Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The demand for fresh and safe food products with extended shelf life has been on the rise due to changing consumer preferences and global food safety concerns. This thesis focuses on the development of novel food packaging materials to enhance the freshness and prolong the shelf life of perishable food products. The study begins with an introduction to the importance of food packaging in preserving product quality and safety. The background of the study provides an overview of existing packaging materials and technologies, highlighting the limitations and challenges faced in current food packaging systems. The problem statement identifies the need for innovative packaging solutions to address issues such as food spoilage, contamination, and waste. The objective of the study is to develop and evaluate novel packaging materials that can effectively extend the shelf life of perishable food products while maintaining their freshness and quality. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including budget constraints, time limitations, and potential technical challenges in material development and testing. The scope of the study covers the design, fabrication, and testing of novel packaging materials using sustainable and food-safe components. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions that can reduce food waste and enhance food safety. The structure of the thesis is outlined to provide a roadmap for the reader, guiding them through the chapters and sections that present the research findings and conclusions. The literature review chapter critically analyzes existing research on food packaging materials, exploring factors influencing freshness and shelf life extension. The research methodology chapter details the experimental design, material selection criteria, testing procedures, and data analysis methods employed in the study. The findings chapter presents the results of material characterization, performance evaluation, and comparison with conventional packaging solutions. The discussion of findings chapter interprets the results in the context of the research objectives, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the developed packaging materials. Finally, the conclusion and summary chapter offer a comprehensive overview of the study outcomes, including recommendations for future research and practical applications of the novel packaging materials. Overall, this thesis contributes to the advancement of food packaging technology towards sustainable and effective solutions for enhancing freshness and shelf life of perishable food products.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of novel food packaging materials for enhanced freshness and shelf life of perishable food products" aims to address the critical issue of food spoilage and waste by focusing on the development of innovative packaging solutions. In recent years, the food industry has faced significant challenges in ensuring the quality and safety of perishable food products throughout the supply chain. Traditional packaging materials often fall short in providing adequate protection against external factors such as moisture, oxygen, light, and microbial contamination, leading to accelerated deterioration and reduced shelf life of food products. This research project seeks to explore and implement advanced technologies and materials to create novel packaging solutions that can enhance the freshness and extend the shelf life of perishable food products. By leveraging cutting-edge materials science, nanotechnology, and bio-based polymers, the project aims to design packaging systems that offer superior barrier properties, antimicrobial efficacy, and sustainability compared to conventional packaging solutions. The research overview will involve a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on food packaging technologies, material science, and food preservation techniques to identify gaps and opportunities for innovation. By conducting experimental studies and performance evaluations, the project will assess the effectiveness of various novel packaging materials in preserving the quality and freshness of perishable food products under different storage conditions. Furthermore, the project will consider the economic feasibility, scalability, and environmental impact of the proposed packaging solutions to ensure their practical applicability within the food industry. Collaboration with industry partners, packaging manufacturers, and regulatory bodies will be essential to validate the safety, compliance, and market acceptance of the developed packaging materials. Overall, the research overview will highlight the significance of developing novel food packaging materials as a strategic approach to reducing food waste, improving food safety, and meeting the growing consumer demand for sustainable and high-quality food products. Through this project, we aim to contribute to the advancement of food packaging technology and support the long-term sustainability of the food supply chain."