Eva Almenar

Michigan State University | MSU · School of Packaging

Vibrations during transportation often cause mechanical damage to fresh produce. Addressing or mitigating this damage requires efficient packaging solutions that maintain fresh produce integrity during transit, thereby preserving produce quality and market value. This study investigates the effects of various transportation profiles and packaging d...

Promoting our Special Issue "Advancements in Novel Packaging Technologies to Improve the Sustainability of Food Systems" Foods an Open Access Journal

Agricultural waste can be used as a plastic filler during the production of packaging, reducing the environmental impact and raw material consumption while supporting the circular economy. Despite so many efforts being made in development and characterization, consumers’ behavior toward packaging containing agricultural waste as a plastic filler fo...

Food waste is a barrier to the development of sustainable food systems, and a large portion of it occurs at the household level. Household food waste can be decreased by using appropriate packaging. Despite the high rate of food waste in US households, little is known about how packaging affects this. This study assessed US consumers' awareness of...

This article presents an overview of sustainable food packaging with a focus on food safety. It discusses current issues relating to sustainability and how alternatives to single-use food packages influence the transition to a true circular economy which includes recycling, reuse, composting, and bio-based packaging. Definitions, legislations, requ...

Class learning outcomes (CLOs) supporting the interdisciplinary curriculum of the School of Packaging (SoP) at Michigan State University (MSU) were mapped to competency‐based, programmatic learning outcomes (CPLOs) undergirded by broad learning goals of the University (MSU‐LGs). Six CPLOs related to the core curriculum, including the ability to des...

Orange peel (OP) is a by-product from citrus juicing that is wasted. Conversion of this waste into plastic filler can help reduce environmental problems. OP has been incorporated into plastics to form biocomposites using compression molding, injection molding, and casting. However, blown film extrusion, the most common manufacturing process for pla...

Online grocery shopping is growing unprecedentedly around the globe. However, little is known about its packaging, which plays a key role from extending food shelf life to impacting the environment. This study aimed to characterize the e-commerce food packaging market to provide academia and industry with information to improve packaging for food s...

Packaging is one of the technologies most widely used by industry to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut produce. New consumer preferences and demands, public pressure to reduce food waste, rising environmental concerns about packaging waste, and the need for preventing foodborne outbreaks have resulted in significant changes in the fresh-cut produc...

Orange peel essential oil is a common value-added product from orange juice processing waste. It is antimicrobial and used to produce antimicrobial films and coatings. This study reports the first development of antimicrobial films using orange peel as powder (OPP) instead of the extracted essential oil. The OPP amount needed for antimicrobial film...

Produce is rapidly gaining market share worldwide. Ethylene is a gas molecule that causes detrimental changes in produce. Thus, it is crucial to reduce surrounding ethylene besides inhibiting ethylene biosynthesis to extend produce shelf life and reduce food waste. Ethylene‐removing packaging (ERP) can reduce ethylene concentration surrounding prod...

Utilization of orange peel (OP) from the juicing industry as filler material within a polymer matrix can add value to this agricultural waste and reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources. This study aims to investigate the impact of OP filler's physical characteristics including size, loading, and retention/removal of zest on plastic properties...

The goal of this study was to produce a film made of egg white protein (EWP) through extrusion and calendering processes, the most common filmmaking processing technology, and to determine its potential for food packaging applications. The latter was assessed by measuring the mechanical, barrier, thermal, and optical properties; plasticizer leakage...

Temperature is arguably the most important factor affecting microbial proliferation in fresh-cut produce. In this study, growth of Listeria monocytogenes in diced onions and celery and Salmonella Typhimurium in diced tomatoes was determined in modified atmosphere packages and snap-fit containers using three fluctuating temperature scenarios for tra...

Numerous active packaging systems have been created and characterized for food applications. However, studies delving into consumer acceptability of active packaging are scarce and limited to gathering consumer opinion using surveys that contain verbal descriptions of the packages rather than exposing participants to these. This study investigated...

β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) are macrocyclic molecules made from starch capable of entrapping hydrophobic compounds in an aqueous solution. This study aimed to determine, for the first time, the main factors that affect the entrapment efficiency (EE) of β-CDs using the essential oils (EOs) of palmarosa and star anise as guest models of hydrophobic compo...

