Agricultural By-Product Extracts in Sustainable Packaging: Enhancing Food Preservation

Natural extracts from agricultural by-products, such as mango leaves, olive pomace, and papaya peels, are being incorporated into biodegradable films and coatings. These innovative packaging materials effectively reduce oxidation and enhance the shelf life of food products.

1. Mango Leaf Extract (MLE) Films:
   • Study: developed chitosan films enriched with ethanolic MLE. [1]
   • Application: Used for cashew nut packaging, reducing fatty acid oxidation by 56% compared to commercial polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) films.
2. Olive Pomace Flour Films:
   • Study: created chitosan-based films with olive pomace flour and microparticles. [2]
   • Application: Enhanced the oxidative stability of walnuts stored under accelerated conditions (55°C, UV exposure, and 35% relative humidity) compared to PA/PE films.
3. Papaya Peel Microparticle Films:
   • Study: The same researchers [3] developed gelatin films containing papaya peel microparticles.
   • Application: Reduced fat oxidation in lard packaged with these antioxidant films, outperforming conventional polyethylene packaging.
4. Pomegranate-Rind Extract Films:
   • Study: formulated chitosan and montmorillonite (MMT) films enriched with pomegranate-rind ethanol extract. [4]
   • Results: Demonstrated effective DPPH radical scavenging activity, even with MMT addition.

The incorporation of agricultural extracts into films not only boosts antioxidant activity but also improves other film properties, such as barrier resistance and mechanical strength.

Table 1: Biodegradable Films with Agricultural Extracts

Ginger and Green Tea Extracts: developed gelatin films with ginger, gingko leaf, and green tea extracts, enhancing UV light and water vapor barrier properties. [9]

Carvacrol and Pomegranate Peel Extracts: These extracts increased water vapor resistance in chitosan films [10]

Edible coatings enriched with natural antioxidants are an effective solution for maintaining the quality of fresh produce. They reduce gas and water vapor exchange, delay ripening, and maintain sensory properties.

1. Tulsi Extract for Guavas:
   • Study: created Arabic gum coatings containing tulsi extract. [11]
   • Results: Delayed guava ripening and prevented mold growth.
2. Ginseng Extract for Sweet Cherries:
   • Study: Guar gum coatings enriched with ginseng extract reduced weight loss and maintained ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and firmness levels.
   • Results: Decreased polyphenol oxidase activity, enhancing the freshness of cherries [12].

Natural extracts from agricultural by-products offer dual benefits:

• Food Preservation: By protecting against oxidation and microbial growth, these materials extend the shelf life of packaged foods.
• Environmental Benefits: Biodegradable films and coatings reduce plastic waste and align with sustainability goals.