Legume seeds for the development of biodegradable food packaging film: A review

Abstract

Food packaging plays a crucial role in any food processing organization, and the increasing awareness of consumers about the impact of packaging material on food quality and the environment makes the packaging material even more significant. The development of novel biopolymers with improved functioning, gaseous barrier abilities, and prolonged shelf life, with minimal impact on the environment, will be the ultimate solution for food packaging industry. Underutilized legumes, which are the forgotten gems embedded with high nutritional packages and their cost effectiveness, can be an alternative to synthetic polymers. The application of legumes as edible coatings can significantly enhances their economic value. Edible coatings and films derived from legumes can improve the keeping quality of food products by serving as barriers to oxygen, moisture, and solute transfer. Further incorporation of bioactive components such as antimicrobials and antioxidants can enhance the functionality of these films. The development of such eco-friendly packaging solutions aligns with growing consumer demand. Furthermore, the use of underutilized legumes in packaging applications could stimulate local agricultural economies and promote crop diversification.