Konjac Glucomannan – An Innovative Ingredient for Biodegradable Antimicrobial Food Packaging

Konjac Glucomannan – An Innovative Ingredient for Biodegradable Antimicrobial Food Packaging

With growing awareness of food safety and environmental protection, traditional plastic packaging faces increasing scrutiny due to its ecological impact and microbial risks. Biodegradable food packaging films with natural antimicrobial properties are becoming a key focus in the industry, and konjac glucomannan has emerged as a core ingredient for innovation.

Key Advantages and Features:

• Source and Safety: Derived from konjac tubers, it is a food-grade material, safe for use in food packaging.
• Chemical and Physical Properties: A heteropolysaccharide composed of D-pyran glucose and D-pyran mannose linked by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, with high viscosity and excellent water retention; capable of forming heat-stable gels through alkalization.
• Modified Formulations:     Chitosan-gallic acid nanoparticles enhance film mechanical properties.                                                                                                                                                                                                               Concentrated whey protein and beeswax improve strength and water resistance, though beeswax increases film thickness.

• Composite Applications: When combined with other polysaccharides, such as pullulan, mechanical and barrier properties are significantly improved.
• Practical Application: In strawberry preservation tests, konjac-based composite films reduced water loss, maintained titratable acidity, soluble solids, and peel color, effectively extending shelf life.

Industry Value:

Low in fat, calories, and sugar while rich in dietary fiber, konjac powder is a versatile food-grade ingredient. Its combination with other matrices or modifiers allows optimized film performance, providing a high-performance solution for sustainable, antimicrobial, and biodegradable food packaging.

Company Advantage:

• Standards Development: Key drafting unit of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Konjac Powder national standard
• Technical Strength: Holder of 85 core technology patents
• Industry Position: Publicly listed company, recognized as China’s No. 1 Konjac Stock
• Global Market Validation: Certified by Frost & Sullivan—YIZKONJAC’s konjac powder ranked No. 1 worldwide