Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80

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Industrial Crops and Products

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/indcrop

Optimized PLA-based EMAP systems for horticultural produce

designed to regulate the targeted in-package atmosphere
Demetrios Briassoulis ∗ , Antonios Mistriotis, Anastasios Giannoulis,
Dimitrios Giannopoulos
Agricultural University of Athens, Laboratory of Agricultural Structures, 75 Iera Odos, Athens 11855, Greece

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: An innovative biodegradable bio-based film packaging system has been designed to achieve equilibrium
Received 9 November 2012 modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) of high value fresh horticultural produce through tuning the
Received in revised form 10 March 2013 packaging barrier properties combining laser micro-perforation, breathable membrane technologies and
Accepted 11 March 2013
materials. The tested commodities were cherry tomatoes and peaches. Laser micro-perforated 30 ␮m
polylactic acid (PLA) film was used as the main bio-based packaging material. Key parameters of the novel
Keywords:
bio-based EMAP system for the selected horticultural produce were optimized in terms of performance
Bio-based EMAP
and cost reduction. Laboratory experiments were employed in order to validate the optimal design of
PLA packaging film
Biodegradable packaging
the innovative EMA package. Results from lab experiments show improved efficiency of the optimized
Fresh horticultural produce PLA based EMAP system in prolonging the shelf-life time of horticultural commodities as compared to
Cherry tomatoes non-packed commodities and commodities packed with conventional oriented polypropylene (OPP) film.
Peaches The exposure of the PLA film to the EMA packed fresh produce conditions during the shelf-life period has
negligible effect on the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the film.
© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction equilibrium atmosphere (Del-Valle et al., 2009), making it ideal

Fruits and vegetables are perishable products with active
metabolism during the post harvest period. Postharvest phases
of fresh vegetables and fruits are directed to prolong their shelf-
life, preserving food sensory and nutritional quality. The quality
attributes for fresh fruits and vegetables must be maintained as
effectively as possible through the transportation, storage and dis-
tribution systems. The produce should reach the retail stores in
such a condition that ensures consumer acceptability and buyer
appeal (Shewfelt, 1986; Zagory and Kader, 1989). Since fruits and
vegetables contain large amounts of water and have high water
activities, water is readily lost under low relative humidity (RH)
conditions. Loss of water from fresh produce can lead to skin wrin-
kling, loss of crunchiness and crispiness, wilting and undesirable
colour changes. Proper packaging of fresh commodities can restrict
the rate of water loss (Wills et al., 1989) and has an important
role to play in maximizing the extension of shelf life (Robertson,
2005).
A relatively new packaging technique – equilibrium modified
atmosphere packaging (EMAP) is an effective method for prolong-
ing the shelf-life of fresh produce by optimizing the in-package
∗ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: briassou@aua.gr (D. Briassoulis).
for exports, long haul transportation and retail packaging. This
is achieved by modifying the permeability of the packaging film,
usually through perforation, in order to optimally regulate the equi-
librium concentrations of O2 and CO2 . When packaging vegetables
and fruits in EMAP, the gas atmosphere of package reaches equilib-
rium, consisting usually of a lowered level of O2 and an increased
level of CO2 . This kind of package slows down the normal respira-
tion of the product and so prolongs the shelf-life of the product. The
effect of the EMAP gas atmosphere on slowing down respiration is
attributed to low O2 levels and possibly to increased CO2 levels. The
effect of the range of the gases levels on respiration depends how-
ever very much on the produce/cultivar and temperature (Fonseca
et al., 2002; Mattos et al., 2012). For example, for tomatoes, the com-
bination of both low O2 levels and increased CO2 levels results in
slowing down the normal respiration. The in-package RH has also to
be regulated, since it is responsible either for the excessive weight
loss or for enhancing fungal spoilage of the fresh produce. Several
research works can be found in literature regarding EMA packag-
ing (e.g. Del-Valle et al., 2009; Gonzalez et al., 2008). The growing
popularity of EMAP for vegetables and fruits can be explained with
the behaviour of the modern consumer who demands fresh veg-
etables and fruits which have a long shelf-life without the use
of preservatives. As EMAP enables processors to extend shelf-life
without using chemicals it is also ideal for the packaging of organic
produce.

