engleski

Use of orange peel waste as a source of active substances for incorporation in chitosan coatings applied on commercial polymeric film

Multifunctional packaging systems have a high potential for commercial packaging applications. By applying the layer of the biopolymer coating on the polymer surface, it is possible to change its barrier properties and can serve as a transporter to deliver active substances having a special function to packed food. Life style and market demands pushes food industry towards the development of new materials that consequently leads to the increased product shelf life while minimising the impact on the nature and climate. The main aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of applying naturally friendly chitosan coating on the surface of commercially available oriented poly(ethylene- terephthalate)/polypropylene (OPET/PP). This bi- layer material is used as the cover film for PP buckets ; in which bakery fruit fillings are stored. Moreover, orange peel essential oil was used as the active compound that was nanoencapsulated in the coating. The essential oil was prepared by microwave assisted extraction coupled with ETHOS. This method is environmentally friendly providing green production concept by minimising the use of naturally unfriendly solvents. Also, by reusing the orange peel as a food waste, this study contributes to a sustainable material production. Produced materials were tested for their gas and water vapour barrier performance, physico-chemical properties (thickness, UV transmission and colour), and antimicrobial properties. The results show the possibility of improving the commercial material properties. It is possible to couple the traditional with green extraction technology to reuse natural product considered as a food waste for food packaging and thus minimise the negative impact on the nature. In order to better check the functional character, further investigation is needed on real food products during their storage and impact on their shelf-life.

food waste, green extraction, chitosan, functional coating

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