Use of Packaging Materials for Extending the Shelf Life of Diploid Plum Variety ‘Kometa’

Polymers (films, bags and boxes) are the most widely used materials for packing of fresh fruit. Product shelf life is dependent on the packaging material barrier properties, including permeability of CO₂ and O₂. It focused on the uses of environmentally friendly biodegradable packaging materials for fresh fruit storage. Polypropylene, polylactic acid boxes and cardboard boxes placed in polylactic acid material bag were tested as packaging materials to extend the shelf life of diploid plum cultivar ‘Kometa’. Qualitative characteristics of plum (weight, firmness, soluble solids content and colour changes) stored at temperature +4 ± 1 °C for 20 days were evaluated. Sensory evaluation was performed using a 9-point hedonic scale. Plum in good quality can be stored at the temperature +4 ± 1 °C for 12 days on average. Selective gas and moisture barrier properties of polylactic material ensured minimal weight loss in hermetical containers, but promoted plum ripening and hence a reduction of the storage period. The results suggested that biodegradable packaging materials could be a successful alternative to the conventional polymers for plum packaging, and could contribute to reduction of environmental pollution.