Light exposure accelerates food degradation through multiple pathways - from UV-induced oxidation to visible light catalyzed reactions that break down nutrients and affect color. Modern food packaging must block wavelengths from 200-900 nm while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, with measurement standards requiring at least 80% light blocking efficiency across this spectrum.

The core engineering challenge lies in developing materials that provide comprehensive light protection while remaining food-safe, cost-effective, and compatible with existing packaging manufacturing processes.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including nanoparticle-enhanced polymers, active barrier films with selective wavelength blocking, multi-layer composites with polarizing elements, and intelligent coating technologies. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in commercial food packaging while maintaining recyclability and regulatory compliance.

1. Poly(Butylene Succinate) Film Coated with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose with Sea Buckthorn Extract and Its Ethosomes—Examination of Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties Before and After Accelerated UV Aging

szymon macieja, magdalena zdanowicz, malgorzata mizielinska - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

The new generation of food packaging should not only be biodegradable, but also provide additional protective properties for packaged products, extending their shelf life. In this paper, we present the results research on cast-extruded poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) modified CO2 extract from sea buckthorn (ES) or its ethosomes (ET) at amounts 1 5 pph per HPMC. addition, developed were exposed to accelerated aging (UV radiation and elevated temperature) determine effect films properties. Based SEM, it can concluded that in uncovering coatings bulk. GPC showed a decrease molecular weight PBS after treatment, additionally amplified by presence However, addition ES ET low concentrations reduced level polyester degradation. coating treatment increased oxygen barrier (a 324 cm3/m2 24 h neat 208 ET5). Despite colored coating, color differences compared imperceptible (E < 1). combination resulted complete inhibition growth E. coli S. aureus, which was observed non-aged samples. obtained demonstrate an improvement bioactive ... Read More

2. Atomic Layer Deposition of Wavelength-Specific Thin Film Coatings on Containers

PICOSUN OY, 2025

Thin film coatings for protecting light-sensitive substances in containers from degradation caused by incident light. The coatings are deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the container surfaces. The coatings are designed to absorb or reflect specific wavelengths of light that would otherwise deteriorate the contents. The coating thickness is determined based on the refractive index of the material at the incident light wavelength. This allows customization of the coating optical properties for specific applications.

US2025197994A1-patent-drawing

3. Covalent Organic Framework Film with Dynamic C═N─N/C─N═N Conjugated Backbones for Full‐Spectrum UV Shielding

jingkun li, guoyong jiang, yuqi wan - Wiley, 2025

Abstract Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have garnered significant interest for applications in photocatalysis, energy storage, gas storage/separation, and optoelectronics, yet achieving highquality COF films with high UVshielding properties still remains a challenge. In this study, transparent are successfully developed revealed their remarkable capability: effectively blocking 99.9% of UV light while maintaining over 96% visible transmittance. Under irradiation, the backbone undergoes structural rearrangements between hydrazo (CNN) azo (CNN) configurations, leading to electronic redistributions enhanced conjugation within framework. This adaptable framework efficiently absorbs dissipates through nonradiative pathways, providing UVblocking that dramatically reduce photooxidation rates edible oils by up 16.9fold compared uncoated controls. Additionally, superior photostability these makes them promising nextgeneration UVprotective materials safeguarding sensitive equipment highUV environments, such as highaltitude, polar, extraterrestrial set... Read More

4. Novel Food Packaging: Insights and Trends

ruchi gautam, harsh p sharma, mrinalini tiwari - IntechOpen, 2025

By shielding food from chemical, microbiological, and physical harm, proper packaging helps ensure that customers receive secure clean food. A vital relationship between manufacturers their is packaging; if done incorrectly, the items lose quality consumers become less trusting. The sector highly aware of customer expectations due to recent trends in lifestyle change; as a result, industry must either evolve or remain stagnant. This circumstance has made it extremely difficult for develop novel methods. These days, most promising topics technical development are innovative methods including aseptic, nano, active, bioactive, intelligent purposefully connected items. Technological developments may help keep spoiling by delaying ripening, oxygenation, water penetration, ultraviolet interactions. doing this, supports peoples personalized lifestyles meet demands across supply chain. chapter reviews different techniques role nanotechnology packaging.

