Active Packaging Research Articles

Development of a novel colorimetric pH-indicator film based on CMC/flaxseed gum/betacyanin from beetroot peels: A powerful tool to monitor the beef meat freshness

A novel indicator film based on carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC)/flaxseed gum (FG) was developed by introducing betacyanin (BC) from beetroot peel extract. Remarkably, CMC/FG/BC film exhibited a dynamic color transition from pink to yellow in response to pH changes from 1 to 12. Beyond its pH sensitivity, the newly developed film demonstrated exceptional sensitivity to ammonia solution concentrations, detecting variation from 0.125 to 0.5 mg/mL with a significant ΔE (P < 0.05) change when a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL was added. Moreover, the inclusion of BC not only heightened the film's colorimetric capabilities but also enhanced the antioxidant, physical (moisture content, swelling index, thickness and biodegradability), and mechanical (elongation at break) properties. On the other hand, the CMC/FG/BC film's ability to provide real-time monitoring of minced beef meat quality was examined during 14 days of storage at 4 °C. The CMC/FG/BC film displayed a distinctive color change (from light pink to purple) corresponding to changes in meat samples' total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and microbial count (aerobic plate, psychrotrophic total and Enterobacteriaceae counts) during the storage period. The CMC/FG/BC film could be considered as a novel colorimetric pH indicator to monitor meat and meat derivatives' freshness. Its multifaceted properties make it valuable as an intelligent packaging used in food quality control, offering real-time insights into both pH changes and the freshness of stored meat products.

Ex-situ fabrication of engineered green network of multifaceted bacterial cellulose film with enhanced antimicrobial properties for post-harvest preservation of table grapes

In order to overcome the inherent limitations of pristine bacterial cellulose (BC) as an active food packaging material, this study employs a dual-action approach to ex-situ fabricate a multifaceted green composite of BC through citrus pectin (CP) impregnation and subsequent functionalization with thyme essential oil (TEO) encapsulated CP-TEO active emulsion coating. Among various BC-CP composites studied, BC-CP1 revealed the optimal film formation with homogeneous dense microstructure, enhanced mechanical strength (from 126.37 MPa to 183.24 MPa), and reduced water vapor permeability (WVP) (from 3.69 ×10−11 g.m−1.s−1.Pa−1 to 3.33 ×10−11 g.m−1.s−1.Pa−1). The WVP was further reduced to 2.69 × 10−11 g.m−1.s−1.Pa−1 with the CP-TEO active emulsion coating. The BC-CP1/TEO2 exhibited exceptional antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics, effective UV-blocking, and improved visible light transmittance. The film demonstrated superior potential in preserving grape quality over 9 days of storage compared to pristine BC and conventional plastic packaging. Thus, the BC-CP1/TEO2 has emerged as an eco-friendly, multi-layered solution for sustainable packaging needs.

Polydopamine-immobilized lysozyme for the fabrication of antibacterial films and its application in the preservation of fresh pork

Immobilized antibacterial packaging provides a long-term fresh-keeping effect for food. This study prepared a novel antimicrobial active packaging film by grafting lysozyme with polydopamine (PDA). XPS, ATR-FTIR, and SEM confirmed that PDA and lysozyme were immobilized on PE film. The mechanism may be that PDA (rich in catechol and quinone groups) undergo amide and Schiff base reactions with lysozyme. The modified film's barrier properties (UV, water vapor, oxygen transmittance) and antibacterial function significantly improved. Afterward, the pork was packed with the films (4 °C, 10 d) and monitored for freshness. The films significantly reduced the total viable count and total volatile basic nitrogen of pork and increased the shelf life by 3 days. In summary, this novel immobilized technique can be applied effectively for film modification and enhancing food preservation performance.

