible films are a part), and an analysis of the benefits, composition, functions and key usage areas of edible films.
- A detailed analysis of edible films technology used, pertaining to agricultural polymers, i.e. cereal and vegetable proteins (such as corn zein, wheat gluten and soya proteins) and animal proteins, and manufacturing processes employed with regard to them, such as the wet or solvent process and the dry process. This section also incorporates a brief overview of future edible film technology and innovations.
- Diverse application areas for edible films in food (fresh meat, ready meals, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, snack foods and frozen foods), pharmaceuticals, lifestyle products, agriculture, poultry protection, cosmetics products, health and wellness products, and other miscellaneous spheres.
- A comparative study of the various types of edible films, enumerating key issues such as the advantages of whey-based proteins over films with other protein sources, thermal diffusivity of protein and gum-based edible films, water vapour permeability of various protein-based edible films, and a comparison between hydrocolloid, lipid and composite edible films. This chapter also includes examples of commercially used edible coatings.
- A broad perspective on the market dynamics and competitive environment for edible films. This includes a brief discussion on market sizes and an analysis of industry growth catalysts, e.g. Listerine's first mover advantage strategy and competitive activity.
- Relevant company profiles of major edible film manufacturers, including BioProgress plc, Watson Inc., MonoSol LLC, Rapid Dissolve Technologies Ltd, HealthSport Inc., Ascona Ingredients Ltd, Helikon Foods Ltd, Paladin Labs Inc., Hydratech Innovations