5. Development of Eco‐Friendly Kaolin‐Chitosan‐PVA Composite Films for Food Packaging Applications

sana ahmad, tehreem liaqat, abida yasmeen - Wiley, 2025

Abstract Food preservation is a significant challenge due to the susceptibility of food spoilage from microbial contamination, moisture, and exposure air light. This research focuses on development chitosanbased composite films for potential applications in storage. Chitosan/clay were prepared by incorporating varying clay loadings utilizing polyvinyl alcohol as crosslinker. The via solution casting method. swelling properties assessed with respect different concentrations. Their antimicrobial activity was tested against both Grampositive Gramnegative bacteria. Characterization techniques such FTIR, UVvisible spectroscopy, XRD, SEM employed analyze films, confirming smoother surface homogeneous dispersion kaolin. Biodegradation tests demonstrated strong mechanical strength films. applicability these systematically evaluated. Results indicated that 9% kaolin/chitosan/PVA film provided effective preservation, only 4.5%, 70%, 50% weight loss packaged apples, capsicum, strawberries, respectively, compared 9.5%, 90%, 98% unpackaged samples. These findings confirm are efficient... Read More

6. UV-Shielding Biopolymer Coatings Loaded with Bioactive Compounds for Food Packaging Applications

matteo gennaro, duygu buyuktas, daniele carullo, 2025

Four natural bioactive compounds with UV-absorbing properties curcumin, quercetin, caffeic acid, and hymecromone were incorporated into pectin-based coatings deposited on oriented polypropylene (OPP) to develop packaging films UV-shielding capabilities. The effects of both (used individually or in combination) coating thickness (d = 0.12 1.2 um) the optical (UV-Vis transmittance haze) coated OPP samples investigated. Coating deposition enhanced UV-barrier relation type compound, following order: acid > curcumin quercetin. Regardless compound used, no significant changes observed clarity haze OPP. Additionally, a greater resulted lower UV-light PP films. Although combination did not exhibit synergistic effect, it demonstrated an additive benefit, effectively broadening wavelength range UV protection final materials. While this study highlights that performance gap remains compared commercially-available materials, underscores potential replacing synthetic additives through technologies rather than masterbatch incorporation.

7. Recent Advances of Sustainable UV Shielding Materials: Mechanisms and Applications

kehua dai, shuai cao, jiewei yuan - American Chemical Society, 2025

The escalating global threat of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is manifested through multifaceted damage pathways including cutaneous carcinogenesis, photodegradation organic substrates, marine ecosystem destabilization, and infrastructure weathering. These urgent challenges have catalyzed sustained interdisciplinary efforts toward advanced UV-shielding technologies spanning biomedical, environmental, industrial domains. Current material arsenals include melanin, lignin, tannin, polydopamine, zinc oxide titanium dioxide, etc. materials can be applied to diverse fields such as food packaging, sunscreen fabrics, creams, eyeglasses, films tailored processing techniques employing distinct photoprotective mechanisms. Notwithstanding significant progress, the development an integrated selection framework that reconciles efficiency, durability, environmental compatibility persists a critical knowledge gap. In this context, main mechanisms various types UV shielding their applications in different are described systematically. Subsequently, comparative analysis advantages shortcomings presented,... Read More

8. The Preparation and Characterization of Antioxidant Films Based on Hazelnut Shell-Based Vegetable Carbon Black/Chitosan/Gelatin and the Application on Soybean Oils

mengyuan niu, jiaxin wang, zhao xun - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

In this study, hazelnut shell-based vegetable carbon black (HCB) was synthesized from renewable agricultural waste and incorporated into chitosan (CS) gelatin (GEL) matrices to fabricate active packaging films. The structure of HCB characterized, the structure, physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, ultraviolet resistance, functional performance CS-GEL-HCB films with varying contents (0, 1, 5, 9 wt% based on GEL) were systematically investigated. FT-IR results revealed that intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed between CS GEL. showed tensile strength CS-GEL film (15.83 0.40~32.06 0.61 MPa), as well its water vapor oxygen barrier properties (0.55 0.03~0.15 0.02 g/dm2), UV-visible light significantly improved (p < 0.05) after addition HCB, while permeability, moisture content, solubility effectively reduced (24.84 0.45~20.10 0.45%). More importantly, exhibited enhanced which helped delay oxidation deterioration oil sample during accelerated test. These suggest could serve an effective food material improve stability soybean in industry, showing great potential maint... Read More

