WO2009047539A1 - Emballage - Google Patents

Emballage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009047539A1
WO2009047539A1 PCT/GB2008/003463 GB2008003463W WO2009047539A1 WO 2009047539 A1 WO2009047539 A1 WO 2009047539A1 GB 2008003463 W GB2008003463 W GB 2008003463W WO 2009047539 A1 WO2009047539 A1 WO 2009047539A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
packaging
day
bar
lid
hole
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2008/003463
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Tollman
Original Assignee
Sharp Interpack Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sharp Interpack Ltd. filed Critical Sharp Interpack Ltd.
Publication of WO2009047539A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009047539A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
    • B65D85/345—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes having a meshed or apertured closure to allow contents to breathe
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/02—Packaging agricultural or horticultural products
    • B65B25/04—Packaging fruit or vegetables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/02—Packaging agricultural or horticultural products
    • B65B25/04—Packaging fruit or vegetables
    • B65B25/041—Packaging fruit or vegetables combined with their conservation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators

Definitions

  • the present invention is concerned with improved packaging, particularly for fruits and vegetables and other plant products which undergo a ripening process and are liable to rot, with packaging containing same, and with methods of packaging.
  • Ethylene acts as a ripening signal to trigger ripening (or further ripening and eventual senescence), and can thus shorten the durability of fresh produce.
  • Carbon dioxide causes, amongst other things, unwanted fermentation processes and thus also causes shortened durability.
  • US 2652335 discloses packaging for fruit and vegetables with spaced ventilation holes in its sidewalls and endwalls. This is further exemplified in the packaging used by modern-day supermarkets for fruit and vegetables, which packaging will frequently have holes defined in a top or sides of the packaging.
  • DEl 02006017887/EP1714885 discloses a packaging machine in which packaging having a base and side walls defining a trough and containing fresh produce is sealed with a perforated film lid.
  • Other packaging is well known, for example in the form of a tray or punnet which is provided with a lid having perforations several millimetres in diameter.
  • Such prior art packaging with large (herein “macroscopic") perforations allows for the escape of moisture and for the large-scale ventilation of gases inside the packaging to the atmosphere (and vice versa) and thus e.g. the removal of some ethylene during ripening.
  • none of the prior art packaging provides any kind of a solution which is tailored to the specific fruit or vegetable which is contained within the packaging.
  • GB 2436321 discloses packaging apparatus which incorporates perforation means. At page 6 lines 17-21 perforations are disclosed with a diameter of 0.1mm, giving a surface area of 0.00785mm 2 .
  • US 4515266 discloses packaging for preserving produce, including a sealed container enveloping the product and filled with a preservative gas which inhibits bacterial growth.
  • the container is perforated, the perforations dimensioned to inhibit airflow into the container and assure gas outflow. Specific dimensions or perforations are not disclosed.
  • EP 1616812 discloses a packaging for fruit and vegetables, particularly asparagus, comprising a bowl having a film lid defining perforations.
  • Paragraph 5 references a relationship between the total surface area of a bowl/film and the total surface area of the perforations, with a range of 1.0.005 - 1 :0.25 being defined.
  • the table on page 3 shows data for film with a total surface area (column 2) of 27.360mm 2 (5.231mm x
  • JP2004242521 disclose a packaging bag for fruit and vegetables which has two sets of pores: (a) a first set having a pore diameter of 20-99 ⁇ m, and (b) a second set having a pore diameter of 100-700 ⁇ m, the (a) pores accounting for at least 5% of the total pores.
  • the present inventors have found that the shelf-life of fruit and vegetables which undergo ripening and are liable to rot can be substantially enhanced by the use of specific numbers and sizes of openings in the packaging. The location of the openings can further enhance shelf-life. In particular, it has been found that a specific arrangement of perforations in packaging can provide for a substantial increase in the shelf-life of strawberries.
  • packaging comprising:
  • a tray comprising a base and at least one wall; and (ii) a lid; said lid defining at least one opening, each at least one opening having a surface area of between 0.00157mm 2 and 0.00471mm 2 .
  • the Hd does not define any openings having a surface area greater than 0.00471mm 2 .
  • Examples of trays of the present invention include containers, trays and punnets that have a base and at least one wall.
