Environmentally-friendly packaging solutions have been the Holy Grail for packaging companies for many years, with a steady influx of innovations hitting the shelves but failing to remain there for long. And one solution seems to be revisited more than most: edible packaging.

To date, no edible packaging solution has demonstrated any significant longevity but that could be about to change with the introduction to the market of two new breakthroughs.

First, fast food giant KFC is trialling the use of edible bowls at some of its outlets in India. A replacement for traditional plastic bowls, the edible versions are made from tortilla and plans are already in place to roll them out worldwide depending on the success of the trial period.

Meanwhile, in the US, edible packaging made from milk protein is being hailed as a breakthrough. Similar in appearance to cling film, the new technology is up to 500 times better than plastic at keeping oxygen away from food, meaning it stays fresher for longer and reduces food waste, according to scientists from the US Department of Agriculture.

Here at TrakRap, we love new sustainable packaging developments and believe it’s vital to support the industry as much as possible when it comes to innovation and experimentation. After all, a beneficial idea that initially seems implausible can quickly become the norm and have us all asking, “why haven’t we been doing this all along?”