1-Methylcyclopropene (MCP)-Containing Cellulose Paper Packaging for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Preservation: A Review

Abstract

The freshness and safety of fruits and vegetables is important in our daily life. Paper products are often used for shipping, wrapping, and decoration in the retail for fruits and vegetables. When these paper products are modified with active substances, they can offer additional functions other than just packaging. Thus, introducing 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) into paper products can impart a preservation function for fruits and vegetables. 1-MCP is an excellent and eco-friendly inhibitor of ethylene that can effectively retard the ripening of fruits and vegetables. This article reviews the ripening process induced by ethylene, the inhibition mechanism of 1-MCP, and the existing technologies and products for 1-MCP utilization. Novel active paper packaging products via the use of encapsulated 1-MCP complexes may have a great potential for commercialization. Such packaging containing 1-MCP active paper could be effective in prolonging the shelf-life and improving the quality of the product during the storage, shipping process, and retail market, and can be attractive economically, socially, and environmentally.