  • the tray is manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid plastic, particularly a petrochemical- (preferably petroleum oil) based plastic or a biopolymer such as corn starch or cellulose or derived from vegetable oils.
  • a petrochemical- (preferably petroleum oil) based plastic or a biopolymer such as corn starch or cellulose or derived from vegetable oils.
  • moulded cardboards can be used to fabricate the tray, and such cardboards can include a plastic barrier layer to inhibit gas flow.
  • the tray provides a barrier to limit gas flow across the tray.
  • Preferable plastics include polyester (PET), polypropylene and polyvinylchloride (PVC).
  • PET polyester
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • in-use free gas flow only occurs between the packaging volume and the surrounding atmosphere external to the packaging via the at least one opening in the lid.
  • a wide range of shapes of tray are suitable for use in the present invention, and include circular, square and rectangular trays.
  • said at least one wall comprises side
  • said lid is attached to said tray.
  • a packaging volume is defined.
  • the at least one opening has an elliptical shape. In other embodiments, the at least one opening has a circular shape. Alternative shapes may also be used. For example, the at least one opening may be triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal or octagonal.
  • the surface area referred to above is the cross-sectional area of the at least one opening defined by the lid.
  • the surface area of (i.e. the area defined by) each at least one opening is between 0.00188mm 2 and 0.00440mm 2 , 0.00220mm 2 and 0.00408mm 2 , 0.00236mm 2 and 0.00393mm 2 , 0.00251mm 2 and 0.00377mm 2 , 0.00283mm 2 and 0.00346mm 2 , or 0.00298mm 2 and 0.00330mm 2 .
  • the surface area of each at least one opening is about 0.00314mm 2 .
  • each at least one opening in the lid has permeability values of between 100 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 75 ml CCh/hole.day.bar, and 300 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 225 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar. More preferably, each at least one opening in the lid has permeability values of between 120 ml C ⁇ /hole.day.bar and 90 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar, and 280 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 210 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar.
  • each at least one opening in the lid has permeability values of between 140 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 105 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar, and 260 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 195 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar. More preferably, each at least one opening in the lid has permeability values of between 160 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 120 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar, and 240 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 180 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar.
  • each at least one opening in the lid has permeability values of between 180 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 135 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar, and 220 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 165 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar. More preferably, each at least one opening in the lid has permeability values of about 200 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 150 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar
  • openings between 1 and 19 openings are provided. More preferably, 12-19, 13-18, 14- 17 or 15-16 openings are provided. More preferably, 2-18, 3-17, 4-16, 5-15, 6-14, 7-13, 8-12 or 9-11 openings are provided.
  • the at least one opening is in communication with the packaging volume, i.e. gas flow from the packaging volume to the exterior of the packaging occurs through the at least one opening.
  • the lid is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, for example a plastic.
  • the lid is made from a flexible material such as a plastic film.
  • the lid is made from a PET plastic.
  • the lid is a film lid sealed to the tray. In other embodiments, the lid can be in-use detached from and re-attached to the tray.
  • the packaging is dimensioned to hold 200-100Og of fruit, more preferably 227-904g, 250-75Og, 400-75Og, more preferably about 450, 454 or 500g of fruit or vegetables which undergo a ripening process and which are liable to rot.
  • a packaging according to the present invention containing within it fruit or vegetables which undergo a ripening process and which are liable to rot.
  • the packaging can similarly contain other plant material which undergoes a ripening process and which is liable to rot.
  • the packaging contains strawberries.
  • the packaging containing fruit or vegetables does not contain a preservative gas.
  • a packaging containing fruit or vegetables and not containing a preservative gas shows substantial improvements in shelf-life.
  • Preservative gases include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen as well as gases such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and argon. Their use is well known in the art for preserving fruit and vegetables.