Current Perspectives on the Development of Food Packaging in Local Agri-Food Systems: an Integrative Review

Objective: This study aims to consolidate a theoretical framework on the development of food packaging within the context of family farming and local agri-food systems, focusing on a critical analysis of the existing literature. Theoretical Framework: The study addresses active and intelligent packaging, new bioactive materials, and biopolymers, focusing on food quality and safety. It also explores strategic design, environmental impact, food waste, emerging trends, consumer behavior, circular economy, and the role of packaging in territorial sustainability and local food entrepreneurship. Method: The methodology consisted of applied, exploratory, and descriptive research, using longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. An integrative review was conducted, initially including 755 articles indexed in databases such as "Periódicos CAPES", "Web of Science", "Scopus", and "Science Direct", of which 47 texts were selected based on the "PRISMA 2020" protocol. The analysis of the selected articles was supported by the "Parsifal" tool, generative artificial intelligence solutions "SciSpace-Copilot" and "ChatGPT-4", and the "VOSviewer" software for graphical-bibliometric analyses. Results and Discussion: The importance of technological innovations in packaging was identified, highlighting sustainable practices and the challenges to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of agri-food products. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the need for innovations in packaging design to enhance competitiveness, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate technical, environmental, and consumer aspects. Originality/Value: It contributes to the literature by mapping technological innovations in packaging and their applications in local agri-food systems, providing insights into the integration between technology, sustainability, and food systems.

Flexible Biosensors for Food Pathogen Detection

AbstractFood contamination poses a significant threat to public health, the economy, and human health worldwide, occurring at any stage of the food supply chain, from farm to fork. Efficient and effective real‐time monitoring methods for the early identification and rapid detection of pathogen contamination are critical to preventing possible food safety issues. In the past decade, flexible electrochemical biosensors have rapidly expanded in the detection of foodborne pathogens, owing to their ability to function well at biological interfaces that may be soft, intrinsically curvy, irregular, or deformable. The most important features of flexible sensors are their flexibility, multifunctionality, low cost, and good compatibility with solution processing methods. These properties enable flexible sensors to be used in various applications, including smart packaging. This review focuses on the materials, structures, and fabrication methods of flexible biosensors, as well as their applications in food safety monitoring. It examines recent advances in electrochemical immunosensors and aptasensors for pathogen detection, with a focus on their key components and their application in food analysis, while critically examining their current trends, particularly in conjunction with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, gold nanoparticles, Indium tin oxide, etc. Finally, current issues and prospects for the future are discussed.

Impact of Reward Mechanisms on Consumers’ Willingness to Use Intelligent Express Packaging Recycling Cabinets: A Case Study in China

The use of express packaging and its recycling produces large amounts of carbon dioxide. In order to achieve China’s “dual carbon” goal, this study adopted a literature research method to explore the idea of intelligent express packaging recycling cabinets. Based on the current design and use of intelligent express packaging recycling cabinets, new ideas for their improvement are proposed. This study also explored methods for improving people’s willingness to use intelligent express packaging recycling cabinets through experimental research and quantitative analysis. The results show that a reward mechanism has a significant effect on people’s willingness to use intelligent express packaging recycling cabinets. Of the two types of rewards, immediate rewards, compared to delayed rewards, can further increase people’s use of intelligent express packaging recycling cabinets. Gain and loss trade-offs play a mediating role between a reward mechanism and people’s willingness to use it, and consumers make that choice after weighing up the advantages and disadvantages. If consumers feel that it is worthwhile to protect the environment, in terms of the rewards they obtain compared to the time and effort they have to spend using intelligent express packaging recycling cabinets, and that the gain outweighs the loss, they will be inclined to use this system. Environmental responsibility plays a moderating role in mediating the trade-off between gains and losses. In the context of low environmental responsibility, cash rewards lead to greater gain and loss trade-offs compared to point rewards, while in the context of high environmental responsibility, there is no difference between cash rewards and point rewards. This study provides ideas for the design and promotion of the use of intelligent express packaging recycling cabinets, with the goal of effectively improving the recycling rate of express packaging waste.

