SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIC FRESH BERRIES

Summary in the original language of the document

Climate changes and particularly global warming are topics carefully treated by specialists
already since decades. The most pregnant factor that influences climate change is pollution, namely
the high level carbon dioxide emissions. Besides other substances used by the most of the industries
(oil, charcoal, fertilizers, etc.), plastics are not to be ignored when talking about pollution. Plastic
waste affects animals and humans, as well as their habitat.
In this respect, food industry engages in preserving the good functioning of the environment by
developing and using biodegradable and bio-based resources for food packaging.
The aim of this literature review was to identify the optimal sustainable packaging solution used for
berries. The results of the study pointed out that the most used environmentally friendly packaging
technique is the one that involves modified atmosphere. In terms of packaging materials, the literature
is limited when it comes to biodegradable/bio-based solutions. However, active packaging gains
popularity among researchers, considering the endless possibilities to include sustainable compounds
in a biopolymer based matrix, in order to prolong the shelf-life of berries or fruits in general.