ABSTRACT
Edible coatings provide a physical barrier against mass transport from the environment to food and from food to the environment, as shown in the previous chapters, and if these barrier properties are important for food passive protection. Consumers ask nowadays for better food safety and for higher nutritional and ¤avor properties. In recent years, active packaging has been developed to extend food shelf life by increasing coatings’ positive effect. For example, more activity can be provided to edible coatings by adding active compounds, such as ¤avors, antibacterials, or nutraceuticals. Active compounds can be incorporated directly in the edible polymer matrix or can be encapsulated to better protect their activity and properties. The Eastern countries are the most advanced in this particular domain, North America follows, and Europe is now developing more and more active material solutions.