In vitro bioactivity of biodegradable films based on chitosan/quince seed mucilage reinforced with ZnO-nanoparticle

AbstractIn this study, biodegradable active films were designed by adding ZnO-NPs to the quince seed mucilage/chitosan matrix. The films were investigated for characterization and in vitro bioactivity. According to the results, a significant decrease in moisture content, water holding capacity and light (L*) occurred with the addition of ZnO-NP. (p &lt; 0.05). FT-IR spectra showed the interaction between ZnO-NPs and N-H quince seed mucilage and chitosan groups. Nanocomposite films containing ZnO-NP showed improved thermal stability. The developed bionanocomposite films were easily buried in soil and subjected to degradation. The minimum degradation of the film in soil after 20 days was 62.02%. The maximum cell viability (%) of C/ZnO-NP and C/QSM/ZnO-NP films were determined as 86.81% and 91.22%, respectively, and the films were found to be non-toxic. Moreover, while the quince seed mucilage film did not show antibacterial performance, chitosan and ZnO NPs showed antibacterial effects against the tested bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 7644) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 35,150). In this context, the design bionanocomposite films can be used as an active food packaging material for food preservation by controlling food-borne pathogens. In addition, the developed films do not pose a threat to the environment and therefore have great potential for the sustainable food packaging industry.

Enriched oil-in-water emulsions as bioactive agents for locust bean gum films: A comparative investigation

In this study, pracaxi oil (PO) and olive oil (OO) emulsions, enriched with turmeric powder (Cur) and stabilized by nanofribrillated cellulose (NFC), were developed and incorporated to glycerol-plasticized locust bean gum (LBG) dispersions. Films were obtained by solution casting, and their properties were compared, aiming to expand PO application as a potential constituent of active food packaging. The films were characterized for their morphological, structural, transparency, gas permeability, wettability, thermal, mechanical, and antioxidant properties. In relation with the plasticized LBG film, both emulsion films showed improved humidity content, surface wettability, oxygen barrier capacity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. As for wettability, while the initial water contact angle for the LBG film was θ0 = 93.4°, values of θ0 = 105.5° and θ0 = 99.2° were determined for the LBG films incorporated with PO- and OO-based emulsions, respectively. In comparison with the LBG film, the incorporation of PO-based droplets led to an approximately 8.0% reduction in the water vapor transmission rate values. Also, in comparison with the LBG film, the LBG/NFC/PO-Cur and LBG/NFC/OO-Cur films were capable of reducing the peroxidation value of sunflower oil by 16% and 11%, respectively. Enhancements in tensile strength values of 44% and 49% were determined for the PO- and OO-based emulsion films. The emulsion films presented similar antioxidant properties and better preservation of strawberry model food than LBG and polyethylene films. The results of the comparative experiments suggested that the use of PO may be expanded as a component of active food packaging.

Development of Bilayer Polysaccharide-Based Films Combining Extrusion and Electrospinning for Active Food Packaging

The development of active food packaging is desirable for food safety and to avoid food loss and waste. In this work, we developed antioxidant bilayer films combining extrusion and electrospinning techniques. These films consisted of a first layer of thermoplastic cornstarch (TPS), incorporated with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The second layer consisted of gallic acid (GA) encapsulated at different concentrations in 1:1 chitosan/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (CS/EVOH) nanofibers. This layer was directly electrospun onto the TPS/MCC film. The morphological, structural, wettability, permeability to oxygen, and antioxidant properties were investigated for the first layer and the bilayer films. Water contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophobic nature of the first layer (θ0 = 100.6°). The oxygen permeability (OP) was accessed through the peroxide value (PV) of canola oil, kept in containers covered by the films. PV varied from 66.6 meq/kg for the TPS/MCC layer to 60.5 meq/kg for a bilayer film. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds, mediated by GA, contributed slightly to improving the mechanical strength of the bilayer films. The bilayer film incorporated with GA at 15.0% reached a radical scavenging activity against the DPPH radical of (903.8 ± 62.2) μmol.L−1.Eq. Trolox.g−1. This result proved the effectiveness of the GA nanoencapsulation strategy.