  • the packaging containing fruit or vegetables does not contain a preservative gas.
  • the packaging may contain a preservative gas.
  • the packaging may contain an atmosphere enriched in carbon dioxide and/or depleted in oxygen.
  • the atmosphere is enriched in carbon dioxide and depleted in oxygen.
  • the atmosphere contains no greater than 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5% O 2 .
  • the atmosphere contains at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10% CO 2 . More preferably, the atmosphere comprises about 5% O 2 and about 10% CO 2 .
  • Such packaging containing fruit or vegetables and a preservative gas is preferably maintained at a temperature of no more than 11 0 C, preferably no more than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 0 C.
  • Also provided according to the present invention is method of packaging fruit or vegetables which undergo a ripening process and which are liable to rot, comprising the steps of:
  • the method may comprise the step of defining at least one opening in a lid material, each at least one opening having a surface area of between 0.00157mm 2 and 0.00471mm 2 .
  • each at least one opening is defined by a needle. More preferably, each at least one opening is defined by a needle on a rotating wheel, the wheel moving relative to the lid material.
  • the openings of the lids of the present invention are found to be best made using a rolling wheel having needles extending from its surface, the lid moving relative to the needles. Examination of the openings so made shows that they have a generally elliptical shape, and that the dimensions of the openings so made are highly repeatable and generally uniform, and that in use they allow for a repeatable extension of shelf-life of packaged fruit or vegetables which undergo a ripening process and are liable to rot, as detailed below.
  • said tray and said lid are packaging according to the present invention.
  • the method is a method of prolonging the shelf-life of said fruit or vegetables.
  • said packaged fruit or vegetables are maintained at a temperature of no more than 18 0 C.
  • said packaged fruit or vegetables are maintained at a temperature of no more than 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 0 C.
  • the method does not include the step of introducing a preservative gas into said packaging containing said fruit or vegetables.
  • a preservative gas is particularly desirable since such manufacturing methods are simpler and more convenient than methods which require that the packaging volume (i.e. the volume defined between the tray and lid) is flushed with a preservative gas.
  • the provision of a conventional atmosphere in the packaging volume is also generally more attractive to consumers than the provision of an atmosphere which comprises a preservative gas.
  • the method includes the additional step of introducing a preservative gas into the packaging containing the fruit or vegetables.
  • said packaged fruit or vegetables are preferably maintained at a temperature of no more than 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 0 C.
  • packaging containing fruit or vegetables which undergo a ripening process and are liable to rot, said packaging comprising:
  • a tray comprising a base and at least one wall; and (ii) a lid; said lid defining at least one opening, at least one opening being defined in said base and being covered with seal means which restricts the flow of gases through said opening in said base.
  • the shelf-life of fruit and vegetables which undergo a ripening process and are liable to rot can be enhanced by controlling the atmosphere in the packaging by the provision of openings in the lid.
  • openings clearly cannot assist in the problems resulting from having water in the packaging.
  • wet fruit or vegetables can be placed in the tray (without the seal means covering the at least one hole in the base) and water allowed to drain from them and out of the tray.
  • the lid can then be applied to the tray, and the seal means applied to the at least one opening in the base.
  • the fruit or vegetables can be picked and allowed to drain, reducing the problems resulting from water in the packaging, whilst at the same time the final packaging including the lid and seal means allows for the control of the atmosphere in the volume defined by the packaging (the "packaging volume”) and the shelf-life of the fruit or vegetables can be extended.
  • the at least one opening in the base is dimensioned to allow the flow of water through it.
  • the at least one opening in the base has a diameter of between 4mm and 12mm, more preferably 5-1 lmm, 6-10mm, or 7-9mm. More preferably, the at least one opening in the base has a diameter of about 8mm. More preferably still, the at least one opening in the base is a single opening with a diameter of about 8mm.
  • seal means are suitable for use and include conventional sticky labels applied to packaging.
  • an adhesive label can be applied over the at least one opening in the base.
  • said at least one opening in said base is sealed with said seal means.
