Edible films as secondary food packaging using dairy industry by-products
Antimicrobial and probiotic edible films formulated from dairy industry by-products for use as secondary food packaging. The technology targets reduction of environmental impact from conventional plastic packaging while delivering active functionality such as antimicrobial protection and potential probiotic delivery in food systems.
Overview
This solution offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic secondary packaging by replacing it with edible films developed from dairy industry by-products. The films are designed to carry bioactive compounds, including antimicrobials and probiotics, providing active functionality such as microbial inhibition in packaged food products. By converting dairy waste streams into value-added packaging materials, the technology supports circular-economy objectives and reduces reliance on non-renewable plastics in the food sector.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Filmogenic solutions are formulated using by-products from the dairy industry
- Probiotics are incorporated into the film matrix to enable bioactive functionality
- Antimicrobial activity is delivered through metabolites produced by the incorporated probiotics
- Builds on prior lab experience developing edible films enriched with antimicrobials and probiotics from fruit by-products
- Intended application as secondary packaging that can also contribute primary-packaging-style protective effects
Research approach:
- Formulation and characterization of filmogenic solutions from dairy by-products
- Inoculation of films with selected probiotic strains
- Evaluation of antimicrobial capacity through metabolite activity
- Assessment of film performance as packaging material in real food products
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early research and development stage. Prior related work has been conducted on edible films containing antimicrobials and probiotics from fruit by-products, and the current proposal extends the approach to dairy industry by-products. The planned validation timeline is approximately one year, covering formulation, probiotic incorporation, and evaluation of antimicrobial and packaging performance. The research team is actively seeking industry partners that supply dairy by-products and that can support evaluation of the edible films in commercial food products.
About Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) is a large, comprehensive public research university serving Puebla and central Mexico, pairing broad academic breadth with applied research and workforce development. Companies engage through core labs and prototyping facilities on the main campus, coordinated access to shared instrumentation, and internship pipelines linking faculty expertise with company needs. Integration with a university hospital enables clinical collaboration, while a statewide campus network extends partnerships across the Puebla–Tlaxcala manufacturing corridor. Research is backed by competitive funding from Mexico’s national research council and state programs, with international collaborations and industry-sponsored work; a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startups.
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