0926-6690/$ – see front matter © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.03.017
 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
EMAP for the packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables dif-
fers markedly from the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
designed for meat, fish, poultry and bakery goods in that produce
is still “alive” and respiring. Traditional gas flushed, barrier MAP
packs aiming at lowering the amount of oxygen (O2 ) to slow down
the oxidation reactions rate and the growth of various forms of aer-
obic life, used in the meat industry are unsuitable for the produce
industry. The films typically used in the produce industry, possi-
bly modified by appropriate perforations, offer controlled exchange
for the relevant gases (CO2 , O2 , and water vapour). Moreover, they
exhibit high clarity, good sealing, and anti-fog properties. The most
commonly used films for equilibrium modified atmosphere pack-
aging are made of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and of isotactic
polypropylene (PP). Both plastics can be formulated into films of
adequate strength. In addition, both LDPE and PP are rather inex-
pensive, but not biodegradable, materials (Farber and Dodds, 1995).
The latter point is an enormous drawback, due to the continual
environmental pollution caused by non-degradable synthetic poly-
mer wastes.
Developing and using biodegradable bio-based polymers is con-
sidered as the most thorough method for resolving the serious
plastic waste management problems and replacing fossil-oil based
materials with materials from renewable resources. With this back-
ground, the development of biodegradable polymers has been a
growing concern since the last decade of the 20th century. A
variety of biodegradable polymer materials have been prepared
and several of them have already been industrialized (Stridsberg
et al., 2002; Lindblad et al., 2002; Okada, 2002; Kricheldorf, 2004;
Albertsson and Varma, 2002). Although significant advances have
been made with the biodegradable polymers development, they
are far from becoming substitutes for traditional fossil oil based
polymers. The major reasons lay in the higher price of bio-based
polymers, the lack of international standardization and labelling
and partially, in the properties of some of these materials (e.g. high
hydrophilicity, poor processabilty).
A few studies reported in the literature show that the major
limitation in the current formulations of biodegradable poly-
mers for applications as packaging materials is their poor barrier
properties (Shogren, 1997; Kantola and Helén, 2001). The water
vapour transmission rates (WVTR) of biodegradable polymers at
25 ◦ C is 20–300 g/m2 /d (depending on polymer type) is much
higher than that of polyethylene, which is around 1 g/m2 /d
(Shogren, 1997). The high permeability to water vapour, com-
pared to traditional synthetic plastics inhibited so far their use
for packaging of horticultural produce, when loss of water con-
tent is the major factor that reduces shelf-life. This holds also
for perforated films, as biodegradable films used for packaging
of tomatoes were found to induce a much larger weight loss in
the produce due to release of water, compared to a polyethylene
package with the same perforation characteristics (Kantola and
Helén, 2001). In order to attain optimum conditions, the package
must be specifically designed to match the handling conditions,
ethylene sensitivity and respiration rate of the produce to be
packed.
Several research efforts have been carried out and work is in
progress aimed at developing biodegradable packaging materials
for various applications, including food packaging. For example,
poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is currently used as a food packaging poly-
mer for short shelf life products with common applications such as
containers, drinking cups, sundae and salad cups, overwrap and
lamination films and blister packages. A limited portion of this
research effort is dedicated to EMAP packaging systems. The devel-
opment of biodegradable films that are based on renewable raw
materials and are designed for EMAP systems for fresh produce,
meeting the design criteria of water vapour and gas barrier proper-
ties, ensuring safety of the produce while maintaining the original
69
quality, firmness and colour of the fresh produce is still at the very
early stages of research and development.
Current applications of bio-based materials have not taken
full advantage of the inherent properties of the biodegradable
products that would revolutionize food packaging. An innovative
biodegradable bio-based film packaging system has been devel-
oped recently to achieve EMAP of high value sensitive horticultural
fresh produce by combining laser micro-perforation and breath-
able membrane technologies in the framework of HortiBioPack
(EU Project ‘HortiBioPack’, 2008; Mistriotis and Briassoulis, 2012).
The basic design concept and key design parameters of the novel
bio-based EMAP system and their optimization in terms of perfor-
mance and cost reduction are presented in the present work. The
performance of the optimized PLA-based EMAP system was evalu-
ated experimentally. The targeted in-package conditions have been
achieved for specific cultivars of peach and cherry tomatoes under
ambient shelf storage conditions. As a result the produce shelf life
under the given conditions has been extended. The experimental
results were also used to validate the analytical model developed
for the PLA-based EMAP design (Mistriotis and Briassoulis, 2012)
and were compared against the results of 3D numerical simulations
used for modelling the effect the optimized design parameters on
the behaviour of the EMAP system (Briassoulis et al., 2012). The
overall performance of the PLA films used in these EMAP experi-
ments was evaluated by measuring the evolution of some critical
properties of the films at the end of the shelf-life time. The evalua-
tion of the sensory quality characteristics and the microbiological
spoilage of the horticultural produce packed with the PLA-based
EMAP are beyond the scope of the present work as this topic has
been investigated thoroughly with earlier full-scale experimental
series (D’Aquino et al., 2011a,b, 2012a).
2. Innovative design of bio-based EMAP for horticultural
produce
2.1. Design requirements for EMAP of tomatoes and peaches
Two specific sensitive high value horticultural fresh produce
were considered in the framework of EU Project ‘HortiBioPack’
(2008): peach (fruits) and cherry tomato (vegetables). The research
conducted allowed defining the design requirements of biodegrad-
able EMAP to reduce microbiological spoilage in fresh cherry
tomatoes and peaches as well as to preserve and prolong shelf-life
through EMAP under simulated marketing conditions, i.e. 18–20 ◦ C
and 60–65% RH. Extensive laboratory experiments (D’Aquino et al.,
2012a) have shown that for given storage conditions, specific in-
package concentration values of CO2 , O2 and water vapour (WV)
could improve the shelf life and quality of cherry tomatoes and
peaches.
Reduced levels of O2 and increased levels of CO2 (within cer-
tain limits) can conveniently prolong postharvest life and minimize
ethylene-dependent responses of commodities prior the onset of
ripening (possibly combined with hot water pre-treatment), but
once the ripening process is initiated their physiological activity
is drastically reduced (D’Aquino et al., 2011b). Decay was gener-
ally higher in packages with lower water vapour permeability, due
to the higher levels of in-package humidity. On the other hand
in-package humidity was found to be the most important fac-
tor affecting overall appearance, firmness, shrivelling, ageing. Only
packed cherry tomatoes could maintain market quality for 28 days
at 20 ◦ C. In peaches kept in atmospheres containing below 10% O2
and above 10% CO2 , the taste and odour were negatively affected
(D’Aquino et al., 2011a). Large amounts of unwanted substances,
such as ethyl acetate and a range of other alcohols and esters, were
produced in peaches kept in those atmospheres, and only in fruit
70 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
Table 1
Storage conditions, respiration and transpiration rates and targeted head-space EMA Package conditions (HortiBioPack; 2008).
Storage conditions Respiration rate (ml(CO2 ) h−1 kg−1 ) Transpiration rate (g(H2 O) d−1 )
Cherry tomatoes
18–20 ◦ C 60–65% RH 12–15 4–6
Peaches
18–20 ◦ C 60–65% RH 22–40 2–4
stored in an atmosphere of 18–20% O2 and 2–3% CO2 taste and
odour were not negatively affected.
Transpiration and respiration are both biological processes and
the corresponding rates vary with respect to cultivars. The transpi-
ration and respiration rates of selected varieties of cherry tomatoes
and peaches under targeted EMAP conditions were defined in the
framework of EU Project ‘HortiBioPack’ (2008). The typical storage
conditions and the targeted in-package gas mixture concentrations
are presented in Table 1.
2.2. Designing bio-based EMAP for horticultural produce
The most common material used in EMAP of fresh produce and
vegetables is perforated oriented polypropylene (OPP), which has
low permeability, acting as a barrier, with respect to relevant gases,
namely WV, CO2 , and O2 . Therefore, the synthesis of the in-package
atmosphere is regulated only by the size and number of perforated
