What performance characteristics must edible alternatives achieve comparable to conventional plastic packaging?

Answer

Resist moisture migration, prevent oxygen ingress, and withstand mechanical stress

A significant scientific hurdle in developing functional edible packaging is engineering natural polymers to successfully mimic the protective capabilities that petroleum-based plastics have perfected over decades. Conventional packaging excels at maintaining long shelf lives by actively resisting moisture migration, effectively preventing oxygen ingress which causes spoilage, and withstanding various forms of mechanical stress during handling and transport. Edible alternatives must meet these exacting standards—maintaining barrier functions against the environment—while simultaneously ensuring they do not introduce undesirable off-flavors or compromise the desired texture of the food product they enclose.

What performance characteristics must edible alternatives achieve comparable to conventional plastic packaging?

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