Edible, Transparent Biocellulose: The Future of Packaging

Researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material using bacterial cellulose (BC) as a sustainable alternative to plastic food packaging. By incorporating soy proteins into the structure and coating it with an oil-resistant composite, they created a robust BC-based composite packaging that can be completely degraded within 1-2 months. The material is safe for consumption by sea animals and does not require specific industrial composting conditions to degrade. The researchers are now exploring ways to enhance the versatility of modified BC films and make them more competitive with traditional plastics while maintaining their eco-friendliness.