Food Packaging: Irish scientists who have developed an edible plastic packaging for food are now trying to solve the main problem facing its commercial development - taste aside, it looks awful.
But to overcome the problem which the French have known about for centuries - "half your appetite is in your eye" - they are experimenting with the possibility of introducing thinner layers of edible plastic which may contain spices and other goodies to make them more attractive.
Work to make discarded plastic food wrappers a thing of the past has been well advanced at University College Dublin's food science department by Mr Michael O'Sullivan, head of the college's edible films research group.
It could lead to the wrappers on sandwiches, pizzas and other fast food wrappers becoming part of the snack.
Mr O'Sullivan has developed an edible film from whey protein isolate and low molecular weight placticisers. While the idea of eating the plastic wrapping is not new, research being carried out under the Relay programme, which is funded by the National Development Plan, is well advanced.
The O'Sullivan wrap is made from natural food grade systems and can be eaten. Others will disintegrate when heated if not detected by the consumer.
According to the latest Relay report, Mr O'Sullivan's edible film is thin and flexible and has many potential applications as edible packaging for use on or within foods.
"The film can extend the shelf life of many food and is an efficient moisture and gas barrier.
The UCD team is pressing on with plans to make a film which would disintegrate when heated and be eaten with the food without affecting eating quality. The team plans also to incorporate active ingredients, for instance invoking antioxidants to increase shelf life.