Biobased compostable packaging for fresh-cut cherry tomato: performance evaluation and influence of UV sterilization

For food packaging, plastic materials display large appeal, mostly due to their versatility, mechanical, optical and barrier properties. However, polymeric materials play an important role in many environmental concerns and in the waste management issue. Compostable bioplastics represent today alternative materials designed for a lower environmental impact. In this work, a biobased compostable packaging, constituted by PLA Ingeo container and NatureFlex film, was evaluated for fresh-cut cherry tomato. A comparative analysis was accomplished using traditional packaging materials, i.e. PET container and PP film. Structural stability under food contact conditions, mechanical and physical-chemical properties were investigated before and after sterilization treatment by UV irradiation. In particular, mechanical properties, oxygen permeability, wettability, overall chemical migration test, with ethanol 50 % simulation liquid, were determined. Additionally, biological oxygen demand (BOD) at 20°C and disintegrability tests at 58°C were carried out to establish the influence of UV sterilization on biodegradability. A low effect of UV treatment on mechanical properties and on BOD was revealed. Oxygen barrier property of NatureFlex film, higher than that of PP, was increased by UV irradiation. Overall, data showed that the biobased compostable packaging for a prolonged shelf-life of fresh-cut cherry tomato has better properties that are enhanced by UV treatment.