holes. Biodegradable bio-based polymers such as PLA and starch-
based polymers used for the production of food packaging films
have WVTR much higher than the conventional OPP films. As a
result, the effect of micro-perforation with respect to WV perme-
ability is influenced by the permeability of the film. In the work of
Mistriotis et al. (2011) it was shown that the effect of perforation
on WV permeability decreases as the WVTR of the film increases.
On the other hand, the same biodegradable films behave as barriers
with respect to CO2 and O2 with similar transmission rates to OPP
films. This versatility of bio-based biodegradable materials offers
new possibilities in optimizing the design of EMAP systems for
fresh horticultural products while it allows for an environmentally
friendly disposal of the packaging waste.
The basic design concept presented analytically in (Mistriotis
and Briassoulis, 2012) and numerically in (Briassoulis et al., 2012)
is the following: Transpiration is a more intense process producing
20 times larger volume of WV compared to the CO2 volume pro-
duced through respiration. If perforation is designed for regulating
in-package CO2 concentration to the desired level, its effect on the
in-package RH is negligible due to the much higher transpiration
rate compared to respiration. Therefore, when a selectively perme-
able to WV, but barrier to CO2 , O2 covering bio-based film is used
as a packaging material in EMAP systems, the perforation pattern
can be designed for controlling only the CO2 concentration, while
the area of WV permeable packaging film surface can be used for
controlling the in-package RH. In this way, the in-package atmo-
sphere can be adjusted to the required composition with respect to
all relevant gases that are important for a specific horticultural pro-
duce. Since the O2 permeability of such materials is similar to CO2 ,
oxygen concentration can also be efficiently regulated through the
perforation together with CO2 concentration.
2.3. Bio-based packaging materials
PLA film was selected among other bio-based films as the EMA
packaging material for several reasons: PLA (Poly(lactic acid) is the
first polymer based on renewable raw materials commercialized at
a large scale; it is a compostable material, meeting the specifica-
tions of international standards (CEN, 2005). PLA is stable within
the functional life time of a package for fruits and vegetables; its
EMAP CO2 (kPa) EMAP O2 (kPa) Targeted EMAP conditions
2–6 15–20 18–20 ◦ C 80–90% RH
1–3 15–20 18–20 ◦ C 80–90% RH
mechanical properties and processability are sufficient to make
thin films that fulfil fruit packaging requirements; its radiomet-
ric properties (transparency) satisfy the requirements of fresh fruit
and vegetable packaging; its gas permeability properties are suit-
able for tuning an EMAP system and is also an economically feasible
material to use as a packaging polymer (Bogaert and Coszac, 2000;
Datta et al., 1995; Sawyer, 2003).
A thorough analysis of the mechanical, structural and physical
properties of PLA is presented in (Cocca et al., 2011; Di Lorenzo
et al., 2011). Experiments conducted at the AUA laboratory with
samples of PLA films exposed directly to acidic (tomato and peach
juice) and neutral (water) pH environment for two weeks showed
no pronounced changes in their mechanical, structural, physical
and barrier properties.
PLA film offers selective permeability with respect to the three
gases which are important in fresh produce packaging, namely
O2 , CO2 and H2 O (WV). The volume permeability of PLA films to
CO2 is reported 0.9 × 10−17 m2 s−1 Pa−1 . The WV mass permeabil-
ity of the PLA films used in the present study was measured at
the laboratory by the Standard testing method ASTM-E96/E96-
05 equal to 1.37 × 10−11 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 . This value is within the
range of values reported by Auras et al. (2004). This increased WV
permeability of PLA films compared to CO2 (1000 times), allows
for regulating in-package RH by selecting a suitable surface area
of the permeable to WV packaging film without interfering with
the control of in-package CO2 concentration that is regulated only
through perforation. The O2 permeability of PLA is similar to CO2 ,
namely equal to 2.3 × 10−17 m2 s−1 Pa−1 . This suggests that, once
the needed perforation characteristics to ensure the proper CO2 ,
O2 atmosphere inside the package is established, a proper opti-
mization of processing conditions may render PLA films promising
material for EMAP packaging of fresh horticultural produce.
Laser micro-perforated 30 ␮m polylactic acid (PLA) film was
used as EMA Packaging material for fresh horticultural produce
in the framework of the EU project HortiBioPack (2008). Laser
micro-perforation was achieved through optimization of the laser
processing parameters to enable the production of repeatable
patterns of clear circular 200 ␮m diameter micro-holes on the
processed 30 ␮m PLA film (Obetti, 2012).
2.4. Experimental evaluation of shelf-life and quality of cherry
tomatoes and peach packed in PLA-based EMAP
The analytical model of Mistriotis and Briassoulis (2012) was
used and computer-simulations were carried out (Briassoulis et al.,
2012) to design the optimum 200 ␮m micro-perforation pat-
tern and calculate the area of the 30 ␮m PLA film needed for
the packaging of fresh cherry tomatoes and peach fruit. This
investigation involved modelling, analysis and determination of
permeability characteristics of the EMAP system that achieves
micro-environmental dynamic conditions meeting the design
requirements of fresh cherry tomatoes and peach fruit described
in Table 1.
The performance of so developed novel EMAP system on
postharvest decay incidence and overall quality of cherry toma-
toes and peaches was evaluated through a first series of full-scale
experiments conducted under refrigeration storage conditions
 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
Table 2
Mechanical properties of the PLA films of nominal thicknesses 30 ␮m and 20 ␮m in parallel direction.
Tested samples in the parallel direction Thickness (mm)
AV
PLA film of nominal thickness 30 ␮m 0.028
PLA film of nominal thickness 20 ␮m 0.018
followed by ambient shelf conditions with peach cultivars
(‘Rich Lady’, ‘Dixired’) and cherry tomato cultivars ‘Creative’, Fra-
garia × ananassa cv. Candonga (D’Aquino et al., 2011a, 2012a,b).
Overall results showed a better performance of PLA with respect
to OPP in maintaining quality and in reducing decay for both peach
cultivars under simulated market condition. In the case of cherry
tomatoes, RH in OPP bags was 94–97%, leading to a higher per-
centage of decay (D’Aquino et al., 2011a). The effect of PLA bags on
cherry tomatoes quality was similar to OPP bags, both regarding
chemical parameters and market quality (weight loss, appearance,
and firmness) (D’Aquino et al., 2012a).
3. Overall evaluation and design optimization of novel PLA
EMAP system
3.1. Optimization of EMAP design in terms of bio-based material
The novel EMAP design has been shown through the first series
of full-scale experiments under refrigeration and market storage
conditions for selected cultivars of peach and cherry tomatoes to
be optimum for 30 ␮m PLA film in terms of film processing and
micro-perforation (D’Aquino et al., 2012b). However, as the film
area is controlled by the targeted headspace RH (Mistriotis and
Briassoulis, 2012; Briassoulis et al., 2012), the so designed EMAP
may need larger film area as compared to the geometrical needs
of a given volume of the packed produce, depending on the WV
control requirements. This may result in a higher cost and waste of
bio-based packaging material. The optimization of the EMAP design
with respect to bio-based material and cost was investigated along
two directions:
3.1.1. Using thinner PLA film
The possibility to use thinner PLA film was investigated by
designing and testing an EMAP system with 20 ␮m PLA film. The
possible use of 20 ␮m PLA film instead of 30 ␮m PLA film has two
advantages:
1. It results in lower financial and environmental cost as only 2/3
of PLA material of the 30 ␮m film based EMAP is needed.
2. The 20 ␮m PLA film has higher WV permeance as compared to
30 ␮m PLA film. Thus a smaller film area is needed for achieving
the targeted HR values and so packages of smaller size can be
used fitting better to the packed produce volume (saving mate-
rial further and reducing cost).
The questions rose with regard to the possible use of 20 ␮m
PLA film with the developed EMAP design concern the mechanical
performance of the thin film when processed with the packaging
machines, the WV permeability and the success of the micro-
perforation processing, optimized by Mach s.r.l. specifically for the
case of 30 ␮m PLA film with 200 ␮m micro-perforations (Obetti,
2012).
3.1.1.1. Performance of 20 m PLA films. Samples of 20 ␮m and
30 ␮m PLA film provided by Huhtamäki Oyj, grade BIO-WARE
were tested at the AUA laboratory. The mechanical properties of
these samples, shown in Table 2, confirm that, as far as their
71
Tensile strength (MPa) Elongation at break (%)
STDV AV STDV AV STDV
0.0010 57.02 2.48 6.88 1.16
0.0007 65.68 3.16 7.32 1.67
mechanical properties are concerned, the 20 ␮m film can be used
for the EMAP system instead of 30 ␮m PLA film, provided that it
can also be handled without problem by the packaging machines.
The WV permeance of a 20 ␮m PLA film was measured equal to
