New Resins For Fresh-Cut Produce Packaging

Abstract

Through the use of molecular design, a new AFFINITY* polyolefin plastomer (POP-1) has been designed for use in the packaging of fresh-cut produce items that have high respiration rates. These items cannot be successfully packaged in the same films used for fresh-cut produce items that have lower respiration rates, such as iceberg lettuce. Produce items having high respiration rates include most fruits and many dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Film made from the new resin combines a high oxygen transmission rate with other necessary performance properties that are normally sacrificed with increasing oxygen transmission rate. Other properties achieved include sufficient modulus for use on vertical form/fill/seal machinery, excellent optics for maximum consumer appeal, easy processing on both extrusion and packaging equipment, and excellent seal performance including low initiation temperatures for both heat seal and hot tack, high hot tack strength and a broad seal window.