Packaging: A Legal Aspect of Plant-Based Protein

Plant-based proteins are currently used as biodegradable packaging materials. The proteins for packaging applications can be obtained from various sources such as cereals, legumes, seeds, nuts, and algae. These raw materials can be then converted to films or coating for food packaging applications. Although the proteins possess good barrier properties due to the high cohesive energy in the peptide chain, compatible additives (plasticizer, reducing agent, co-plasticizer) should be incorporated to enhance the mechanical properties of the film. Besides, although the amino acids have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to a certain extent, adding materials with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can enhance the bioactivities of the film. In addition, when proteins from various sources are used, safety regulations should be implemented-considering the potential hazards of plant proteins.