Suitability of Plastic Films for Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Fruits and Vegetables

TLDR

MA packaging systems designed to deliver optimal oxygen at suitable temperatures can be disrupted by transient temperature increases during storage and transport, as respiration rates rise more steeply with temperature than film gas permeabilities. The study evaluated the suitability of standard plastic film configurations for maintaining modified atmospheres in common fruits and vegetables. The authors assessed film performance and determined that more permeable gas pathways with temperature compensation to equalize Q10 values are needed for effective MA packaging. Most films failed to achieve optimal O2 and CO2 atmospheres, especially for high‑respiration produce, whereas low‑ and medium‑respiration produce could be matched with films based on O2 permeability alone, and elevated temperatures risk anoxia and damage.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Suitability of plastic films in standard configurations to maintain modified atmospheres was evaluated for common fruits and vegetables. Most films did not result in optimal O 2 and CO 2 atmospheres, especially when produce had high respiration. Produce with low and medium respiration could be matched with films considering O 2 permeability requirements alone. MA packaging systems designed to produce optimal oxygen at suitable temperatures could have complications from transient temperature increases during storage and/or transportation. Respiration rates of fruits and vegetables increase more with temperature than do gas permeabilities of films. Higher than optimum temperatures could cause anoxia and seriously damage produce. More permeable gas pathways and temperature compensation to equalize Q 10 values are needed for MA packaging systems to timction effectively.