0.085 × 10−5 g m−2 s−1 Pa−1 (sample thickness 17 ␮m). This value
is about 1.5 times higher than the measured permeance of a 30 ␮m
PLA film which was found equal to 0.061 × 10−5 g m−2 s−1 Pa−1
(sample thickness 27 ␮m). The mechanical and barrier properties
of the 20 ␮m PLA film indicate its potential suitability as a cost
efficient EMAP solution for packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables.
3.1.1.2. Processing of micro-perforation of 20 m PLA films. The tests
performed at Mach s.r.l. (Obetti, 2012; ‘HortiBioPack’, 2008) showed
that laser micro-perforation of a very thin 20 ␮m PLA film results
in damages of the film at additional spots, with the formation of
unexpected, unpredictable and uncontrolled openings. The occur-
rence of unwanted and unpredictable holes in a 20 ␮m thick film
demonstrates that such a thin PLA film is not suitable for industrial
laser micro-perforation processing. It was concluded that a PLA film
with 30 ␮m thickness has an optimum balance between material
cost and performance in terms of headspace atmosphere achieved
by the optimal micro-perforation process following the developed
EMAP design.
Nevertheless, the use of 20 ␮m PLA film is still possible through a
combination of strips of micro-perforated 30 ␮m PLA films bonded
to non-perforated 20 ␮m PLA film covering at least half of the
needed EMAP area (e.g. PLA 30:20 ␮m: 50–50%) with a clear
cost/material reduction of the so produced EMA packaging bags.
3.1.2. Alternative innovative solutions of bio-based EMAP design
Alternative innovative solutions of EMAP design were inves-
tigated by combining two different bio-based biodegradable
packaging films integrated in the HortiBioPack EMAP design.
The two materials selected were 30 ␮m PLA film, for which
200 ␮m micro-perforation has been optimized, and non-perforated
Mater-Bi film (average thickness 38 ␮m) which has higher WV
permeability than PLA. ‘Mater-Bi’ is a family of completely
biodegradable and compostable materials produced by Novamont
S.p.A. based on renewable raw materials (such as starches from
different crops and vegetable oils) that are complexed with
biodegradable synthetic polyesters. Mater-Bi biodegrades com-
pletely in composting, soil, fresh and salt water and is considered
to be a compostable material without ecotoxicity according to the
European standard CEN EN13432 (CEN, 2005). The design approach
for the combined bio-based EMAP of cherry tomatoes is described
below:
3.1.2.1. Theory and calculations. Based on Fick’s Law of diffusion:
CWV
JWV = Pm A (1)
x
where JWV (g/s) is the water vapour mass flux; Pm (g/ms) is the
permeability of packaging material in terms of mass fractions; A
(m2 ) is the packaging film area; CWV is the water vapour mass
fraction difference between environment and package headspace;
and x (m) is the packaging film thickness.
72 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
For a combination of two different packaging materials
CWV
JWV = (Pm1 A1 + Pm2 A2 )
x
A1 + A2 ≥ Atotal
where Pmi (g/ms) is the permeability of packaging material i; Ai
(m2 ) is the area of packaging film i; and Atotal is the minimum area
of packaging film which can wrap the required produce quantity
volume.
From these equations areas A1 and A2 can be defined since:
JWV can be recorded through gravimetrical lab experiments.
Pm1 , Pm2 can been measured through lab experiments.
x is either known from the thin film manufacturer or can be
measured (or it can be a design parameter as in the case of using
areas A1 of 30 ␮m and A2 of 20 ␮m PLA films).
CWV can be defined based on the needs of the experiment (the RH
of the storage environment and the targeted RH of the headspace).
The micro-perforation of the package is designed to achieve the
targeted head-space CO2 , O2 concentrations based on the empirical
modification of Fick’s Law of diffusion regarding diffusion through
perforations:
Cgas
Jgas = DAp
L + kd
where Jgas (m3 /s) is the gas volume flux; D (m2 /s) is the diffusion
coefficient; Ap (m2 ) is the perforation area; Cgas is the gas (CO2 , O2 )
mass fraction difference between the two ends of the perforation
(environment and in-package); L (m) is the film thickness; d (m) is
the perforation diameter; and k is the factor characteristic of the
end effects of the perforation.
3.1.2.2. Modelling. An optimized EMAP using a combination of PLA
and Mater-Bi films was modelled for the case of cherry tomatoes.
The data used with the Mater-Bi–PLA EMAP film combination are
as follows:
Jwv = 5 g/day (transpiration; Table 1)
JCO2 = 12 ml/h (or 0.14 g/day) (respiration; Table 1)
DCO2 in air = 1.4 × 10−5 m2 /s
PPLA = 4.66 × 10−5 (g/ms)
PMater-Bi = 3 or 4 times PPLA (this variation of measured PMater-Bi led
to the design of two types of EMA packages for cherry tomatoes)
x = 30
RHheadspace = 80–90% (targeted value; Table 1)
RHenvironment = 60–65% (storage value; Table 1)
CWV calculated by the theory
CCO2-headspace = 3–5% (targeted value; Table 1)
CCO2-environment = 0 (storage value; Table 1)
3.1.2.3. Design. Following the above modelling, the design of the
EMAP system using the selected PLA and Mater-Bi films for cherry
tomatoes was based on three requirements:
Geometric constraint: For an EMA Package containing a specific
quantity of produce of a given average dimension (e.g. 250 g of
cherry tomatoes; refer to next section), a minimum needed pack-
aging film area Atotal is calculated (for 250 g of cherry tomatoes
Atotal = 400 cm2 ). For a combination of two packaging materials
(PLA/Mater-Bi) the total film area should satisfy the constraint:
A1 + A2 ≥ Atotal = 0.04 (m2 )
Targeted headspace RH: Based on two different WV permeabil-
ities obtained through lab measurements for thin Mater-Bi films
and on Eqs. (2) and (5), two different EMA packages were designed.
The areas A1 and A2 for each EMAP design were calculated in a way
as to achieve the targeted RH in-package regulation.
(2) Targeted headspace CO2 and O2 : The CO2 and O2 regulation is
achieved through the design of proper micro-perforations on the
(3) PLA film for which the micro-perforation technique was optimized,
since both PLA and Mater-Bi films are practically impermeable to
CO2 . Using Eq. (4) the number and the geometrical characteristics
of the micro-perforations were calculated in order to reach the tar-
geted CO2 and O2 values of the head-space (the same as with pure
PLA based EMAP; not affected by the presence of the barrier to CO2
and O2 Mater-Bi film).
3.2. Evaluation and optimization of EMAP design under ambient
shelf storage conditions
The overall performance of the optimized PLA and PLA/Mater-
Bi based EMAP systems for packaging of selected cultivars of peach
and cherry tomatoes under ambient shelf storage conditions, was
evaluated through a new series of laboratory experiments. The
cultivars tested were different from those tested with the earlier
experimental series of (D’Aquino et al., 2011a, 2012a,b) and the
fruits were packed immediately after harvesting. In contrast with
the first experimental series, no refrigeration phase was included in
these experiments, simulating corresponding local market storage
conditions for fresh peach and cherry tomatoes.
(4)
The design parameters of the EMAP bags for the specific pro-
duce and conditions followed the analytical model of (Mistriotis
and Briassoulis, 2012) and the optimized composite EMAP design,
as described in the previous section. The performance of the EMAP
designs was evaluated and optimized through numerical modelling
(Briassoulis et al., 2012). The analytical model and numerical results
were verified by the experimental results.
4. Experimental investigation of overall performance of
innovative EMAP
4.1. EMAP materials and design
The bio-based biodegradable film used in the laboratory exper-
iments was a 30 ␮m BoPLA film, from Taghleef Industries L.L.C,
grade NativiaTM NTSS30 (Nativia, 2011). It is a highly trans-
parent film with both sides heat sealable, biodegradable &
compostable. It is certified EN 13432 (2005) for compostable
intermediates. The barrier properties of the NativiaTM NTSS30
film are as follows (Nativia, 2011): Water vapour perme-
ability, measured according to ASTMF1249 (38 ◦ C, 90%RH), is
270 g/m2 /d (1.57 × 10−11 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 ); Oxygen permeability,
measured according ASTMD3985 (23 ◦ C, 0%RH), is 730 cm3 /m2 /d
(1.25 × 10−17 m2 s−1 Pa−1 ). Micro-perforations were performed on
the PLA film by Mach s.r.l. according to the bio-based EMAP Hort-
iBioPack design (Mistriotis and Briassoulis, 2012). Conventional
macro-perforated 30 ␮m BOPP film prepared by Mach s.r.l. was
used for the reference EMAP bags.
Two sets of PLA-based EMA Packages were modelled analytically
containing 250 g of cherry tomatoes and 1000 g of peaches, respec-
tively. Based on the analytical model results for cherry tomatoes the
targeted range of RH values can be achieved by using a PLA packag-
ing film area between 500 and 900 cm2 , while 5 micro-perforations
of 200 ␮m diameter are needed to control the targeted CO2 and O2
concentrations (Table 1). For the peaches the required PLA pack-
aging film area was calculated to be between 1250 and 2150 cm2
(5)
while 100 micro-perforations of 200 ␮m diameter are needed to
control CO2 and O2 concentrations. Based on these data PLA EMAP
bags of 615 and 1500 cm2 for cherry tomatoes and peach respec-
tively, were prepared for laboratory experiments and were also
 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80 73

