Essential Oil-Enriched Edible Films and Coatings: Recent Applications, Pros and Cons, Sustainability, and Circular Economy

AKSOYLU ÖZBEK Z., YILDIZ K., GÜNÇ ERGÖNÜL P.

Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/cbdv.202403498
  • Dergi Adı: Chemistry and Biodiversity
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: circular economy, regulatory compliance, safety, shelf life, sustainability
  • Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Petroleum-derived polymers have long been preferred for food packaging due to their numerous advantages. However, increasing awareness of their negative environmental and health impacts has led to a search for safer, eco-friendly alternatives. Edible films/coatings produced from biodegradable plant and microbial biopolymers have emerged as promising solutions. Essential oils (EOs), known for their exceptional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, can enhance the functionality of these films/coatings. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent applications of EO-enriched films/coatings for various foods. While EOs generally improve functional attributes, they may impact physical, mechanical, and sensory properties of the edible films/coatings. Nevertheless, EO-enriched films/coatings remain crucial packaging alternatives for many food products. The review examines their contribution to sustainability and the circular economy, as well as their regulatory compliance. It explores applications in meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, fresh produce, and other food categories, highlighting the potential of EO-enriched edible films/coatings to revolutionize food packaging. It also addresses challenges, including technical, economic, and regulatory aspects, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize these innovative packaging solutions.