Optimized PLA-based EMAP systems for horticultural produce designed to regulate the targeted in-package atmosphere

• Innovative design of PLA film-based EMA packaging system of horticultural produce.
• Design of laser micro-perforated PLA film achieves targeted in-package conditions.
• Novel bio-based EMAP system optimized in terms of performance and cost reduction.
• Improved efficiency of PLA EMAP in prolonging shelf-life of fresh commodities.
• Negligible effect of packed fresh produce conditions on PLA film properties.

An innovative biodegradable bio-based film packaging system has been designed to achieve equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) of high value fresh horticultural produce through tuning the packaging barrier properties combining laser micro-perforation, breathable membrane technologies and materials. The tested commodities were cherry tomatoes and peaches. Laser micro-perforated 30 μm polylactic acid (PLA) film was used as the main bio-based packaging material. Key parameters of the novel bio-based EMAP system for the selected horticultural produce were optimized in terms of performance and cost reduction. Laboratory experiments were employed in order to validate the optimal design of the innovative EMA package. Results from lab experiments show improved efficiency of the optimized PLA based EMAP system in prolonging the shelf-life time of horticultural commodities as compared to non-packed commodities and commodities packed with conventional oriented polypropylene (OPP) film. The exposure of the PLA film to the EMA packed fresh produce conditions during the shelf-life period has negligible effect on the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the film.

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