Ternary nano-composite wireless ammonia sensor based on Polyaniline/CuTsPc/AgNPs for food intelligent packaging

The integration of gas sensing unit and low-cost wireless communication equipment enables real-time detection of various environmental gases, which is of great significance for food safety, medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring. In this study, copper phthalocyanine powder (CuTsPc) was prepared by high temperature solid phase melting technology. Ternary ammonia sensors with exceptional sensitivity to ammonia and conductivity were successfully fabricated by growing polyaniline/copper phthalocyanine/silver nanoparticles (PANI/CuTsPc/AgNPs) composites on polyethylene terephthalate films by in-situ polymerization. The morphology and composition of the films were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM, respectively. The ammonia sensing performance of the films at room temperature was systematically investigated. It is found that the flexible PANI/CuTsPc/AgNPs gas sensor exhibited rapid response time (61 s), fast recovery time (19 s), low theoretical detection limit (0.234 ppm), high response value (3.6 towards 500 ppm NH3), and excellent stability at room temperature. These remarkable response characteristics can be attributed to the synergistic effect between protonic acid-doped PANI, CuTsPc derivatives with an electron-withdrawing group, and AgNPs possessing both chemical sensitisation and electron sensitisation. Finally, the sensor material was transformed into a label antenna pattern as well as sensor transducer through series and parallel antenna loop access methods to create a wireless sensor system based on near-field communication (NFC). This system can offer real-time sensing and monitoring of changes in food packaging environment by non-contact recognition way, making it highly promising for future applications in intelligent packaging.

Development of active packaging film, based on Phyllanthus wightianus and their application to meat product preservation

Development of active packaging film, based on Phyllanthus wightianus and their application to meat product preservation

In-situ synthesis and binding of silver nanoparticles to dialdehyde and carboxylated cellulose nanofibrils, and active packaging therewith

AbstractThe present work reveals the potential application of dialdehyde and carboxylated nanocellulose for the in-situ reduction of Ag+ and immobilization as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on cellulose surfaces. Tollens’ reagent (Ag(NH3)2OH) at concentrations ranging from 5·10–3 to 10–1 M was incorporated in both dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) and dialdehyde-modified TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (DA-TOCNFs). The results showed that DA-TOCNFs facilitated faster reduction of Ag+ and effective immobilization of AgNPs on the nanocellulose surface. The resulting suspensions exhibited stability and demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis when coated on paper surfaces. Importantly, the coated papers did not show significant silver migration to food simulants B (3 vol% acetic acid) and D1 (ethanol/water mixture, 50 vol%), indicating the potential of these suspensions for active food packaging. The advantages of using DA-TOCNFs over DAC were attributed to their higher cationic demand and ζ-potential, resulting in a higher density of binding sites. Moreover, the charged and entangled network of DA-TOCNFs allowed for the individualization of AgNPs, unlike DAC, where some agglomerations were observed. Overall, this study presents an improved single-step process for the synthesis of AgNPs on nanocellulose surfaces, highlighting their potential for safe and high-performance applications in food packaging. Paper sheets coated with nanocellulose/AgNPs suspensions fully inhibited the growth of B. subtilis, at least for one month after coating, and caused damage to their cell membranes. This research provides a one-pot facile route to fabricating hybrid nanocellulose/AgNPs systems, stable in water, and may be used directly as a coating layer for board and paper active packaging with little or even undetectable release of Ag.

Aminated nanocellulose-mediated synthesis of polyaniline/nanocellulose hybrid materials for sustainable conductive and supercapacitors nanopapers

Diamine-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (DamCNCs) prepared by periodate oxidation and reductive amination were used as a scaffold for the in-situ oxidative polymerization of polyaniline (PANI). Unlike unmodified CNCs, the hybrid PANI/DamCNC particles formed a stable colloidal suspension over a large pH domain, PANI particles having nucleated and grown from the nanocrystals. The hybridization of PANI was validated by transmission electron microscopy images, along with Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and UV–Vis spectra. By taking advantage of the colloidal stability of the PANI/DamCNC nanohybrids, flexible and freestanding thin nanopapers were prepared, with different contents in PANI/DamCNCs, using cationic or anionic cellulose nanofibrils (CCNFs or ACNFs, respectively). Conductive nanopapers were obtained by mixing CCNFs with PANI/DamCNCs at a content higher than 20 wt%, exhibiting high flexibility, mechanical integrity, transparency, and stability over time. This work proposes a simple process to fabricate a novel class of biobased conductive hybrid nanofiller based on PANI grafted on DamCNCs, stable in water, that may be used as an additive in nanocellulose suspensions to produce green flexible thin nanopapers, with potential use in different types of electronic devices such as electronic displays, smart packaging, or paper-based supercapacitors for energy storage.