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are synthetic porous materials consisting of metal ions or ion clusters bound to organic molecules to create a crystalline structure with a very high internal surface area. MOF molecules have been found to have potential utility in the selective adsorptive binding and release of gaseous fuel and other chemicals. We e...

Published data on new cooking methods such as steamable bag microwaving is minimal. This study investigated the effect of steamable bag design, including shape and surface area, on the changes in ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity, and physical quality of frozen broccoli during microwaving. The results showed that most of the studied parameters we...

Onions are one of the most widely utilized vegetables worldwide, with demand for fresh-cut onions steadily increasing. Due to heightened safety concerns and consumer demand, the implications of sanitizing and packaging on fresh-cut onion safety and quality need to be better understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pr...

The goal of this study was to validate the commercial feasibility of a novel casing formed from chitosan containing cinnamaldehyde (2.2%, w/v), glycerol (50%, w/w) and Tween 80 (0.2% w/w) under traditional sausage manufacturing conditions. Meat batter was stuffed into both chitosan and collagen (control) casings and cooked in a water bath. Before a...

The effect of steamable bag microwaving on the nutritional value and physical properties of frozen vegetables was studied and compared to that of traditional cooking methods (i.e., steamer steaming and traditional microwaving) for the first time. Broccoli was chosen for this study since it is one of the most consumed frozen vegetables. Titration, o...

The objective of this study was to develop a novel chitosan-based casing that is well-suited for commercial application. In order to do so, chitosan was mixed with cinnamaldehyde, glycerol, and Tween 80 in various ratios, and the resulting films were compared to commercial collagen casings for physical (water solubility, moisture content, thickness...

BACKGROUND Current consumer demand for high-quality ready-to-eat fresh fruit in convenient bio-based packaging was met utilizing sanitized stem-free sweet cherries and a polylactic acid (PLA) cup with a PLA peelable microperforated lid. The newly developed packaging system was compared with the petroleum-based macroperforated bag currently used for...

A new packaging system to extend the shelf life of fresh produce in a cold chain with changing temperatures has been developed. This new packaging system allows rapid increase of the CO2 concentration (while reducing the O2 concentration) when stored at low temperature, and an immediate adjustment to temperature rises in the cold chain in order to...

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of methyldiphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) concentration (0, 0.2, 1, 2, and 3%) on the wettability and adhesion of blend solutions of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and chitosan (CS) when coated on PLA film for development of a bio-based multi-layer film suitable for food packaging and other applications...

Purpose of research Whey protein isolate (WPI) coated plastics and laminates have potential for food packaging applications. Montmorillonite (MMT) addition to the WPI matrix for improved WPI material for such applications was investigated. The effect of the presence of MMT on the solubility of WPI films in food model systems with different composit...

Increased consumption of fresh-cut produce has led to the need to explore more sustainable packaging alternatives as well as effective and safe sanitizers that can meet consumer, market, and industry needs. In this study, the effect of combining atmospheres and sanitizers on the quality and safety of packaged fresh-cut celery sticks stored at 7 °C...

The increased consumption of fresh-cut celery has led to the need to explore packaging alternatives for fresh-cut celery that can meet consumer, market, and industry needs. In this study, the effect of bio-based packaging and non-conventional atmospheres on the quality and safety of chlorine-sanitized celery sticks stored at 7 °C was investigated....

In this paper, the effects of glycerol (35%, 40% and 45%) and water activity (0.34 and 0.48) on the physical, mechanical and morphological properties of compressed egg white-based bioplastics are investigated. Lighter, more reddish and less yellowish sheets with a decreased thickness and second-order transition temperature, improved mechanical prop...

Although modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with refrigeration can delay the deterioration of fruits and vegetables and their associated health risk, it is not always sufficient for maintaining produce quality and safety for the desirable marketing period. We will present new packaging approaches that have an impact on in-package ga...

Shell-on, fresh chestnuts are currently sold in macro perforated polybags. This package does not protect chestnuts from damage, contamination or weight loss. Protection from damage and reduction in weight loss are expected using closed rigid containers. However, the environment created may promote microbial growth at retail temperatures. The retail...

