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ARCHIVED - Plastic-free packaging developed in Cartagena extends shelf life of fruit and veg by 40 per cent
By extending the longevity of products Newfresh cardboard attracts the interest of exporters
A team of researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT) has developed an entirely natural material for packaging which contains no plastics and which lengthens the shelf life of fruit and vegetable products by over 40 per cent, while at the same time reducing their tendency to rot, according to a doctoral thesis produced by Laura Buendía Moreno.
The thesis focuses on the use of the new packaging with fresh tomatoes and peppers, and the material is already patented and being produced by the Murcia-based company SAECO under the brand name “Newfresh”. It contains essential oils encapsulated in cyclodextrins (natural oligosaccharides) which delay the formation of mould and bacteria; in this way any deterioration in the taste or smell of the products is delayed for as long as they remain in the packaging.
Dr Buendía Moreno’s thesis reports that the use of Newfresh considerably extends the useful life of products and ensures that they can travel long distances, making the special cardboard containers especially appropriate for exports. Various companies have carried out successful pilot schemes and are now selling products in “intelligent” packaging which begins to inhibit oxidation as soon as it is placed in refrigerated transport containers or storage.
The lack of plastics in the packaging is of particular interest as the awareness of plastics pollution grows, and further research has been carried out with other products such as oranges, limons, mandarins, nectarines, strawberries, broccoli, lettuce, cucumber and grapes.
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