D-Learning: An Experimental Approach to Determining Student Learning Outcomes Using Augmented Reality (AR) Technology

This study investigates the impact of applying digital learning through the use of augmented reality technology in university education on student learning outcomes. The research strategy and design were developed with the aim of answering the following research questions: Do different forms of active learning using augmented reality (AR) influence student knowledge?; Is it possible to assess the impact of AR implementation in teaching on the quality of learning outcomes? The main goal of his research is to identify the information objects Situated, Games, and Research within the Active Learning information package and, based on them, examine and determine the existence, relationship, and intensity of connections of the created information construct Knowledge. The research was conducted through the application of an experimental technique with incorporated survey and knowledge test methods on a sample of 270 participants, in 3 groups of 90 students each. Knowledge was examined through initial tests and final tests for each form of the conducted experiment: Situated, Games, and Research. The obtained results were processed using statistical methods of calculating correlation coefficients and factor analysis. The results indicate that students taught through all forms of AR active learning achieve a statistically significantly higher level of knowledge, thus confirming the hypothesis. In conclusion, the obtained research results provide a basis for further research using the described methodology and the further development of educational application solutions based on new AR technologies.

Effects of Packaging Materials on Food Quality and Shelf Life in Australia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of packaging materials on food quality and shelf life in Australia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In Australia, advanced packaging technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active packaging extend the shelf life of perishables by inhibiting microbial growth. Sustainable packaging options are gaining traction, balancing environmental concerns with maintaining food safety. Intelligent packaging with condition indicators enhances consumer decisions by providing food safety information. Strict Australian regulations ensure that packaging materials meet safety standards, supporting food quality preservation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion theory, mass transfer theory &amp; shelf life prediction models may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the effects of packaging materials on food quality and shelf life in Australia. Practical recommendations should emphasize the adoption of innovative packaging technologies tailored to specific food products and storage conditions. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to address pressing challenges in food packaging.

Development of smart adhesive using lanthanide-doped phosphor and carboxymethyl cellulose-reinforced gum Arabic

Smart polymer glue with photoluminescence and water-repellent properties was developed. The luminescent adhesive continues emitting light for up to 120 min after turning the excitation source off. Nanoparticles of lanthanide strontium aluminum oxide (LSAO) (8–13 nm) were consistently immobilized into carboxymethyl cellulose-reinforced gum Arabic (CMC/GA) adhesive. Using various concentrations of LSAO, the generated adhesives showed emission intensity at 519 nm and an excitation band at 365 nm. Depending on LSAO content, both of afterglow and fluorescence emission were monitored. Photochromism was detected as the transparent adhesive film changes color to green under ultraviolet irradiation. A greenish-yellow lightening in a darkened place was also observed. The nanocomposite resistance to scratches and hydrophobicity were found to enhance as the LSAO content was increased in the carboxymethyl cellulose-reinforced gum Arabic matrix. The LSAO@CMC/GA nanocomposite showed high durability and photostability. The present strategy proved the viability of a potential mass production toward photoluminescent adhesives for various smart applications, such as smart packaging, anti-counterfeiting printing, smart windows, and safety signs.

Characterization of Red Cabbage Extracts incorporated in Green Based Gelatin Active Films

This study aimed to assess red cabbage extracts obtained using solvents with different pH levels and alcohol concentrations, comparing their phytochemical quantities and functional characteristics. Solvents—purified water (PW, pH 7), 70% and 99% ethanol (70%E and 99%E, pH 6.5), and acidified ethanol (AE, pH 2)—were employed for extraction. When the different pH solutions were applied to the red cabbage extracts, they altered the extract's color, ranging from pink to yellow, influenced by various anthocyanin forms responsive to pH levels. The AE-extracted red cabbage displayed the highest UV and visible light barrier and total phenolic content (TPC). Then, the AE extract was used to formulate the green-based gelatin active films, alongside the 99%E extract, which had similar alcohol content and TPC values. The films averaged 20-21 μm in thickness. Moreover, incorporating both extracts into the gelatin films increased moisture content and water solubility, though the change in water vapor permeability was not significant compared to the neat gelatin film. The gelatin film incorporating AE-extracted red cabbage (GAE) showed higher water solubility than that incorporating the 99%E extract (GE). Both green-based gelatin active films showed differences in appearance color in the third week. The GAE film exhibited greater color stability, attributed to anthocyanin's distinctive chemical structures favoring acidic environments. This gelatin film incorporating red cabbage by AE-extracted holds promise as an eco-friendly active food packaging material.

