Replacement of conventional packaging with sustainable materials for corn tortillas

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate two commercial bio-plastics as sustainable alternatives to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and paper packaging for corn tortillas. First, the effect of films made of HDPE, a mix of polyesters and thermoplastic starch (TPB), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and two types of paper on the shelf life of corn tortillas was evaluated. Besides, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), weight gain of packaging materials, overall migration (OM), and biodegradation of TPB and PHB were evaluated. The WVTR at 25 °C and 50% RH of HDPE and PHB films that prevented weight loss (<2.5%) of packaged tortillas was 3.62 and 39.42 gmil/m2day, respectively. In addition, the films were in compliance with the OM limit established by the European Union Regulation (10 mg/dm2). The shelf life of corn tortillas packaged in the HDPE, TPB, PHB, and papers was 18, 2, 17, and 1 day, respectively. Finally, the biodegradation under aerobic soil conditions of TPB and PHB was 41.3% and 36.8%, respectively. These findings revealed that PHB is a viable option for maintaining the corn tortillas’ shelf life and reducing the non-biodegradable waste this staple food generates.