Active packaging to improve the shelf-life and nutritional quality of strawberries

Strawberries have a high degree of perishability due to their high respiration rates that lead to the loss of organoleptic traits. High sensory quality and microbiological stability are critical factors in maintaining commercial marketability of fresh products. Active packaging systems in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) are a technology developed to increase the shelf-life of fresh perishable fruits. In particular, antimicrobial packaging is a promising technology to delay the deterioration process of whole or fresh-cut fruit. In this paper, we discuss the results of the application of an innovative packaging, Life+ systems (ILIP, Italy), on strawberries. The packaging is based on the use of an anti-microbial active absorbent pad (Sirane Group Ltd., UK) associated with an unvented and anti-mist PET punnet, closed with a heat-sealed micro perforated film (Plastopil, Israel). In the study, strawberries were packed with different Life+ system. Two kinds of pads, with a different concentration of antimicrobials, were associated with a film having high gas permeability. During the refrigerated storage (6°C, 8 days) atmosphere composition of the pack, colour, firmness, nutritional value, overall appearance and microbiological contamination were evaluated. The results indicated that the Life+ system packaging has a positive influence on the visual appearance, the organoleptic traits and the weight loss of strawberries. Finally, active packaging reduced the microbial proliferation and the loss of product