LDPE-Natural Rubber Composite Film as Active Packaging: A Paradigm Shift in Oxygen Scavengers

Abstract

Oxygen scavenging films, an emerging type of active packaging, play a crucial role in preserving the freshness and quality of food products. In this study, we proposed an extruded film made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with 5% natural rubber (NR) as the oxygen scavenging film. Characterization of the film revealed that its morphological and barrier properties remained intact, while the elongation attribute was enhanced. The obtained film was standardized for activation scavenging kinetics by varying the UV dose (time and distance). At the optimal UV dose, the film exhibited a total scavenging capacity of 61 cc/g. To assess the film’s functionality, FTIR spectra were analyzed before and after exposure to oxygen, confirming the film’s ability to scavenge oxygen based on observed peaks at 1718 and 3425 cm–1. Considering that bread and khoa (fatty food) are sensitive to oxygen, they were selected for testing the application of the oxygen scavenging film. Sensory analysis of bread samples, including appearance and mold formation, as well as microbial load studies, indicated that the shelf life of bread increased from 2–3 days (control) to 4–5 days when packed in the NR-based film and stored at 27 ± 2 °C. Similarly, when applied to khoa, the film extended its shelf life by 3 days compared to the control while maintaining sensory attributes and preserving nutritional value, such as fatty acids. In general, the developed oxygen scavenging film effectively prevents the detrimental effects of oxygen on food products, leading to an extension of their shelf life. This has significant implications for the food industry, as it helps mitigate the negative consequences of oxygen exposure and enhances the product shelf life.

Accelerating the Oxygen Scavenging of Natural Rubber with Food-Grade Catalysts Impregnated on Silica-Based Platform

“…The amount of oxygen subtracted from the container for each measurement was recorded and used in the cumulative calculations. The total scavenging capacity was expressed in cm 3 /g, following the method described by Pawde et al (2023) and accompanied by the standard deviation to account for variability in the results …”

“…Importantly, to utilize NR as oxygen scavengers, a catalyst such as benzophenone, acetophenone, or manganese­(II) chloride is required, followed by activation through ultraviolet (UV) light. − Unfortunately, ensuring food packaging safety in direct contact with food is crucial due to comprehensive regulations addressing chemical migration and food safety at all stages . In this direction recently we have reported a low density polyethylene (LDPE)-based scavenging film extruded with NR, followed by on-site activation with UV . However, many attempts involved films or composite films but lacked significant scavenging capacity due to poor integration into packaging systems, limiting their practical use.…”

Ultra-violet light-driven green oxygen scavenging composite made of PVA/NRL for active packaging: an alternative to metallic oxygen scavengers

“…Recently, Pawde et al , 2023, reported the use of natural rubber (NR)/LDPE as the oxygen-scavenging material and showed an oxygen-scavenging capacity of 61 cc g −1 . 34 However, the biodegradability and applicability are questionable as the developed materials can be exposed to oxygen present in the outer atmosphere and can exhaust prematurely. Contrary to that, the present study focuses on the usage of NRL as an oxygen scavenging film, with emphasis on biodegradability aspects.…”