9. Exploring Sustainable Carbon Dots as UV‐Blocking Agents for Food Preservation

zohreh riahi, ajahar khan, mohsen ebrahimi - Wiley, 2025

ABSTRACT Exposure of foods to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during processing, storage, and retail display can result in quality deterioration, reduced shelf life nutritional value, potential food safety issues. The use UVblocking packaging is an effective strategy minimize these harmful effects. Carbon dots (CDs) are a class carbonbased nanomaterials that have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing the performance biopolymerbased films coatings. Their unique advantages excellent UV absorption ability combined with their low toxicity, biocompatibility, facile production from sustainable precursors make CDs superior alternatives traditional agents. Incorporating into biopolymers significantly enhance protection without compromising transparency packaging, thereby maintaining visual appeal packaged product. In addition protection, confer multifunctionality systems by imparting antioxidant, antimicrobial, pHresponsive properties, meeting demand intelligent solutions. These advancements not only protect photodegradation but also address broader issues through active respo... Read More

10. Drug Repurposing: Unique Carbon Dot Antibacterial Films for Fruit Postharvest Preservation

xinyu liu, haobin wang, jie li - American Chemical Society, 2025

Fruit spoilage caused by oxidation and microbial infection exacerbates resource wastage. Although starch films including chitosan possessed admirable biocompatibility owing to great biodegradability compared with conventional plastics, deficient antibacterial antioxidant capacity restricted food shelf life. Herein, an environmentally friendly film (CS/G-CDs) was constructed carbon dots derived from Cirsii Herba (CDs), which formed through high affinity resulting hydrogen bonding between molecules hydroxyl originating CDs. The prepared CDs presented homogeneous monodisperse spherical structures ultrasmall size, providing favorable conditions for uniform formation. Encouragingly, the of CS/G-CDs increased 5.00-fold, followed rate up 97.0%. Dramatically, revealed glorious UV shielding efficacy (99.9% UVB 98.2% UVA), its preservation time blueberries remarkably extended 8 days longer than that film. Overall, Chinese herb-derived exhibited magnified antibacterial/antioxidant properties biocompatibility, provided a promising strategy sustainable development packaging materials.

11. Multilayer Packaging Film with Ultra-Thin Layers and Sharp Bandedge for UV Light Blocking

3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, 2024

Packaging film for protecting light-sensitive materials that blocks UV light while allowing visible light transmission. The film has multiple ultra-thin layers with an average thickness of less than 500 nm. The film has a sharp bandedge between UV and visible light ranges. The UV transmission is less than 15% while visible light transmission is greater than 70%. The bandedge slope is greater than 3%/nm. This provides effective UV blocking and visual inspection without color shifts.

US2024125978A1-patent-drawing

12. Multilayer Food Packaging Film with Integrated Light-Shielding, Cushioning, and Ventilation Features

JINJIANG ZHONGHUI PRINTING PACKAGING CO LTD, 2024

Food packaging film with a light-shielding structure to prevent food deterioration from light exposure during transportation and storage. The film has a base layer, a first light-shielding layer, a second light-shielding layer, bubble films connected to the light layers, and ventilation holes. The light layers block light from reaching the food, the bubble films provide cushioning, the ventilation holes allow airflow, and printing and antimicrobial layers can be added. This balances protection against light, cushioning, airflow, and functionality like printing and antimicrobials.

13. Multilayer Light-Blocking Packaging Blank with High Barrier Film and Indented Base Paper

SHANDONG BIHAI MACHINERY CO LTD, SHANDONG BIHAI MACHINERY TECH CO LTD, SHANDONG BIHAI MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

A light-blocking packaging blank for food containers that replaces aluminum foil to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining oxygen barrier properties. The blank consists of a sequence of layers: a first PE layer, a base paper layer (optional), a high barrier film, a second PE layer, and a fourth PE layer. The high barrier film and second PE layer are bonded together using an adhesive layer. The base paper layer has indentations on both sides. The second PE layer contains color masterbatch. This structure provides light-blocking properties comparable to aluminum foil while using less material. The high barrier film and base paper indentations improve oxygen barrier properties.

CN117183524A-patent-drawing

14. Starch-Based Film with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Melanin-Like Precursor Crosslinked Network

JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY, 2023

Protective starch-based film with long-term bacteriostasis and ultraviolet shielding properties for food packaging. The film is made by self-assembly of metallic polyphenol coated zinc oxide nanoparticles and self-polymerization of a melanin-like precursor with starch. The metallic polyphenol nanoparticles provide antibacterial activity, ultraviolet shielding, and mechanical strength. The melanin-like precursor crosslinks the starch and nanoparticles into a network. The film has high ultraviolet shielding, bacteriostasis, and transparency compared to conventional packaging materials.

