Researchers at the USDA have developed a new food-packaging material made out of milk-protein (i.e. casein) that is both biodegradable and edible, says the American Chemical Society. Compared to petroleum-based plastics, the casein-based packaging is 500 times more effective at keeping out oxygen, which could dramatically reduce food waste from spoilage. The new packaging material also is edible, leading researchers to imagine a day when it might be flavored or ramped up with nutraceuticals and vitamins.
“In addition to being used as plastic pouches and wraps, this casein coating could be sprayed onto food, such as cereal flakes or bars. Right now, cereals keep their crunch in milk due to a sugar coating. Instead of all that sugar, manufacturers could spray on casein-protein coatings to prevent soggy cereal,” says EurekAlert. “The spray also could line pizza or other food boxes to keep the grease from staining the packaging…”
Laetitia Bonnaillie, a co-leader of the study, says a prototype of the coating is being developed by a company in Texas, and that other firms have expressed interest. Consumers, she says, can expect to see casein packaging on products within three years.