  • said seal means substantially prevents gas flow through the at least one opening in the base.
  • in-use free gas flow only occurs between the packaging volume and the surrounding atmosphere external to the packaging via the at least one opening in the lid.
  • seal means incorporate materials which hinder or inhibit gas flow.
  • materials which hinder or inhibit gas flow for example, a plastic layer can be provided in the seal means.
  • each at least one opening in the lid has a surface area of between 0.00157mm 2 and 0.00471mm 2 .
  • Also provided according to the present invention is a method of packaging fruit or vegetables which undergo a ripening process and which are liable to rot, comprising the steps of:
  • the method additionally comprises the step of allowing any water in said tray to drain through said at least one opening in said base prior to applying said seal means.
  • Figure 1 shows an applied classification scheme for strawberry fruit decay
  • Figure 2 shows an applied classification scheme for the freshness of calyxes
  • Figure 3 shows the development of the gas composition of the packaging headspaces at 18 0 C
  • Figure 4 shows development of the gas composition of the packaging headspaces at 12 0 C;
  • Figure 5 shows an overall comparison between three types of packaging
  • FIG. 1 shows strawberries that have packed in the 2x14/0.5 top-seal package after 12 days at 12 0 C that show fruit decay that is typical for the top-seal packages;
  • Figure 7 shows quality development over time of the strawberries at 18 0 C in the three types of packaging by way of the averaged decay number.
  • Diamonds indicate values for reference (Ref)
  • triangles indicate values for MV 2x14/0.5
  • squares indicate values for
  • MV 18/0.7 Y-axis shows averaged decay numbers, [0-5].
  • Figure 8 shows development of the Calyx freshness in time for the three packages at 18 0 C.
  • Diamonds indicate values for reference (Ref)
  • triangles indicate values for MV TS 2x14/0.5
  • squares indicate values for MV TS 18/0.7.
  • Y-axis indicates calyx freshness number. [0-3].
  • X-axis indicates time, [days];
  • Figure 9 shows quality development over time of the strawberries at 12 0 C in the three types of packaging by way of the average decay number.
  • Diamonds indicate values for reference (Ref)
  • triangles indicate values for MV TS 2x14/0.5
  • squares indicate values for MV TS 18/0.7.
  • Y-axis shows averaged decay numbers, [0-5].
  • Figure 10 shows development of the Calyx freshness in time for the three packages at 12 0 C.
  • Diamonds indicate values for reference (Ref)
  • triangles indicate values for MV TS 2x14/0.5
  • squares indicate values for MV TS 18/0.7.
  • Y-axis indicates calyx freshness number. [0-3].
  • X-axis indicates time, [days]; and
  • Figure 11 shows crude permeability results of the 18/0.7 mm packages (left hand side) and of the 2x14/0.5 mm packages (right hand side).
  • Y- axis shows gas permeability in [ml/m bar day].
  • top-seal packages Two different top-seal packages with micro-perforated top-lids (herein referred to as "top-seal packages") were compared in protective performance with a reference of macro-perforated clamshells. The visual quality of packed strawberries was evaluated four times. The gas composition of the headspace of the micro-perforated packages was also determined over time.
  • the micro-perforated top-seal packages protect the strawberries better against fruit decay than the clamshells.
  • the predominant fruit decay is fungal growth (white, grey and light brown).
  • the micro-perforated top-seal packages the predominant type of fruit decay is softening spots (either dark-red or light red). Based on a critical quality evaluation, the shelf-life after packaging of the strawberries at 12 0 C is 6 days for the clamshells and 8 days for the micro-perforated top-seals, and at 18 0 C is 5 days for the clamshells and 7 days for the micro-perforated top-seals.
  • top-seals keep the calyxes greener and fresher looking than the clamshells.
  • strawberries in the top-seals look better than in the clamshells, due to:
  • the headspace of the micro-perforated packages was analysed with a Chrompack Micro GC CP 2002 (Varian Inc., CA, USA / Chrompack, NL) gas chromatograph for air gases (O 2 , CO 2 and N 2 ) with 16 channels. Connections were made with a needle and samples were taken directly from the gaseous headspace. The rough GC-curves were automatically converted into volume percentages air gases.
  • the strawberries were taken out of the package and inspected visually one by one.
  • the strawberries were classified in six classes [0-5] of decay. This classification is visualised in Figure 1.
  • the amount of strawberries per class was recorded and average decay numbers were calculated with weight factors equalling the class numbers.
  • an arbitrary weighing factor for the type of fruit decay was applied: 100% for fungal growth and 75% for softening spots.
  • Class 0 represents perfect strawberries without any defects.
  • Class 1 has less than 5% of surface defects, usually a small dark red softening spots, white fungal spots, light brown botrytis spots, etc.
  • Class 2 has less than 20% of surface defects.
