SCAVENPACK. Active-packaging technology for lengthening the shelf-life of top-grade fruit and vegetable products.
Consortium of companies: PLÁSTICOS ROMERO, ANECSUR (ANECOOP), HT MASTERBATCH and SP GROUP. ITC-20151262
Plastic packaging plays an important part in the preservation of packaged products as it provides a physical barrier.
The main aim of this project is to develop a packaging system with active ethylene absorbers and moisture regulators that improves the preservation of fresh fruit and vegetables, and can extend the shelf life of fresh fruit by at least 20% through slowing the ripening and deterioration processes.
The tomato packaging system will comprise a tray (PET/PE) and flexible film (PE) that can be applied as a lid or flow-pack bag.The tray and film will have active additives in their polymeric structure that are able to eliminate ethylene and regulate moisture.
In addition, the packaging system will be optimised to achieve suitable levels of gas permeability, thereby ensuring the correct elimination of ethylene, moisture, and gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide that are related to the respiration and metabolism of tomatoes.