Fig. 1. Composite bio-based EMAP system made of micro-perforated PLA film (1/2) and Mater-Bi film (1/2) (left) and micro-perforated PLA film (2/3) and Mater-Bi film (1/3)
(right).

modelled numerically (Briassoulis et al., 2012). In addition, conven-
tional OPP EMAP packages were prepared with 4 holes of diameter
6 mm for the peaches and 12 holes of diameter 8 mm for the cherry
tomatoes. An additional set of PLA EMAP with reduced number of
perforations (3× 200 ␮m), aimed at higher CO2 concentration was
also tested with cherry tomatoes.
4.2. Combined PLA and Mater-Bi bio-based EMAP for cherry
tomatoes
Two alternative optimized bio-based EMAP bag designs, based
on combined PLA/Mater-Bi films, were developed at the laboratory
of AUA, specifically for cherry tomatoes. The required PLA (A1 ) and
Mater-Bi (A2 ) film areas were calculated according to the design
approach described in the previous section (Atotal satisfies Eq. (5))
as follows:
Case I: PLA-MB EMA Package-I for 250 g of cherry tomatoes with
5 micro-perforations of 200 ␮m diameter applied on the PLA 30 ␮m
film assuming that PMater-Bi = 3 PPLA :
RH 65%. A series of experiments were conducted with peach variety
Prunus persica (late production; September) delivered directly from
farm. Each PLA and OPP EMAP bag contained three peaches (approx.
1000 g) (Fig. 3). Six repetitions were tested with PLA EMAP and five
repetitions with OPP EMAP, while four non-packed sets were used
as control.
Two series of experiments were conducted with cherry toma-
toes: (a) cherry tomatoes Ornella, the earliest production variety,
were collected and transported directly from Ierapetra, Crete
on 13/3/2012; (b) cherry tomatoes Genio, the smallest variety,
were collected and transported directly from Timpaki, Crete on
29/3/2012. Each PLA, PLA/MB and OPP EMAP bag contained 250 g
cherry tomatoes. For each cultivar, three repetitions were tested
with PLA, three with PLA-MB and three repetitions with OPP
while two non-packed sets were used as control in each case
(Figs. 4 and 5). In addition, a set of three PLA EMAP bags with
reduced number of microholes (3× 200 ␮m microholes) were
included specifically in the experimental series of Genio cherry