  • Class 3 has less than 33% of surface defects.
  • Class 4 has less than 50% of surface defects
  • Class 5 is decayed more severely and this class also harbours completely rotten fruits.
  • Class 0 represents fully fresh green calyxes
  • Class 1 has a small amount of little dark spots or one yellow/brown leaf Class 2 has more substantially discoloured (yellow or red) and dehydrated calyxes Class 3 has dark brown and yellow calyxes that are completely dehydrated
  • Jover BV (Breda) supplied the strawberries. These were of the cultivar Sonata and originated from one Dutch grower, which harvested the strawberries on a first harvesting day. These were transported and were packed the next day. Three types of packages (500 grams) were used: 1. Reference package: clamshell package with macro-perforations (approx. 5-10 mm diameter),
  • Top seal package 1 of Multivac with one row of micro-perforations made with a 18/0.7 mm needle-wheel. This package was filled with 5% O 2 and 10% CO 2 prior to sealing. This package is denoted as MV 18/0.7.
  • Top seal package 2 of Multivac with two rows of micro-perforations made with two 14/0.5 mm needle- wheels. This packages contained normal air prior to sealing. This package is denoted as MV 2x14/0.5.
  • the Multivac packaging was provided using apparatus of EP1714885 with a micro- perforation wheel device (above) which defines micro-perforations in the film lid used for manufacture of the packaging.
  • Such packaging is also referred to herein as "micro- perforated top seal packages” and suchlike.
  • the packaged strawberries underwent initial quality evaluation one day later (i.e. two days after harvesting), and this is referred to as "Day 0" herein and in the Figures. From the grower to quality evaluation, the strawberries were maintained at 12 0 C.
  • the strawberries were divided into two equal groups, an initial evaluation performed (shown as Day 0 in Figures 7 and 9), and were stored in two temperature-controlled cells: one at 18 0 C and one at 12 0 C.
  • the packages stored at 18 0 C were evaluated after
  • the gas development within the headspace of the top- seal packages is comparable at both temperatures.
  • the major difference is that the equilibrium gas values are less pronounced at the lower temperature: 25% CO 2 at 18 0 C versus 20% CO 2 at 12 0 C and 3% O 2 at 18 0 C versus 5% O 2 at 12 0 C. This is a logical consequence of the increased respiration at elevated temperatures.
  • the calyxes remain greener in the top-seal packages; and Fruit decay is less visible in the top-seal package than in the clamshell.
  • the most predominant type of fruit decay in the top-seal package is tissue softening spots, which can be dark red and light red (see Figure 6), whereas in the clamshell white, grey and brown fungal growth spots are most predominant (see Figure 5).
  • the taste of the strawberries was mildly acidic and sweet and remained constant during the packaging test. Only the strawberries that had been stored for 12 days after packaging at 12 0 C smelled mildly alcoholic and also possessed a mild alcoholic taste.
  • the acceptance limit was set to a level of 1.5 to correspond to the 5 days of shelf-life after packaging which is deemed to be acceptable when using the reference clamshell tray. With the acceptance level on 1.5, it is clearly observed that in comparison the strawberries in the Multivac top-seal packages have a shelf-life of 7 days after the moment of packaging. Hence, the Multivac top-seal packages extend the shelf-life by two days.
  • the reference package performs poorly. After 5 days, the calyxes of the strawberries in the clamshells have an average score of 2.4, and are almost completely discoloured and dehydrated. In contrast, the calyxes of the strawberries packed in the micro-perforated top seal packages are still green (scores of 1.2 - 1.4). Quality development at 12 0 C
  • Both top-seals are able to prolong the shelf-life by two day at 12 0 C - from 6 days in the clamshell to 8 days in the top-seal packages. The largest difference between the clamshell and the top seals is observed after the shelf-life has passed.
  • the calyxes are clearly greener in the top-seal packages as compared to the clamshell package at 12 0 C (see Figure 10).
  • the calyxes in the MV 18/0.7 packages hardly brown and hardly dehydrate. This contributes to an improved overall fresh appearance of the strawberries.
  • the gas permeability values of both types of strawberry trays (18/0.7 and 2x14/0.5) were determined at 18 0 C.
  • the packages were polyester (PET)-based trays top-sealed with a thin polyester (PET)-top-film on which a row of small perforations had been applied.
  • PET polyester
  • PET thin polyester
  • the amount of observed perforations is listed in Table 1.
  • the volumes of the trays were determined by weighing the amount of water that fits in: tray with bubble wrap inlay: 1320 ⁇ 10 ml and tray without inlay: 1340 ⁇ 10 ml.
  • Table 1 Amount of perforations in the top-lids for both types of package.
  • the packages were partially filled with carbon dioxide via a glued-in needle and mounted to the air gases GC.
  • the crude results of the permeability study at 18 0 C are shown in Table 2 and Figure 11 for the 18/0.7 mm packages and Table 3 and Figure 11 for the 2x14/0.5 mm packages.