US20230383075A1-patent-drawing

15. Composite Polyvinyl Alcohol Film with Modified Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles

GUIZHOU MATERIAL INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, 2023

Composite polyvinyl alcohol preservative film with low luminous transmittance for light-proof packaging of fruits and vegetables to prevent spoilage and discoloration. The film contains modified silicon dioxide nanoparticles dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol solution. The modified silicon dioxide nanoparticles have a particle size range of 200-1000 nm. This composite film provides better light-blocking properties compared to pure polyvinyl alcohol film due to the nanoparticles scattering light. The nanoparticles also improve film compactness. The modified silicon dioxide is made by reacting silicon dioxide with a silane compound in toluene, then acid treating. The composite film is prepared by dissolving polyvinyl alcohol in acid, adding the nanoparticles, antimicrobial, and stirring before defoaming

US20230374272A1-patent-drawing

16. Curcumin-Grafted Polypropylene via Reactive Extrusion with Integrated Ammonia-Induced Color Change and Enhanced UV Barrier Properties

CORNELL UNIV, CORNELL UNIVERSITY, 2023

Active and intelligent food packaging made by grafting curcumin onto polypropylene using reactive extrusion. The curcumin is covalently bound to the polymer backbone to prevent migration. The curcumin in the packaging material provides antioxidant and radical scavenging properties to prevent food spoilage. The packaging also changes color in the presence of ammonia, indicating spoilage. The curcumin-grafted polypropylene has improved UV barrier properties compared to native polypropylene. The reactive extrusion method allows scalable production of the active and intelligent packaging.

17. Nanocellulose and Nano Calcium Carbonate-Based Edible Coatings with Barrier Properties

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, 2023

Edible coatings for protecting foods like fruits, vegetables, and processed foods from moisture loss, UV damage, and nutrient leaching. The coatings are made from nanocellulose and nano calcium carbonate. The coatings are edible, transparent, and provide barrier properties against water, gases, and UV light. They prevent moisture loss, prevent UV damage, and prevent nutrient leaching in fruits and vegetables. The coatings can be applied before or after harvest to mitigate post-harvest damage. The coatings can also be used to protect frozen foods from drip loss during thawing.

US11793210B2-patent-drawing

18. Composite Photo-Oxygen Barrier with Light-Blocking and Oxygen Absorbing Components

QUANZHOU YUEKE PIGMENT CO LTD, 2023

A photo-oxygen barrier for packaging materials that protects light and oxygen sensitive products like food, beverages, medications, and cosmetics. The barrier is a composite material containing 1-65% of a light-blocking composition, 1-30% of an active oxygen absorber, and 5-98% of a base material. The light-blocking composition can contain titanium dioxide, aluminum powder, and carbon black. The active oxygen absorber contains cobalt. The barrier can be made by melt extrusion or mixing the components in a base material.

19. Polyethylene Terephthalate-Polymer Blend Compositions with Low Light Transmission for Packaging Materials

PLASTIPAK PACKAGING INC, 2023

Light barrier compositions for packaging materials that provide better light protection for sensitive products like milk without sacrificing visual appearance. The compositions contain a blend of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with other polymers like polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), and polymers with heteroatoms like nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and halogen. The blends have low light transmission in the UV and visible range below 1.5%. The compositions can be used in container walls or preforms to protect packaged products from light degradation without compromising visual appeal.

20. Cellulosic Structure with Metal Oxide and Tie Layers for Enhanced Barrier Properties

WESTROCK MWV LLC, 2023

A recyclable high barrier cellulosic structure for forming cellulosic containers that can resist oxygen, moisture, and light penetration. The structure includes a cellulosic board substrate, a metal oxide layer on the substrate, and a tie layer between them. The cellulosic board substrate has low average and maximum transmittance in the UV-visible light spectrum. The metal oxide layer provides additional barrier properties. The tie layer connects the substrate and metal oxide layer. The structure can be used to form containers like paper-based food packaging.

21. Electron Beam Irradiated and Mechanically Treated Bacterial Nanocellulose Film with Carboxyl Groups and Multilayer Structure

22. Laminated Sleeve with Neoprene, Mylar, and Rubber Layers for UV Light Blocking and Container Grip

23. Graphene-Reinforced Polymer Composite for Enhanced Barrier Resistance in Packaging Materials

24. Polyethylene Terephthalate-Polymer Blends with Heteroatom-Containing Polymers for Low Transmittance in 400-700 nm Range

25. Multi-Layer Adhesive Packaging Material with Light-Shielding and Oxygen-Blocking Layers

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