April 24, 2025 – Due to consumers seeking environmentally friendly and responsible solutions, sustainable food packaging is becoming more important. Packaging waste plays a major role in environmental issues, and so alternatives that reduce carbon footprints and limit plastic pollution are needed.
Innova analyses how advancements in biodegradable materials and advanced technology and innovations are impacting global food packaging. It also reveals the opportunities developing in the sustainable food packaging market.
Top Patent Publications
Food packaging trends reveal that the rising demand for eco-friendly solutions has driven a significant 17% CAGR increase in global patent publications incorporating natural extracts into food packaging. Packaging company Tetra Laval is one of the leading contributors to patent publications in this space. This is followed by Huhtamaki Packaging Company, Novamont Spa, Miyoshi Yushi K.K., Jiangnan University, University Qilu Technology, Nestlé SA, Mitsubishi Group, Wuhan Polytechnic University, and Shanghai University.
Tetra Laval’s patents concentrate on food packaging material made of foamed cellulose-based substrates that provide better gas barrier properties and improved recyclability and sustainability. It makes the material a good choice for packaging liquid foods. Meanwhile, food-based companies like Nestlé SA and research institutions like Jiangnan University are making a significant progress on natural extracts-based food packaging. Patent filings from food companies are increasing, highlighting that they are not only focusing on product quality but also innovating in packaging to meet the demand for sustainable solutions.
Tetra Top Packaging Trends
Tetra Top is a patented packaging solution primarily used for the aseptic packaging of liquid foods such as milk and fruit juices. It also offers other bio-based packaging products such as Tetra Brik and Tetra Evero.
The brand’s plant-based cap and top are made up of 94% renewable materials, which decreases carbon emissions by 37%, compared to conventional packaging. It utilizes a foamed cellulose-based substrate that helps to provide stability and mechanical properties of the packaging material at a low cost. Sustainable beverage packaging solutions are ideal for consumers looking for eco-friendly packaging for use at home and on the go.
Food Packaging Trends
Food packaging innovation is a key driver in recent patent activity, with cellulose fiber, packaging films, food products, composite material, and shelf life emerging as core topic clusters. The patent publications focus on the utilization of various plant-based or biodegradable polymeric materials in eco-friendly food packaging films. These materials help extend the shelf life of perishable foods and control food contamination with antioxidant properties that eliminate the need for other preservatives. They also explore the use of cellulose fibers, which serve as a barrier system for oxygen-sensitive products—demonstrating how innovation in materials science is shaping the future of sustainable food packaging.
Innovations in Food Packaging
Innovators are exploring the use of areca leaf and rosemary extract in eco-friendly food packaging. Areca leaves achieve sustainability through high pressure processing by being single-use disposable, 100% compostable, chemical-free, and heat resistant up to 250 degrees. These characteristics make them suitable for preserving food, particularly liquids like soups and ketchup.
Manufacturers can focus on using AI and sensors for real-time food tracking in plant-based food packaging. Apart from sustainability, such advanced packaging contains active ingredients that improve food quality, safety, and shelf life.
What’s Next in the Food Packaging Trends?
Brands can expand the use of biodegradable polymers in packaging that supports plastic waste reduction and extends food shelf life while incorporating innovative functionality. Additionally, they can also focus on exploring packaging materials with natural extract nanoparticles, like cellulose nanoparticles, combined with antibacterial agents to create food packaging films that offer sterilization properties, which helps to sustain the time frame of food products.
Smart packaging developments, such as intelligent labels and sensors that monitor real-time factors such as temperature fluctuations or expiry, can help meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. Brands can focus on natural, plant-based extracts which can be utilized in edible packaging films to introduce diverse flavors and colors. These films can also be enriched with functional ingredients like probiotics and vitamins, offering added nutritional benefits. It can improve the consumer experience while also supporting health and wellness goals.
This article is based on Innova’s Trending in Patents for Sustainable Food Packaging with Natural Extracts ‒ Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