IntroductionPackaging for Processed Food and the EnvironmentTraditional Packaging Materials and the EnvironmentNovel Packaging Materials and the EnvironmentThe Future: the Role of Consumers and the Food Industry in the Impact of Packaging on the EnvironmentAcknowledgmentReferences

A new packaging system to extend the shelf life of fresh produce in a cold chain with changing temperatures has been developed. This new packaging system allows the rapid increase of the CO2 concentration (while reducing the O2 concentration) when stored at low temperature and an immediate adjustment to temperature rises in the cold chain in order...

Trans-2-hexenal, a naturally occurring plant volatile with antimicrobial capacity, was encapsulated into β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs), enzymatically modified starch, and shown effective to control main microorganisms causing food spoilage (Alternaria solani, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, Penicillium sp). Loaded β-CDs were...

Microbial growth has been typically overcome by direct application of an antimicrobial agent on a food surface which may result in the rapid diffusion or neutralisation of the active substance. Currently, the food industry is showing increased interest in the development of bio-based packaging materials as carriers of natural antimicrobial agents i...

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD), an enzymatically modified starch with a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic cavity, can form inclusion complexes with a variety of hydrophobic molecules. In this study, β-CDs were mixed with poly(l-lactic acid) (PLA) and then extruded, pelletized, and cast into sheets to create biodegradable and bio-based materials with th...

The shelf life of blackberries is relatively short, 2–3days at 0°C. Different marketing strategies like packaging can be used to retain blackberry quality during postharvest. This study compares the blackberry retail shelf life performance of different packaging materials, bio-based versus petroleum-based using the same packaging design. ‘Cancaska’...

Introduction Factors Affecting Permeability, Sorption, and Diffusion in PLA Permeability, Sorption, and Diffusion of Pure PLA Copolymers PLA Blends PLA Laminations Coated PLA PLA Composites and Fibers PLA Nanocomposites Future of PLA Membranes References

Aroma, a complex chemical pattern where compounds such as alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, acids and others are involved, plays a key role in the appeal of fresh produces. Extrinsic factors such as packaging can significantly affect this quality parameter. In this study, the effects of four different packaging systems on the evolution of the a...

Measuring supply chain trends in the packaging of stem-free fresh sweet cherries: a sustainable approach in package design, product characteristics and expectations Koutsimanis, G.a; Harte, J.b; Bix, L.a; Harte, B.a; Whiting, M.c; McFerson, J.c,d; Almenar, E.a* aSchool of Packaging, and bFood Science and Human Nutrition-Michigan State University...

Instrumental analyses have shown that non-vented bio-based containers made from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) have the capability to enhance blueberry shelf life as compared with commercial vented petroleum-based clamshell containers. However, consumer preference has not been explored so far. In this study, two sensory evaluations, triangle and paired pr...

Strawberries and blueberries consumption have increased considerably in the last years due to consumer’s convenience and health benefits awareness. Berries are mostly sold in vented clamshell containers made of poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, or poly(styrene), PS. However, a rapid weight loss of berries during storage due to the vents causes shr...

The postharvest life of blackberry fruit (Rubus ursinus) is relatively short due to its high respiration rate and its extremely fragile structure. These drawbacks can be counteracted by packaging and cold storage. Blackberry fruit is usually packaged in vented petroleum-based clamshell containers made of poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, or poly(s...

The effect of chitosan coating on the evolution of several volatile compounds relevant to the strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa cv. Camarosa) aroma profile has been investigated. Strawberries dipped in chitosan acetate solution at 1 or 1.5% (w/w) and uncoated controls were stored at 10 degrees C for 1 week. Significant differences in aroma profile b...

Active packaging is becoming in an emerging food technology to improve quality and safety of food products, commonly based on the retention or release of compounds which are beneficial for the product. In this work, an active packaging system based on the release of 2-nonanone has been optimized to increase the postharvest shelf life of fresh wild...

Strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) were coated with either 1% or 1.5% chitosan (CS) or chitosan combined with calcium gluconate (CaGlu). Following treatment, strawberries were stored at 10°C and 70±5% RH for one week. The effectiveness of the treatments in extending fruit shelf-life was evaluated by determining fungal decay, respiration rate, q...

Small berries are commonly packaged and sold to consumers in vented petroleum-based clamshell containers. Biodegradable and compostable packages may be used as an alternative package to reduce waste generation and landfill disposal. In addition, the current clamshell container design does not allow the development of a modified atmosphere that coul...

