Apple Packaging Research Articles

Transportation Vibration Effects on Apple Bruising

ABSTRACTVibrations during transportation often cause mechanical damage to fresh produce. Addressing or mitigating this damage requires efficient packaging solutions that maintain fresh produce integrity during transit, thereby preserving produce quality and market value. This study investigates the effects of various transportation profiles and packaging designs on apple bruising using simulated truck vibrations. Two apple varieties, Fuji and Jonagold, were packaged in corrugated paperboard boxes with paper pulp trays, plastic crates with paper pulp trays, corrugated paperboard boxes with volume packing and plastic crates with volume packing, all commercial apple packaging. The packaged apples were exposed to two random vibration profiles: leaf spring and air ride suspensions, both set at four different intensities ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 Grms for 1, 3 and 5 h. The findings revealed that both packaging type and vibration parameters significantly influenced apple bruising. Especially, plastic crates with paper pulp trays led to the most severe bruising, whereas corrugated paperboard boxes with volume packing afforded the most protection. Regardless of the packaging design, leaf spring suspension resulted in more apple bruising compared to air ride suspension. The findings of this study provide practical insights for packaging engineers to mitigate the apple bruising during transportation.

Airflow and heat transfer characteristics for different cargo pallet arrangements in a heat transfer enhanced refrigerated container

Improving the performance of a refrigerated container is crucial in effectively preserving thermal-sensitive cargo. The combined effect of vertical airflow resistance and airflow short-circuiting in air gaps play a vital role in cargo cooling. This study numerically investigates the effects of cargo vertical airflow resistance and air gaps between cargo pallets using two commonly used apple packaging boxes, each stacked in six different cargo pallet arrangements. A heat transfer enhanced refrigerated container design and a numerical model developed from the present authors’ previous studies are used. The numerical model uses the porous medium model to incorporate the refrigeration unit and cargo within the refrigerated container. Additionally, the numerical domain includes the T-bar floor in the refrigerated container. Initially, the airflow characteristics based on vertical airflow resistance and air gaps are discussed. Then, the corresponding effects on cargo cooling are addressed. Results show that the air gaps between the cargo pallets have positive and negative effects on cargo cooling. In cargos with lower vertical airflow resistance, an increase in air gaps leads to reduced cargo cooling and elevated temperature non-uniformity. Conversely, cargos with higher vertical airflow resistance experience increased cooling rates and reduced temperature non-uniformity with the increase in air gaps. However, avoiding airflow short-circuiting through the air gaps between the cargo pallets and improving the vertical airflow inside the cargo pallets can provide better cargo cooling, which outweighs the positive cooling effect of the air gap.

Simulated logistical transport effects on textural change of wax apple using different packaging types during storage time

The textural damage caused by logistics transport is a major problem during the post-harvest logistics and storage time of agricultural products. To address the issue, this study investigated the impact on the textural change of wax apple with different packaging types by conducting international safe transit association 6-amazon. com-sioc type A (ISTA 6 A) tests and measured the changes in related indicators over the eight-day storage time period at 15 ℃. The results demonstrated that compared to non-vibrated wax apple of the same packaging type, the damage index of the vibration-treated wax apple increased to 0.39 at the end of storage time. This led to more noticeable damage to fruit texture in the vibration-treated wax apple. With the same outer packaging type, different types of expanded polyethylene (EPE) cushioning materials presented varying degrees of textural damage following vibration treatment. The order was double-layer foam net (DL-FN, 0.23) < single-layer foam net (SL-FN, 0.38) < EPE liner (EPE-L, 0.50). The superior cushioning performance of DL-FN could distribute vibratory energy across the entire wax apple to reduce partial textural injury, but SL-FN provided weaker cushioning protection. Furthermore, it was more beneficial for the dissipation of respiratory heat to suppress the related cell-wall enzymes activities and prevented internal cottony softening of wax apple by maintaining an appropriate environment within the packaging, while EPE-L prevented respiratory heat dissipation and water diffusion. Using the same cushioning type, no significant difference was observed in the damage of fruit texture between the wax apple packaging by foam box (FB, 0.25) and corrugated box (CB, 0.23). The finding suggested that when the outer package had sufficient supporting performance, the cushioning type required not only adequate cushioning property, but also excellent vapor and gas permeability in order to facilitate respiratory heat diffusion and better protect the textural integrity of the wax apple in the process of logistics. This protection was crucial for the development of wax apple in e-commerce logistics.