High-compatibility properties of Aronia melanocarpa extracts cross-linked chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol composite film for intelligent food packaging

Although the active and intelligent properties of rich in anthocyanin extracts added to films have been extensively studied, there remains a sparsity of research pertaining to the miscibility of blended films. This work focused on the miscibility of the chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CP) film caused by the addition of Aronia melanocarpa extracts (AME), which are rich anthocyanins and phenolic acids, and its effect on physicochemical and functional properties. AME facilitated the amidation reaction and ionic interaction of chitosan in CP films, leading to loss of the crystallinity degree of chitosan. Furthermore, the crystal disruption promoted the formation of hydrogen bonds with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with the promoted miscibility. CP film incorporated with 8 % AME possessed the highest tensile strength (26.79 MPa), and elongation at break (66.38 %) as well as excellent ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) light barrier property, water vapor barrier properties, due to its high miscibility degree. Moreover, this film also showed excellent antioxidant, antibacterial activity, and pH response function, which could be used to monitor the storage of highly perishable shrimp. Hence, the AME provided extra functionality and improved miscibility between chitosan and PVA, which showed great potential for the preparation of high-performance bioactive-fortified and intelligent food packaging films.

A starch-based 3D printed intelligent colorimetric film co-loaded natural pigments for visualizing food freshness: Effect of nozzle size on gel structure formation

Freshness intelligent visualization packaging is an innovative form for fresh/pre-made foods. Here, a highly responsive 3D printed intelligent colorimetric film (CF) was prepared by incorporating blueberry anthocyanin-phycocyanin (BA-PC) as an indicator and chondroitin sulfate (CS) as a co-pigment/co-carrier into a potato starch (PS) matrix. Enhanced sensitivity and stabilizing effect of CS on BA-PC were demonstrated to perform through sulfate group complexation and hydrogen bonding. CF was formed by modulating the 3D printed nozzle size from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, where CF 0.4 (nozzle diameter=0.4 mm) presented the smoothest and homogeneous gel structure, with the highest sensitivity to ammonia response (35.43%) by the action of appropriate ink extrusion. Besides, CF 0.4 exhibited high antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates > 75%), biosafety, and degradability. The film responded efficiently to the freshness of salmon and beef, and this colorimetric monitoring reflection was transferred to digitized freshness color signals by recognizing RGB values via a smartphone App, which reduced inter-individual differences in visual recognition. Overall, the findings broaden the diverse applications of 3D printing technology in the intelligent food packaging industry.

Effects of PVA and yerba mate extract on extruded films of carboxymethyl cassava starch/PVA blends for antioxidant and mechanically resistant food packaging

Global concerns over environmental damage caused by non-biodegradable single-use packaging have sparked interest in developing biomaterials. The food packaging industry is a major contributor to non-degradable plastic waste. This study investigates the impact of incorporating different concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and yerba mate extract as a natural antioxidant into carboxymethyl cassava starch films to possibly use as active degradable packaging to enhance food shelf life. Films with starch and PVA blends (SP) at different ratios (SP radios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30) with and without yerba mate extract (Y) were successfully produced through extrusion and thermoforming. The incorporation of up to 20 wt% PVA improved starch extrusion processing and enhanced film transparency. PVA played a crucial role in improving the hydrophobicity, tensile strength and flexibility of the starch films but led to a slight deceleration in their degradation in compost. In contrast, yerba mate extract contributed to better compost degradation of the blend films. Additionally, it provided antioxidant activity, particularly in hydrophilic and lipophilic food simulants, suggesting its potential to extend the shelf life of food products. Starch-PVA blend films with yerba mate extract emerged as a promising alternative for mechanically resistant and active food packaging.