Nanocomposites in food packaging: Market, Safety regulation, MigrationMarket Growth and Demand, Nanocomposites Role, Safety Regulations, Migration Concerns, Antimicrobial Properties, Innovative Packaging Solutions

Abstract

Nowadays, an cumulative demand for "ready-to-use",  and "ready-to-eat" foods has encouraged producers to pack foods with minimal processing. Customers' trend for eating ready-to-use and processed foods is so increasing that new methods and technologies of food packaging have been formed to respond to this increasing demand. The development of new food packaging methods can extend the shelf life of foods. The surge in consumer appetite for processed foods has spurred rapid progress across the packaging sector. This evolution encompasses everything from faster, more precise electronic machinery to modern materials like flexible and sterile films, along with improvements in metal containers, aluminum foil, and flexographic printing. These advancements will fundamentally boost the food industry's economy, ensure better food quality and safety, and play a key role in minimizing spoilage. This review offers an overview into the most common materials comprising of the nanocomposites employed in food packaging. The present study have focused on those materials prepared by high technologies in the field of nanotechnology, which would be able to extend the shelf life of packaged materials while preserving food safety and quality. In addition, the capability of the materials in development of food packaging as active and intelligent packaging forms via nanocomposite biomaterials will be discussed. Finally, common methods of nanomaterial synthesis and effects of nanomaterials on human health will be reviewed here.