Impacts of tannin inclusion on fabrication, characterization and antioxidant activity of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films and their application on fresh-cut apple packaging

The current work aimed to formulate sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films to preserve fresh-cut apples. In this experiment, tannins (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5%) were added to the sodium alginate (1.05%)-silk fibroin (3.38%) films by casting method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, molecular docking was employed to investigate the presence of hydrogen bonding among the sodium alginate, silk fibroin and tannins. Scanning electron microscopy showed surfaces and cross-sections became porous and rough with increasing tannins concentration. The films were characterized by mechanical properties, light barrier properties, water solubility and water vapor permeability. The value of maximum tensile strength and minimum elongation at break was 0.99 MPa and 91.38% respectively for the sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films with 0.3% (w/v) tannins. The percentage of light transmittance of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films was 54.45% at 500 nm. The water solubility rate of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films at pH 8.0 was improved 54.42% compared with that at pH 1.2. The value of minimum water vapor permeability of the sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films was 1.49 × 104 g mm/cm2∙s∙Pa. The sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films showed higher scavenging ability of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion radical than sodium alginate-silk fibroin films. The sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The apples packed with the sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films did not rot during seven days. The fabricated films of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin in this study are biodegradable and they may be a promising food packaging material.

VarietyQuest: Data-Driven Exploration of Apple Fruit Variety Classification Frameworks

The Kashmir valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes and the cultivation of a variety of fruits, with apples being one of the most popular. The Kashmiri apple has a distinct flavor and is widely appreciated for its quality, leading to its export to various destinations around the globe. The sorting and packaging of apples remain a significant challenge due to the lack of skilled labor and the sheer volume of apples produced in the season. As a result, a considerable amount of the harvest is either lost or damaged, leading to significant financial losses. To address this issue, automated classification systems for categorizing fruit varieties using machine learning-based techniques are being developed. Such systems could potentially lead to increased productivity while simultaneously reducing labor costs and errors in sorting and classification. This article provides an overview of the data-driven methodologies for the automated categorization of apple varieties, exploring both conventional and state-of-the-art approaches. The article also provides a concise discussion of the datasets employed in these frameworks. Our study identifies machine learning as a critical foundation for most Apple variety classification frameworks. Further, the absence of datasets for the Kashmiri apple variety is noted during the survey, highlighting the need for further research in this domain. Overall this research explores the automated classification and packaging systems, which can streamline the process and minimize losses while contributing to the growth of the Apple industry across the globe.

Advances in apple packaging: a review.

Apple (Malus domestica) belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is one of the most commonly cultivated fruit in all temperate zones of the world and holds an equally important place in the global economy. Apple is a climacteric fruit and undergoes metabolic changes even after the harvest and thus prone to post-harvest losses. The packaging of apples plays an important role in extending the shelf life of the apples and also maintains the quality during distribution and transport. The prime role of packaging is to contain the food commodity and protect the enclosed product from external damage. But other functions such as traceability, convenience and temper evidence are of secondary importance. Different packaging techniques are employed for the packaging of apples which include both conventional (wooden boxes, corrugated fiber boxes, crates) and non-conventional packaging like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), active packaging, edible coatings, etc.

Peranan UMKM Agribisnis Komoditi Apel Melalui Hilirisasi Pertanian dalam Pemulihan Perekonomian di Kota Batu

MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) are important to the national economy. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected a wide variety of sectors, including MSMEs, all over the world. The study's objectives were to: 1. identify agribusiness SMEs in the upstream and downstream parts of the apple commodity chain; 2. investigate the position of upstream and downstream agribusiness in Batu City's GRDP; and 3. determine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourist visits and the productivity of Medium, Small, and Micro Apple agribusiness businesses. The study location was purposely decided in the city of Batu in March-April 2021. Non-probability and purposive sampling were used to determine the respondents. The information gathered is both secondary and primary. The data was analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach. Out of 23,544 MSMEs in Assess the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on the environment. Batu district, 1001 (4.25 %) were upstream and downstream apple agribusinesses, according to the findings. Upstream accounts for 78 % apple agribusiness and 22 % of apple agribusiness. Apple cultivation and sales of equipment for apple cultivation are examples of upstream apple agribusiness MSMEs activities. Meanwhile, the downstream apple agribusiness MSMEs is engaged in apple packaging, sales, processing, and sales of apple processed products. Upstream agribusiness accounts for 12.9 percent of Batu city's GRDP, while downstream agribusiness accounts for 20.3 percent of Batu's GRDP. In the upstream and downstream fields, the Covid-19 pandemic has a negative effect on tourist visits and MSMEs' productivity. To return to pre-Covid-19 conditions, it is recommended that the Batu City Government and MSMEs utilize digitalization technology to enhance efficiency, especially in downstream MSMEs.

