• Defence Food Research Laboratory

Active Packaging Films, Breathable

Defence Food Research Laboratory, DRDO (Ministry of Defence, Govt of India) has introduced a Breathable Active Packaging Films Technology for Fresh Produce (Patent awaited). The India has an annual production of 140 million tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables, its production base is quite strong but at the same time wastage of agricultural produce is massive. The utilisation of fruits and vegetables processing is estimated to be around 2.2% of the total production. Industry also faces constraints like non-availability of adequate critical infrastructural facilities like cold chain and packing. If the industry can adopt better/improved packing techniques at farm level itself, the physiological/evaporative losses due to transportation and maintaining the freshness of products can add value to the farm produce. These breathable packs for MAP have been developed through an indigenous special process without the use of chemical additives. These breathable interactive packaging films have selective permeability to O2 and CO2 within a package depending on the respiration properties of the produce and molecular diffusion of water vapour (anti-fog activity). Substantial control over the transmission of respiratory gases such as O2 and CO2 ensures onset of anaerobiosis. It facilitates appealing appearance of fruits and vegetables. The pack with incorporation of antimicrobial agents, their immobilization or modification of inside surface of pack with permitted flavouring agents provides value addition to the product, improves safety and enhances sales. This eco-friendly modified packaging material keeps the produce safe without refrigeration, provides resistant to microbial contamination for commercialisation at retail outlets resulting in extended shelf life without a secondary pack. The packages are reusable, recyclable and reduce unnecessary product/package wastes.