<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Polymers (films, bags and boxes) are the most widely used materials for packing of fresh fruit. Product shelf life is dependent on the packaging material barrier properties, including permeability of CO2 and O2. It focused on the uses of environmentally friendly biodegradable packaging materials for fresh fruit storage. Polypropylene, polylactic acid boxes and cardboard boxes placed in polylactic acid material bag were tested as packaging materials to extend the shelf life of diploid plum cultivar ‘Kometa’. Qualitative characteristics of plum (weight, firmness, soluble solids content and colour changes) stored at temperature +4 ± 1 °C for 20 days were evaluated. Sensory evaluation was performed using a 9-point hedonic scale. Plum in good quality can be stored at the temperature +4 ± 1 °C for 12 days on average. Selective gas and moisture barrier properties of polylactic material ensured minimal weight loss in hermetical containers, but promoted plum ripening and hence a reduction of the storage period. The results suggested that biodegradable packaging materials could be a successful alternative to the conventional polymers for plum packaging, and could contribute to reduction of environmental pollution.</abstract>

Polymers (films, bags and boxes) are the most widely used materials for packing of fresh fruit. Product shelf life is dependent on the packaging material barrier properties, including permeability of CO2 and O2. It focused on the uses of environmentally friendly biodegradable packaging materials for fresh fruit storage. Polypropylene, polylactic acid boxes and cardboard boxes placed in polylactic acid material bag were tested as packaging materials to extend the shelf life of diploid plum cultivar ‘Kometa’. Qualitative characteristics of plum (weight, firmness, soluble solids content and colour changes) stored at temperature +4 ± 1 °C for 20 days were evaluated. Sensory evaluation was performed using a 9-point hedonic scale. Plum in good quality can be stored at the temperature +4 ± 1 °C for 12 days on average. Selective gas and moisture barrier properties of polylactic material ensured minimal weight loss in hermetical containers, but promoted plum ripening and hence a reduction of the storage period. The results suggested that biodegradable packaging materials could be a successful alternative to the conventional polymers for plum packaging, and could contribute to reduction of environmental pollution.

Use of Packaging Materials for Extending the Shelf Life of Diploid Plum Variety ‘Kometa’

Latvia State Institute of Fruit Growing, Graudu iela 1, Dobele, LV-3701 LATVIA

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences.

Polymers (films, bags and boxes) are the most widely used materials for packing of fresh fruit. Product shelf life is dependent on the packaging material...

Use of Packaging Materials for Extending the Shelf Life of Diploid Plum Variety ‘Kometa’

Published Online: Jul 03, 2013

Page range: 174 - 178

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/prolas-2013-0027

This content is open access.