**1. Introduction**

Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale and use. There are several packaging materials present in the market such as plastic, paper, cardboard, PET and also new technologies such as Active, intelligent vacuum, aseptic packaging, etc. Edible packaging is one of them. According to Food Production Daily, a new type of edible food packaging that does not affect the environment and that can be eaten with food that is inside the package has been invented. Harvard Professor and biomedical engineer, David Edwards, developed edible packaging, also called 'future of food packaging' Zoe [1]. Edible packaging is categorised into films, coating, pouches and sheets. The edible coating (EC) is prepared directly on the food, whereas edible films (EF) and layers having

thickness 10 mm or less than 254 μm and more than 254 μm, respectively, are separately prepared, and then food is packed in it, in the pouches form or placed between the food layers [2, 3]. As packaging material contains various additives (flavourings, colourings, sweeteners) [4]. Lipid, carbohydrates, protein (casein), tomato skin are used to make edible packaging [5]. In the recent year, use of edible film and coating is emphasised due to its function of food protection from negative environmental effect and also helps to increase shelf life of food. Materials from which EF and EC are made are decided by their functions. Edible packaging materials have exceptional properties such as barrier and mechanical properties, enhance sensory properties and optical properties, making them attractive alternative for food packaging [2]. Based on the type of food and storage conditions, components of edible packaging are selected [6]. Currently, edible packaging gives replacement to other packaging because it inhibits loss of gas, aroma and moisture of the packed food. Krochta and De [3] added nanofillers to film and coating for improved quality and acceptability. Various methods are used to manufacture film. Casting method is generally used. By comparing EF with synthetic packaging, EF has benefits over it because EF is eaten with contained food as a component of same food, and if not eaten, it has biodegradability [4, 7, 8]. EF satisfies industry requirements by keeping quality of food, fulfils consumer desires and reduces environmental pollution [9].
