Apples are one of the most cultivated fruits globally, with an estimated production of 83.1 million metric tons in 2023. In Europe, Italy ranks second with 2.2 million metric tons. Fruit firmness, linked to consumer preferences and health benefits, is a key trait influenced by phenolic compounds, which affect ripening, shelf-life, and sensory qualities. Minimally processed apples face challenges such as microbial spoilage and quality loss, emphasizing the need for innovative packaging. This study evaluates the impact of traditional (polyethylene) and innovative (polylactic acid and Ecopouch) packaging on Golden Delicious apples from conventional and organic farming. UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis revealed consistent total phenolic and antioxidant levels during 21 days of storage. Additionally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) demonstrated that innovative bio-polymer packaging can reduce environmental impacts by 56%. These findings highlight the potential for sustainable packaging to preserve apple quality and reduce environmental footprints.
The influence of innovative packaging on apple shelf-life: effects on quality and sustainability / Ruggieri, R., Gobbi, L., Ruggeri, M., Restuccia, D., Prencipe, S.A., Vinci, G.. - (2025), pp. 814-818. (XXXII Congresso Nazionale di Scienze Merceologiche “Resilienza e sostenibilità nel cambiamento globale” Lecce ).
The influence of innovative packaging on apple shelf-life: effects on quality and sustainability
Ruggieri, Roberto
;Gobbi, Laura;Ruggeri, Marco;Restuccia, Donatella;Prencipe, Sabrina Antonia;Vinci, Giuliana
2025
Abstract
Apples are one of the most cultivated fruits globally, with an estimated production of 83.1 million metric tons in 2023. In Europe, Italy ranks second with 2.2 million metric tons. Fruit firmness, linked to consumer preferences and health benefits, is a key trait influenced by phenolic compounds, which affect ripening, shelf-life, and sensory qualities. Minimally processed apples face challenges such as microbial spoilage and quality loss, emphasizing the need for innovative packaging. This study evaluates the impact of traditional (polyethylene) and innovative (polylactic acid and Ecopouch) packaging on Golden Delicious apples from conventional and organic farming. UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis revealed consistent total phenolic and antioxidant levels during 21 days of storage. Additionally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) demonstrated that innovative bio-polymer packaging can reduce environmental impacts by 56%. These findings highlight the potential for sustainable packaging to preserve apple quality and reduce environmental footprints.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
