Intelligent and active packaging: coming to the rescue of your fruits and vegetables
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/ceide.16076079e.2025.26.3.4Keywords:
packaging, fruits, vegetables, preservation, freshnessAbstract
Today, intelligent and active packaging are revolutionizing the way we preserve fruits and vegetables, especially those that continue to ripen after being harvested (climacteric). This article explains in simple terms how intelligent packaging allows for monitoring the freshness of food, while active packaging helps extend its shelf life by controlling its internal environment. We also explain the materials commonly used in these packages—such as special plastics and bioplastics—and the main factors that deteriorate fruits and vegetables. Additionally, we explore recent research aimed at improving materials to make them even more useful, by adding antimicrobial or antioxidant properties. The combination of these two types of packaging promises not only fresher and safer products but also less food waste and better conditions for producers and consumers.
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