  • the permeability value per hole is clearly larger for the packages that were perforated with 0.7 mm needles than for the packages perforated with 0.5 mm.
  • Table 2 Determined gas permeability values for oxygen and carbon dioxide expressed per unit of area of top-film or per perforation.
  • Table 3 Determined gas permeability values for oxygen and carbon dioxide expressed per unit of area of top-film or per perforation.
  • the observed gas selectivity O 2 /CO 2 was 1.35 for the 18/0.7 mm packages and 1.23 for the 2x14/0.5. These values are typical for permeation through perforations. Moreover, the smaller selectivity value for the 2x14/0.5 package further supports the expected smaller perforation diameter for this package.
  • top-seal packages protect Dutch grown strawberries cv. Sonata better than the reference macro-perforated clamshells.
  • the overall appearance of the strawberries is much better in the top-seals, since the calyxes remain green for longer, the fruits are less decayed, and the type of fruit decay is less visible.
  • clearly visible fungal growth develops, whereas in the top-seal packages dark-red and light-red softening spots develop, which are more difficult to observe and more acceptable to consumers.
  • supermarkets are able to display packed strawberries in a more attractive manner and for longer.
  • shelf lives at 12 0 C were 6 days after packaging for the clamshells and 8 days for the top-seals. At 18 0 C the shelf lives were 5 and 7 days, respectively. This limited difference is caused by the perforation pattern.
  • the current perforation patterns (18/0.7 and 2x14/0.5) are most suited for 18 0 C than for 12 0 C, as can be observed from the gas development curves ( Figures 3 and 4).
  • the desired protective atmosphere is attained within four days, whereas less protective atmospheres are attained slower at 12 0 C. Therefore, for the strawberries at 12 0 C and lower temperatures the number of perforations can be reduced accordingly in order to speed the development of a protective atmosphere, without enlarging the risk of the development of anaerobic conditions in temperature abuse situations.
  • the perforation patterns can be further adjusted to reduce gas flow: a further reduction in the number or size of perforations should be present in the top-film to compensate for the slower respiration.
  • a packaging can only be introduced in supply chains with sufficiently well managed temperatures, since temperature abuse situations would speed the decay up instead of retarding it.
  • the perforations made with 0.7 mm needle wheels are slightly more permeable than those made with 0.5 mm needle wheels. This suggests that the perforations made with the 0.7 mm needle wheel are larger than those made with the 0.5 mm needle wheel.
  • the measured permeability values for oxygen and carbon dioxide were: 0.7 mm perforation: 200 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 150 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar 0.5 mm perforation: 140 ml O 2 /hole.day.bar and 110 ml CO 2 /hole.day.bar
  • respiration rates at equilibrium modified atmospheres at 12 and 18 0 C were calculated from the measured permeability values and the measured equilibrium head space compositions at both temperatures. The calculated vales are listed in Table 4.
  • Table 4 Equilibrium respiration values calculated from the measured permeation values and the measured equilibrium gas composition values.
  • Equation 1 Simplified Michaelis-Menten kinetics model for product respiration
  • VmO 2 the maximum oxygen consumption rate [ml/kg.hour]
  • KmnC0 2 carbon dioxide concentration at which the oxygen consumption is halved
  • Table 5 Fit results of respiration parameters to the observed development of the head space composition in time. These are only approximated numbers.
  • Table 6 Predictions made with gas exchange model of equilibrium gas compositions when the perforation level of the top-lids is reduced at 12 0 C.
  • top-sealed packages with micro-perforated top-lids of Multivac protect Dutch grown strawberries cv. Sonata better than the current reference (a macro perforated clamshell).
  • the differences in overall appearance are relatively large.
  • the top seals keep the calyxes greener and retard the development of fruit decay.
  • the type of fruit decay that develops in the top-seal package is less easily observed than in the clamshell.
  • Multivac top-seals extend the shelf-life of the strawberries with two days from the moment of packaging, both at 12 and 18 0 C, going from 6 to 8 and from 5 to 7 days, respectively.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un emballage amélioré, en particulier pour des fruits et légumes et autres produits végétaux qui subissent un processus de maturation et sont susceptibles de pourrir ou de s'avarier, ainsi qu'un emballage contenant ceux-ci, et des procédés d'emballage.
PCT/GB2008/003463 2007-10-12 2008-10-13 Emballage WO2009047539A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0720002.5 2007-10-12
GB0720002A GB2453590A (en) 2007-10-12 2007-10-12 Packaging tray with lid having apertures