• AMater-Bi = 201.64 cm2 (≈1/2 of total area)

• APLA = 198.36 cm2 (≈1/2 of total area)

Composite bio-based EMAP bags of case I for 250 g of cherry

tomatoes were made of PLA 30 ␮m film with 5 micro-perforations
of 200 ␮ diameter and PLA:MB film area ratio 50:50 as shown in
Fig. 1a.
Case II: PLA-MB EMA Package-I for 250 g of cherry tomatoes with
5 micro-perforations of 200 ␮m diameter on the PLA 30 ␮m film
assuming that PMater-Bi = 4 PPLA :

• AMater-Mi = 134.43 cm2 (≈1/3 of total area)

• APLA = 265.57 cm2 (≈2/3 of total area)

Composite bio-based EMAP bags of case II for 250 g of cherry

tomatoes were made of PLA 30 ␮m film with 5 micro-perforations
of 200 ␮ diameter and PLA:MB film area ratio 77:33 as shown in
Fig. 1b.
The comparison between the PLA 30 ␮m based EMAP and the
composite PLA-MB films based EMAP shown in Fig. 2 reveals the
significant economy in materials and the associated cost reduction.

4.3. Experimental design

4.3.1. Horticultural produce and methodology

The laboratory experiments with the innovative bio-based and
conventional EMAP systems were conducted in a 600 l controlled Fig. 2. EMAP systems based on 30 ␮m PLA film (top) and composite bio-based EMAP
temperature and humidity chamber set at storage conditions: 20 ◦ C, system made of micro-perforated PLA film (1/2) and Mater-Bi film (1/2) (bottom).
74 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80

Fig. 3. PLA based EMAP bags (left) and BOPP EMAP bags (right) used to pack 1 kg peaches.

Fig. 4. PLA based micro-perforated EMAP 12 cm × 26 cm bag (top left) with 5–200 ␮m holes (top right); conventional macro-perforated BOPP EMAP 26 cm × 15 cm with
12–8 mm holes (bottom).

tomatoes, aimed to investigate the effect of increased CO2 concen-
tration in the headspace.
4.3.2. Measurements
4.3.2.1. Headspace conditions. Every day each bag was weighed
on a sensitive balance Ohaus Ts4kd Precision Standard (accuracy
±0.02 g). From the gravimetrical measurements the weight loss of
the produce and the in-package RH were calculated. The CO2 and
O2 in-package concentration in equilibrium was measured with
a QUBIT S147 Rapid Response O2 /CO2 Analyzer device. In addi-
tion each bag was visually inspected for signs of decay or other
phenomena related to the shelf life time and quality of the packed
fruits.
4.3.2.2. PLA EMAP films. Following the end of the storage period
samples of the PLA EMAP films were tested at the laboratory for
possible changes in the following properties:
Mechanical properties: An INSTRON testing machine Model 4204
was used for measuring the tensile properties of EMAP films accord-
ing to the standard EN ISO 527-3.
Water vapour permeation of PLA film: The determination of the
water vapour transmission of 30 ␮m PLA and 38 ␮m Mater-Bi films
was carried out through the ASTM E96M-05 standard technique. In
the case of the tested films, the Water Method was selected that bet-
ter approaches the conditions under consideration. Measurements
were performed under 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ◦ C and RH 50% and 75%.
The water vapour weight loss was measured by an electronic Ohaus
Explorer E02140 balance (precision ± 0.01 g).
Optical properties: The optical properties of the tested films were
measured by using a UV/VIS/nrIR spectrophotometer (HITACHI U-
4001) with an integrating sphere.
Chemical composition: The possible chemical changes in the
polymeric structure of the tested samples were investigated after
the end of experimental procedures by running mid infrared
 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80 75

Fig. 5. Non-packed sets of 250 g Ornella (left) and Genio (right) cherry tomatoes.

spectra on a FTIR spectrometer (Tensor 27, Bruker Optics), either in Peach stored under 20oC and 65%
the transmission mode, or by single reflection diamond ATR spec- 110.00
troscopy.
105.00

Normalised fruit weight (%)

4.3.2.3. Thermal properties. Heat of fusion of the PLA samples was
analyzed by a Perkin Elmer Pyris 6 DSC Differential Scanning 100.00
BOPP
Calorimeter calibrated with Indium. Thermograms for samples of
95.00
15 ± 5 mg were recorded in six consecutive runs: (a) heating from
20 to 200 ◦ C; (b) cooling from 200 to 20 ◦ C; two more circles. PLA
90.00

5. Results
85.00

5.1. Head-space gas concentrations 80.00

No packaging
The results of the numerical model and the laboratory exper- 75.00
iments as well as the predicted values from the analytical 0 5 10 15 20
model regarding the in-package gas mixture concentrations in Storage me (d)
equilibrium are presented in Table 3. From the gravimetrical mea-
surements the in-package RH was calculated equal to 86% for the Fig. 6. Loss of water of peaches packed in the new PLA-EMAP, conventional BOPP
EMAP systems and non-packed under 20 ◦ C – RH 65%.
cherry tomatoes and 90% for the peaches. The PLA EMAP headspace
conditions monitored during the storage period indicated that the
targeted CO2 and O2 conditions of Table 1 were achieved, for both
peach and cherry tomatoes cultivars, as designed. The measured
CO2 and O2 values remained constant throughout the experimen-
tal period as depicted by the low standard deviation. In the case
of cherry tomatoes, the PLA/MB EMAP headspace RH conditions
were found to be similar to those of the pure PLA EMAP system
while CO2 concentration was increased by a ratio approximately
5/3. The observed small deviations between the experimental and
numerical data were caused by the variability of the physiological
processes of the produce and are considered acceptable, within the
range of the targeted EMAP head-space conditions.

