Assessing the suitability of polylactic acid flexible films for high pressure pasteurization and sterilization of packaged foodstuff

► PLA films have been found to be suitable for high pressure pasteurization. ► Morphological/structural and barrier properties of PLA films are unaffected by HP pasteurization. ► High pressure sterilization determines unacceptable opacification and embrittlement. ► PLA films unsuitable for high pressure sterilization. ► Hydrolytic and re-crystallization phenomena occur during high pressure sterilization.