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009047539A1 true WO2009047539A1 (fr) 2009-04-16

Family

ID=38788100

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2008/003463 WO2009047539A1 (fr) 2007-10-12 2008-10-13 Emballage

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2453590A (fr)
WO (1) WO2009047539A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021108952A1 (fr) * 2019-12-02 2021-06-10 江南大学 Procédé pour prolonger la durée de conservation de fruits et de légumes par un modèle de respiration combinant des micropores ajustés par perçage au laser et un emballage sous atmosphère modifiée

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CO6660073A1 (es) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-30 C I Banacol S A Empaque con válvula respirable para productos perecederos

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2783738A1 (fr) * 1998-09-28 2000-03-31 Saint Andre Plastique Procede de fabrication d'un element d'emballage pour produits, dispositifs de fabrication, element d'emballage et emballage correspondants
US6045838A (en) * 1998-08-10 2000-04-04 Davis; Harold L. Grape handling and storage bag
DE202004010947U1 (de) * 2004-07-13 2004-09-09 Oberplast Gmbh & Co. Kg Verpackung für Obst und Gemüse
EP1714885A1 (fr) * 2005-04-19 2006-10-25 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG Machine d'emballage

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4515266A (en) * 1984-03-15 1985-05-07 St. Regis Corporation Modified atmosphere package and process
JP4152214B2 (ja) * 2003-02-12 2008-09-17 住友ベークライト株式会社 青果物用鮮度保持包装袋及びそれを用いた包装体
GB2436321A (en) * 2006-03-22 2007-09-26 Mark Johnathan Gray A packaging apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6045838A (en) * 1998-08-10 2000-04-04 Davis; Harold L. Grape handling and storage bag
FR2783738A1 (fr) * 1998-09-28 2000-03-31 Saint Andre Plastique Procede de fabrication d'un element d'emballage pour produits, dispositifs de fabrication, element d'emballage et emballage correspondants
DE202004010947U1 (de) * 2004-07-13 2004-09-09 Oberplast Gmbh & Co. Kg Verpackung für Obst und Gemüse
EP1714885A1 (fr) * 2005-04-19 2006-10-25 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG Machine d'emballage

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021108952A1 (fr) * 2019-12-02 2021-06-10 江南大学 Procédé pour prolonger la durée de conservation de fruits et de légumes par un modèle de respiration combinant des micropores ajustés par perçage au laser et un emballage sous atmosphère modifiée

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0720002D0 (en) 2007-11-21
GB2453590A (en) 2009-04-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Opara et al. Modified atmosphere packaging for food preservation
Kader et al. Modified atmosphere packaging of fruits and vegetables
Mangaraj et al. Modified atmosphere packaging of fruits and vegetables for extending shelf-life-A review
Del Nobile et al. Respiration rate of minimally processed lettuce as affected by packaging
Goswami et al. Advances in polymeric materials for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
CA2698005C (fr) Procede pour controler une qualite de bananes et de bananes plantains par conditionnement
EP2162366B1 (fr) Récipient permettant aux denrées de respirer
US20100151166A1 (en) Micro-perforated poly(lactic) acid packaging systems and method of preparation thereof
CN108094513A (zh) 一种青皮核桃的气调包装保鲜方法
CN114007941B (zh) 用于保存呼吸农产品的包装物和方法
Purbey et al. Advances in packaging of litchi fruit to maintain the quality
US20050266129A1 (en) Packaging material and method for perishable food product
WO2009047539A1 (fr) Emballage
CN102885129B (zh) 一种杏鲍菇的保鲜方法
CN207932306U (zh) 新鲜草莓的保鲜包装装置
GB2576272A (en) Laser-modified biodegradable and compostable packaging material
EP1298072A1 (fr) Utilisation d'un plateau en plastique expansé à alvéoles pour légumes
NL2029437B1 (en) Package for preserving respiring produce and method
JP4961967B2 (ja) シソ科植物入り包装体
Lufu Unpacking the influence of internal packaging on cooling characteristics and postharvest quality of pomegranate fruit
Ghosh et al. Physicochemical changes of litchi in modified atmospheric storage
Forney et al. Fresh-cut produce packaging and the use of biaxial stretched films
JP4052747B2 (ja) 青果物の鮮度保持方法
JP2007186247A (ja) トウミョウ入り包装体
JP2007236303A (ja) ハーブ入り包装体

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08806591

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08806591

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1