Unlocking the potential of cellulose and its derivatives from biomass as active packaging solutions for meat products: Recent advancements, applications and shelf-life assessment
Kalme Sachin, J P Jayakrishnan, D. N. Rao, Jijo Thomas Koshy, D. Sangeetha, Athulya R Vinod, R. Reshmy, Yogesh Bharat Dalvi
Abstract
• Cellulose sourced from agricultural waste for sustainable packaging. • Overview of emerging fabrication methods. • Industrial scalability of cellulose-based films discussed. • Shelf-life validation techniques for meat packaging reviewed. • Thorough discussion on strategies to enhance meat shelf life using active packaging. The growing need for eco-friendly packaging and safer food preservation has heightened interest in cellulose and its derivatives derived from biowaste. Meat products, due to their high protein and moisture content, are highly perishable and traditionally packaged in non-biodegradable plastics, raising environmental concerns. Cellulose extracted from agricultural residues like wheat straw, corn husk, and sugarcane bagasse offers a sustainable alternative for food packaging. Chemical modifications, producing derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, and cellulose acetate, enhance cellulose's mechanical strength and barrier properties, making it suitable for film formation. These bio-based films can be enriched with natural antioxidants and antimicrobials, enabling active packaging systems that slow microbial growth and lipid oxidation, thus extending meat shelf life. Incorporating nanocellulose and biopolymer composites further improves film performance by enhancing strength, transparency, and controlled release of active agents. Applying sustainable design principles such as reusability, recyclability, and resource efficiency supports integration of cellulose-based materials into circular economy models. This review explores recent progress in developing cellulose packaging derived from biowaste for meat applications, emphasizing fabrication techniques, shelf-life assessments, and smart packaging innovations. Environmental impact and commercial feasibility are also considered. Cellulose-based active packaging emerges as a multifunctional, biodegradable solution that supports clean-label trends, food safety regulations, and sustainability objectives within the food industry.