5.2. Weight loss

The performance of the bio-based EMAP system in terms of the

fruit water retention for peach and cherry tomatoes, was measured
systematically since water loss is associated with deterioration of
commercial value and quality of the produce. In the case of peach, Fig. 7. Water vapour condensation in BOPP film-bags with 4 holes of diameter 6 mm.
the new EMAP system results in an increase of shelf-life time by 12
days assuming as threshold value the loss of 8% water (Fig. 6). On
the other hand, conventional laser macro-perforated BOPP packag- the same, yielding analogous concentrations of CO2 and O2 , the PLA
ing resulted in serious water condensation problems from the first WV permeability allowed for a very good control of the headspace
week of storage (Fig. 7). This behaviour proves that while the total RH as designed, at the level of 90%, eliminating the serious conden-
perforated area in the PLA-based and the BOPP EMAP systems was sation problems of the conventional BOPP EMAP and preventing
76 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
Table 3
Numerical simulation and laboratory experiments results for in-package gas mixture concentrations compared to the analytical model predictions.
Packaging configuration
Fruit: 250 g Ornella cherry tomatoes Film PLA 30 ␮m
Packaging material area: 615 cm2 Perforations: 5 of diameter 200 ␮ma
Fruit: 1000 g peaches Film PLA 30 ␮m
Packaging material area: 1500 cm2 Perforations: 100 of diameter 200 ␮m
a
Experimental CO2 result for PLA based EMAP with 3–200 ␮m perofrations was 6.5 kPa.
Fig. 8. Loss of water of Ornella (a) and Genio (b) cherry tomatoes packed in the new
PLA-EMAP system, PLA – Mater-Bi EMAP systems, conventional BOPP EMAP systems
and non-packed tomatoes, under 20 ◦ C – RH 65%.
the significant loss of weight and the associated quality degrada-
tion of the non-packed peaches (analogous results are reported by
D’Aquino et al. (2011a) for different peach cultivar).
The performance of the bio-based EMAP systems in terms of
fruit water retention for Ornella and Genio cherry tomatoes is
shown in Fig. 8 against the corresponding behaviour for non-packed
cherry tomatoes and tomatoes packed in conventional BOPP EMAP
systems. The PLA based EMAP was shown to retain the targeted
RH at the level of 86%, thus preventing a fast loss of water. On
the other hand, the non-packed cherry tomatoes exhibited faster
loss of water with the appearance of shrinkage related wrinkles
Experimental data Numerical data Analytical results
CO2 (kPa) RH (%) CO2 (kPa) RH (%) CO2 (kPa) RH (%)
CO2 : 4.0 ± 0.1a CO2 : 5.1 ± 0.3 CO2 : 5.0
RH: 86 RH: 88 ± 3 RH: 86
CO2 : 3.3 ± 0.01 CO2 : 3.4 ± 0.2 CO2 : 3.0
RH: 90 RH: 85 ± 4 RH: 86
deformations after two weeks of storage (15 and 13 days for Ornella
and Genio cherry tomatoes, respectively) (Fig. 9). As this two weeks
storage period is associated with 8% water loss for the Ornella
cherry tomatoes and 10% for the Genio cherry tomatoes, the 8%
and 10% water loss limits are considered as the thresholds for
defining the shelf life enhancement of the PLA-based EMAP for the
two varieties, respectively, as compared to no packaging. Based on
these threshold values, the new PLA based EMAP systems, on the
average, result in an increase of shelf-life time by 10 days (meet-
ing the 8% and 10% water loss threshold values after a storage
period of 25 and 22 days for the Ornella and Genio cherry tomatoes,
respectively). The conventional macro-perforated BOPP packaging
systems resulted in rates of water loss comparable or slightly lower
than those of PLA EMAP systems (meeting the 8% and 10% water
loss threshold values after a storage period of 21 and 17 days for the
Ornella and Genio cherry tomatoes, respectively; Fig. 8). All conven-
tional macro-perforated BOPP packaging systems exhibited signs
of shrinkage deformation, especially those located near the macro-
perforations, after approximately 16 and 21 days of storage for the
Ornella and Genio cherry tomatoes, respectively (Fig. 9). Combined
PLA/Mater-Bi based EMAP systems exhibited water loss behaviour
analogous to that of the PLA EMAP systems. No shrinkage deforma-
tion signs were detectable in the cases of cherry tomatoes packed
in PLA-EMAP and PLA/Mater-Bi EMAP.
5.3. Shelf life-time
5.3.1. Peach
The shelf life-time characteristics of the PLA-based EMAP solu-
tions for fresh peach fruits as compared to non-packed peach and
to peach packed in conventional BOPP EMAP bags are shown in
Fig. 10, expressed in terms of the average time when the first fruit
was infected in each bag of each EMAP system and the non-packed
fruits. It is clear that the PLA-based EMAP systems offer a mini-
mum shelf life-time at least the same as the one of the conventional
BOPP EMAP system. The fact, however, that BOPP EMAP is associ-
ated with the development of water vapour condensation already
from the first days of storage has a negative impact in its market
value-appearance and promotes more rapid development of var-
ious infections. On the other hand the non-packed peach fruits
present a better shelf-life in terms of fungi infection. However,
these fruits loose very fast weight (water) which is also associated
with degradation of their quality and their market value. It may be
concluded therefore that the PLA based EMAP system results in an
increase of shelf-life time by 12 days assuming as threshold value
the loss of 8% water.
5.3.2. Cherry tomatoes
The shelf life-time characteristics of the various PLA-based
EMAP solutions for the Ornella and Genio cherry tomatoes as
compared to non-packed tomatoes and to tomatoes packed in con-
ventional BOPP EMAP bags are shown in Fig. 11 expressed in terms
of the average time when the first tomato was infected in each
bag of each EMAP system. It is clear that the PLA-based EMAP sys-
tems offer a minimum shelf life-time comparable to, or longer than,
 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
Fig. 9. Loss of water of Cherry tomatoes Ornella under 20 ◦ C – RH 65%: Signs of shrinkage deformation appear after 13 days of storage without packaging (top); Shrinkage
deformation with conventional BOPP EMAP after 29 days of storage (bottom).
that of the conventional BOPP EMAP system. The PLA-based EMAP
systems offer a minimum shelf life-time shorter than that of the
non-packaed Ornella tomatoes and comparable to the non-packed
Genio tomatoes. The BOPP EMAP system however, is associated
with the development of shrinkage deformation signs in the Ornella
and Genio cherry tomatoes located near the macro-perforations
after two and three weeks of storage respectively, with a neg-
ative impact in their market value. The non-packed Ornella and
Genio cherry tomatoes loose very fast weight (water) which is also
associated with early development of shrinkage defomration signs
Fig. 10. Average shelf-time expressed in terms of the average time the first fruit
decay observed in each bag of fresh fruits.
77
(approx. two weeks) that affect directly their quality and their mar-
ket value.
In general it is shown that the key factor for the commercial
deterioration of the cherry tomatoes in a time-frame of 1 month
is the weight loss rather than the fungal decay. PLA based EMAP is
shown to retain an average shelf time of 2 months without decay
(the weight loss after 2 months of storage is 20% and 25% for the
Ornella and the Genio cherry tomatoes, respectivley). The optimized
PLA-Mater-Bi design was found to perform well for at least 1 month
with the observation of a few early infections that are considered
however to be irrelevant to the EMAP design. No shrinkage signs
were observed.
It is interesting to notice that the use of PLA based EMAP with
higher headspace CO2 concentration (Table 3) through the reduc-
tion of the number of microholes from 5 to 3 resulted in enhanced
shelf-life time in the case of Genio cherry tomatoes where it was
tested (Fig. 11; attributed to the micro-organisms inhibition effect
of the higher CO2 concentration).
5.4. Evolution of properties of EMAP films
5.4.1. Mechanical properties of films used in EMAP of peaches
The evolution of the mechanical strength of the tested PLA and
BoPP films during their use in the EMAP of peaches in chamber
conditions for 12–19 days suggested that their tensile strength is
retained at the initial levels when compared to the as received
plastic films. Correspondingly, the elongation at break property
presented a decreasing trend for the majority of samples tested
during the experiment. In detail, the elongation at break of PLA
samples decreased per 21% in the parallel direction after the pass
of 12 days and exhibited a wide variation of decrease of 16–41%
after the pass of 19 days in the chamber when compared to the
78 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80

