What is Edible Packaging?
Edible packaging as the name suggests is the thin layer of edible film or coating used for packaging of consumable foods, beverages, etc. These Films can be made of different types of material such as milk, alginate, protein, gelatin. Unlike plastic packaging material made from such materials are eco-friendly since they are biodegradable and can also be eaten along with the food itself.
Edible packaging could be the key to solving the growing environmental concerns over the use of harmful plastics.
Patenting Trend in Edible Packaging of Beverages
Patenting activities in edible packaging for beverages started from as early as in 1998, since then there has not been much rise in patent applications in this domain till the year 2007. Starting from 2007 there has been a constant rise in patenting activities and year 2016 have seen a tremendous rise in filling.
Innovation Hub in Edible Packaging of Beverages
It has been observed that around the globe China is the country where innovations related to edible beverage packaging is happening tremendously. Also after China, United States also have seen a considerable amount of innovations and patenting activities in the domain. Japan is also not far behind in adopting and innovation in the domain.