Design of biodegradable bio-based equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) for fresh fruits and vegetables by using micro-perforated poly-lactic acid (PLA) films

• 1D model was developed to simulate gas diffusion through microperforated PLA films.
• The model was used to design PLA based EMAP systems.
• Model parameters were estimated by experimental and numerical techniques.
• Model predictions were validated by full scale experiments.
• EMAP using PLA plastic bags was designed for cherry tomatoes and peaches.

Equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) is used for prolonging the shelf life of fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables and preserving their quality characteristics such as freshness, colour and aroma. However, the resulting extensive use of plastic packaging films raises serious environmental concerns. Replacing conventional plastic films with novel biobased and biodegradable under composting conditions materials such as films made of poly-lactic acid (PLA), offers new sustainable solutions to the problem. In the present work, the gas transport properties of three layer PLA films have been studied in relation to their potential as EMA packaging materials for fresh produce. A simple one-dimensional model simulating the combined gas diffusion through micro-perforations and the permeable membrane was developed as a designing tool for PLA based EMA packaging systems. By using this model, innovative biodegradable bio-based EMAP systems were designed specifically for selected fruits and vegetables using laser microperforated, water vapour (WV) permeable PLA films. It was shown that the relatively high water vapour permeability of PLA films compared to conventional OPP films allows the development of an optimised biodegradable bio-based EMA packaging for the specific applications.