Description
The use of modified atmosphere packaging is one of the most common technologies to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables. The optimal conditions are reached when there is an equilibrium between the activity (respiration rate) of the product and the gas permeability of the packaging material. Both parameters are strongly temperature dependent. The development of a new film packaging that is able to adapt itself to the storage conditions is required to ensure the shelf life of the fresh produce, to cut down food waste and to reduce the volume of plastic packaging used along the complete distribution chain.A new formulation of sustainable plastic packaging has been developed by Wageningen University together with an industrial compounder. The new material formulation consists of incorporating side stream starch into 100% certified renewable biopolymer. Thanks to the new formulation, the gas permeability of the packaging film shows a dynamic behaviour depending on the temperature and relative humidity.
We first optimised the gas permeability performance of the packaging by playing with the composition of the base resin and the structure of the film. In a second step, we classified whole and fresh-cut produces into three distinct groups depending on their respiration rate pattern. Shelf life tests for each group of produce were performed to determine the behaviour of gas contents and the quality retention of fresh-cut produces when packed in this newly formulated packaging.
Results showed that when storage temperature increased, the increase of CO2 content inside the packaging headspace was limited compared to the reference packaging. This reflects the dynamic behaviour of the new packaging. Furthermore when the match between product activity and packaging permeability was correct, mainly for the group of products with low respiration rate activity, a clear positive effect on colour and texture preservation was observed.
Key words: fresh-cut produces, Modified Atmosphere Packaging, packaging material, sustainability
| Period | 3 Jun 2024 → 6 Jun 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Fresh-cut 2024: 5th International Conference on Fresh-Cut Produce: Maintaining Quality and Safety |
| Event type | Conference/symposium |