The barrier properties and potential use of recycled-LDPE films as a packaging material to preserve the quality of Jalapeño peppers by modified atmospheres

The permeation of O2, CO2 and water vapor through recycled-LDPE films of five different thicknesses (35.2, 44.2, 50.5, 63.8 and 88.9 μm) were studied at 7 °C and 23 °C. These films were used to pack intact Jalapeño peppers, which were stored at 7 °C for 4 weeks. The quality of the peppers and the gas composition inside of the packages were evaluated weekly during the storage interval. Film thickness affected the permeation of the tested gases, being such effect more notorious at 23 °C than at 7 °C. The CO2 levels inside of the pepper packages depended strongly on the film thickness, but the O2 levels were similar in all packages. The modified atmosphere packaging inhibited the postharvest changes in color, firmness, weight loss, ascorbic acid, total phenols and overall quality of the peppers. Fermentative metabolites accumulated during storage, although the levels of such compounds were low and did not affect the quality of the peppers.

► Tested films showed comparable barrier properties to those reported for films made of non-recycled LDPE.
► Film thickness did not affect clearly the permeability coefficients for tested gases.
► Film thickness affected clearly the transmission rates of tested gases.
► Behavior of barrier properties as a function of film thickness was different at 23 and 7 °C.
► Tested films preserved the quality of Jalapeño peppers for up to 4 weeks.