Natural occurring volatiles such as hexanal have a well know antifungal capacity but limited post harvest use due to their volatility. Taking this into consideration, hexanal was inserted into beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CD) to develop a controlled release mechanism and then evaluated in vitro against Colletotrichum acutatum, Alternaria alternata and...

Many naturally occurring plant volatiles are known to have antifungal properties. However, they have limited use because they diffuse rapidly in air. In this in vitro study, acetaldehyde was chosen as a prototype volatile in order to study the controlled release of antifungal volatiles from cyclodextrins (CD). The major postharvest pathogens Altern...

Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca L.) are high-added-value fruits but their marketing is complex owing to their short postharvest life. In this work, equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) technology was used to maintain their quality and consequently to extend their life. Fresh strawberries were packaged with two continuous and three mic...

An antimicrobial active package has been developed to improve the safety and quality of wild strawberries, as well as extending their shelf life. The fruits were packed in equilibrium-modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP), and the effect on Botrytis cinerea growth and on the quality parameters of the fruit by the addition of different amounts of 2-n...

The United States is the world's largest producer of blueberries and strawberries. Successful marketing for both of them requires fruit of the highest quality and appearance. However, these fruits have a relatively short postharvest life, mostly due to the incidence of molds such as Colletrotrichum acutatum, Alternaria alternata , and Botrytis cine...

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) were treated either with 1% calcium gluconate dips, 1.5% chitosan coatings or with a coating formulation containing 1.5% chitosan + 1% calcium gluconate and stored at 20 °C for up to 4 days. The effectiveness of the treatments was assessed by evaluating their impact on the following parameters: fungal decay...

Controlled atmosphere storage technology to extend the shelf life of "Reina de los Valles" wild strawberry fruit (Fragaria vesca L.) was studied. Fruits were stored at 3 degrees C for three weeks in different atmosphere compositions: 0.05% CO2/21% O2 (air), 3% CO2/18% O2, 6% CO2/15% O2, 10% CO2/11% O2, and 15% CO2/6% O2. The effect of gas compositi...

The effects of different high pressure processing (HPP) treatments on EVOH-based packaging materials were studied and they were compared with the morphological effects produced by a more traditional food preservation technology, i.e. sterilization. The samples were high pressure processed at 400 and 800 MPa, during 5 and 10 min at two different tem...

There has been a growing interest and effort over the last few years in the development of novel food packaging concepts, which can play a proactive role regarding product preservation, shelf-life extension, and even improvement. Several strategies have been devised to exert a positive action over the packaged foodstuff, including retention of desi...

The use of perforated packaging films is increasing with the application of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to fresh produce. These films provide high to very high mass exchange rates which usefully allow oxygen ingress and carbon dioxide exit. However, the use of porous films also increases the loss of other food volatile components through si...

The goal of this work was to study the effect of storage time on the functional properties of glutenin films plasticized with selected hydrophilic low molecular weight compounds: glycerol (GL), triethanolamine (TEA), and sorbitol (S). Glutenins were extracted from wheat gluten, and films were cast from film-forming solutions. The glutenin-based fil...

There has been a growing interest and effort over the last few years in the development of novel food packaging concepts, which can play a proactive role regarding product preservation, shelf-life extension, and even improvement. Several strategies have been devised to exert a positive action over the packaged foodstuff, including retention of desi...

The use of perforated packaging films is increasing with the application of modified atmosphere packaging for fresh produce. These films provide high to very high mass exchange rates. However, irrespective of the chemistry of the material, mass transport through such films cannot be described using conventional permeability equations (Henry's plus...

The physical, chemical and microbiological changes that take place in fruits and vegetables after harvesting lead unfailingly to the loss of quality and acceptability during their commercialization. It is possible to lengthen the shelf life of food maintaining its quality and security with an adequate election of preservation and packaging technolo...

RESUMEN La comercialización de fresas en fresco plantea problemas, debido a la elevada velocidad de respiración que presentan estos frutos, y a su extremada fragilidad, que impide tratamientos efectivos de limpieza después de la recolección, por lo que es inevitable la presencia de hongos que limitan significativamente el periodo de comercializació...