Fig. 13. Transmission spectra of NativiaTM PLA packaging film before and after the
exposure to peach (19 days); non-exposed film (red spectrum) exposed film (blue
spectrum).

experimental period of 28–35 days showed a reduction range of

7–23%.

5.4.3. Optical properties of films used in EMAP

Fig. 11. Average shelf-time expressed in terms of the average time of the first tomato
decay observed in each bag of each major group of the tested EMAP systems for the
Ornella (a) and Genio (b) cherry tomatoes and the non-packed tomatoes.
initial value. For the BoPP films, the elongation at break decreased
per 13% after 19 days. At the same time, in the transverse direction
of the packaging films, the same mechanical property presented
the highest decrease per 17% in the case of PLA films and 11% for
BoPP films after 19 days of storage.
UV/VIS/nrIR analysis was performed for the PLA EMAP films
used in the experiments. The aim was to investigate the influ-
ence of packed fruits environment on the optical properties of the
samples tested (visible spectrum). The haze (%) of the PLA films
measured before and after the end of the experiments, shown in
Fig. 12, suggest an increase of the haze from 7 to 11% and 9% at
low wave lengths and from 5 to 6.5% and 5.5% at 750 nm wave-
length, for peach (19 days exposure) and cherry tomatoes (1-month
exposure), respectively.
5.4.4. Water vapour permeation of films used in EMAP
The WVTR of PLA films exposed to EMAP of peach was measured
by the gravimetric test described in the Standard ASTM-E96/E96-
05. No measureable changes in the WV permeability of the PLA films
were observed in the period of their useful lifetime as packaging
material. Similarly, in the case of EMAP for cherry tomatoes the
WVTR of PLA films remained stable for 1-month exposure under
shelf-life conditions.

5.4.5. Chemical and thermal properties of films used in EMAP of

5.4.2. Mechanical properties of films used in EMAP of Ornella
cherry tomatoes
It was shown that the value of the tensile strength (parallel
direction) of the PLA bags used in the EMA packaging of Ornella
cherry tomatoes was retained at its initial levels after the exposure
to the storage conditions and the presence of the packed tomatoes.
Correspondingly, the elongation at break of the PLA film after an
peach
Experimental investigation of the effect of EMAP after 19 days
of storage of peach on the chemical structure of PLA films through
FTIR-Transmission Spectroscopy suggested no alterations at the
absorbance peaks (Fig. 13). Likewise, no significant changes were
observed in the thermal properties of the PLA films tested with DSC
analysis (Fig. 14). Since no significant changes were observed in the

(a) Visible Spectroscopy - peach (b) Visible Spectroscopy - cherry tomatoes

12 12,0
10 10,0 Original
Original
Height (%)

Height (%)

8 8,0
6 6,0 1 month
19 days storage
4 storage 4,0
2,0
2
0,0
0 350 45 0 550 65 0 750
350 450 550 650 750
Wavelength (nm)
Wavelength (nm)

Fig. 12. Haze (%) of the NativiaTM PLA packaging film tested through UV-Vis spectrometry before and after the exposure to peach (19 days) (a) and cherry tomatoes (1 month)
(b).
 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
Fig. 14. DSC thermographs of NativiaTM PLA packaging film before and after the exposure to peach (19 days); non-exposed film (a) exposed film (b); note: Tg = glass transition
temperature (∼59 ◦ C), crystallization point ∼ 119 ◦ C, melting point ∼ 150 ◦ C.
mechanical properties of EMAP films used for 1 month with cherry
tomatoes, no further testes were carried out for this film.
6. Conclusions
An innovative biodegradable bio-based equilibrium modified
atmosphere packaging (EMAP) of high value fresh horticultural
produce has been developed through optimized design of bar-
rier properties combining laser micro-perforation and breathable
membrane technologies and materials. Laboratory experiments
with EMAP of fresh peach and cherry tomatoes under shelf con-
ditions were employed in order to validate the analytical model
and the 3D numerical simulations used for the optimal design of
the innovative EMAP system. Laser micro-perforated 30 ␮m poly-
lactic acid (PLA) film was used as packaging material. An EMAP
system based on a combination of micro-perforated PLA and non-
perforated Mater-Bi films aimed at the material optimization was
also designed and tested. Conventional macro-perforated 30 ␮m
BOPP film was used as a reference EMAP systems and non-packed
fruits were used as control.
Results from the lab experiments were found to be in agreement
with the predictions of the analytical model and the numerical
79
simulations. Comparisons with non-packed commodities and com-
modities packed with conventional oriented polypropylene (OPP)
show improved shelf-life time of peach and cherry tomatoes packed
in the PLA and PLA/Mater-Bi based EMAP systems. Results on decay
control confirmed earlier published results on the positive effect
of the PLA EMAP of peach and cherry tomatoes in improving the
quality characteristics and controlling better fungal decay of these
fruits, as compared to conventional BOPP EMAP systems. The expo-
sure of the PLA film to the EMA packed fresh produce conditions
during the shelf-life period has negligible effect on the mechanical,
physical and chemical properties of the film.
The novel PLA-based EMAP system based on the presented opti-
mized design and evaluated experimentally is shown to be stable
and efficient for packaging of fresh horticultural produce.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the European FP7 project:
“Development of innovative biodegradable packaging system to
improve shelf life, quality and safety of high-value sensitive hor-
ticultural fresh produce” (FP7-SME-2008-1-232551-HortiBioPack).
Thanks are due to Ms. E.Babou for testing the film properties.
80 D. Briassoulis et al. / Industrial Crops and Products 48 (2013) 68–80
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