Become a member

News

News / Technical

EDIBLE FOOD FILMS

An international team of scientists from India and Russia have declared that they have created edible food films for packaging fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood by using algae (seaweed) of which there is an almost inexhaustible supply in the world’s oceans.

A study published in the Journal of Food Engineering states that the films, which are made from natural ingredients, are safe for consumer health and the environment. The researchers claim that the films are water-soluble and dissolve by almost 90% in 24 hours.

Rammohan Aluru, Senior Researcher from the Organic Synthesis Laboratory at Ural Federal University and co-author of the paper, stated, “We have created three types of food films based on the well-known naturally occurring seaweed biopolymer sodium alginate.”

“Its seaweed molecules have film-forming properties. Sodium alginate is an auspicious carbohydrate macromolecule that has potential film-forming properties upon hydrolysis and abundantly exists in cell walls as a mixture of various salts. The greatest advantage of sodium alginate is that it performs as liquid-gel in an aqueous medium.”

The molecules cross-link with ferulic acid which makes the film not only strong but also homogenous – more rigid but also prolongs the life of the product. Garlic, turmeric and ginger can be added to the films to help prevent the spread of viruses whilst being natural anti-viral agents.

The scientists declare that no special equipment is required to produce the films on an industrial scale.

For the report and further information – please click here.

Articles over 1 year old See Technical News Archive
Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

  • BFFF energy deals and rates
  • Vypr member deals and introduction
  • Defib Plus deals
  • Company Shop – membership
  • Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

  • Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
  • Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
  • Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
  • Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
  • Annual Lunch
  • Awards Night
Upcoming Events More Events
Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

Contact Us
British Frozen Food Federation Members Logo
what our members say...
  • Wakefield Council

    “What an amazing piece of work and indicative of how BFFF respond to the concerns of their members and make an impact on the whole industry sector.”

    See Full Quote

  • Sysco

    “You guys really ‘Do The Right Thing’ for the good of the industry”

    See Full Quote

  • Darta

    “The BFFF awards night is becoming an “appointment not to miss” on our calendar and we again enjoyed it immensely together with lots of well-known people from our industry. The…

    See Full Quote

  • Kantar Worldpanel

    “The Business Conference was an excellent day that was very well organised and allowed so many likeminded individuals in the room to learn so much more around the Frozen industry….

    See Full Quote

  • Lakeside Food Group Ltd

    “This Not For EU labelling situation alarmed us and quickly became a major worry to our business. These are times when you really rely on some support and from previous…

    See Full Quote

  • Meadow Vale Foods Limited

    “We had a few questions with respect to the new EPR waste packaging legislative changes. I know some of my colleagues have been assisted by BFFF in the past so…

    See Full Quote

  • Newberry International Produce Ltd

    “I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding event you organised. I have only worked in this sector for the past nineteen months coming from twenty-five years…

    See Full Quote

  • Place UK Ltd

    “The BFFF 2024 Conference was compelling and thought provoking, with a many relevant and interesting topics covered at great pace and some depth by excellent speakers – will certainly attend…

    See Full Quote

  • Roswel Spedition GMBH

    “Thank you and the team for rushing around so brilliantly before, during and after the conference. It was pleasure to be part of the conference.”

    See Full Quote

  • Seara

    “The event was great, in my opinion. Not only it was very well organised, but the venue and the catering were excellent too. Furthermore, the content of the presentations was…

    See Full Quote

Website Designed & Built by we are CODA