Characterization of sodium alginate-based films incorporated with thymol for fresh-cut apple packaging

The non-antibacterial and relatively poor mechanical properties of sodium alginate film limit its application for fresh-cut fruit packaging. The phenolic compound thymol has prominent antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The physical and functional properties of thymol/sodium alginate composite films and their ability to preserve fresh-cut apples were investigated. Thymol/sodium alginate composite films were observed to have high tensile strength, elongation at break and UV–vis light blocking capability, but low water vapor permeability, water solubility, and swelling ratio compared with standard sodium alginate film without thymol. The composite films also showed notable scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals. In addition, the composite films exhibited remarkable inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, thymol/sodium alginate films could effectively reduce weight loss, retain nutrition and surface color of fresh-cut apple slices. Therefore, sodium alginate films with thymol have strong potential as a cling wrap material used in the packaging of fresh-cut fruits.

Study of Apple Packaging Material Properties by Using Parchment and Recycled Paper

This paper investigated the potential properties of apple packaging material used as a major ingredient for promoting eco-friendly apple packaging materials. In addition, old newspapers and parchment paper were used as specimens to assess natural behavior of the apple packaging material. The main objective was to determine the mechanical properties of the paper with different amount or the different percentage of parchment paper and recycled paper compositions. The response of this study was identifying the tensile strength, bursting strength and tearing strength factor. The results showed production of papers from parchment paper and recycled paper affects the strength of the paper itself. The increase in the percentage of recycled paper has resulted in the mechanical properties of ascending paper. The combination of 60% recycled paper and 26% parchment paper produces the best mechanical properties with tear strength of 25.1 N. Meanwhile the composition of 43% parchment paper, 43% recycle paper and 14% of potato flour resulted with 856.0 kPa burst strength and 224.0 N tensile strength. The conclusion suggests that the combination of recycled paper and parchment paper can be one of the alternative raw materials used to package an apple.

Evaluation of Shock-Proof Performance of New Cushioning System for Portable Packaging of Apples

Evaluation of Shock-Proof Performance of New Cushioning System for Portable Packaging of Apples

Analysis of airflow and heat transfer inside fruit packed refrigerated shipping container: Part II – Evaluation of apple packaging design and vertical flow resistance

In the previous paper (Part I) in this series, a validated 3-D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of airflow and heat transfer inside a refrigerated shipping container (reefer) packed with apple was developed using porous media approach. In this paper (Part II), the cooling performance of commonly used package designs used for handling apple was investigated. First, the study computes the aerodynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of three package designs. This confirmed the effect of vertical airflow on the rate and uniformity of cooling inside the reefer. Then, the effects of vertical flow resistance on the rate and uniformity of cooling was further investigated. Adding vent-holes (3.5% vent area) on the bottom face of the package reduced vertical airflow resistance, and reduced the seven-eighth cooling time by 37% compared to a package with no bottom vent-holes. The study demonstrated the significance of vent-holes on the bottom face of packaging boxes and the potential energy saving opportunities in refrigerated transport systems.

Serious games for the job training of persons with developmental disabilities

Serious games use strategies that are often applied in special education such as repetition, immediate feedback, and context-based teaching and learning. Serious games are known to increase performance on the target task and related self-efficacy, using a more cost effective method in a safer environment than traditional training (Michael & Chen, 2006). The main goal of our study was to investigate whether playing serious games can affect hands-on performance of persons with developmental disabilities. For the present study, 47 persons with developmental disabilities were divided into three groups including a control. The two experimental groups performed two hands-on tests in different orders: apple packaging and hydroponics (AH, HA). For the first round of tests, the AH group played the Apple Packaging serious game while the HA group played the Hydroponics game. For the second round of hands-on tests, the AH group played the Hydroponics game, while the HA group played the Apple Packaging game. The control group did not play any games between the hand-on tests. Finally, all three groups performed a third round of hands-on tests. The results show that gameplay of the target task increased speed and accuracy of the target hands-on task performance. The main results of this study show that serious games can be used for training simple job skills in persons with developmental disabilities. Serious games can be implemented as part of an ongoing programme to reduce training time and enhance accuracy in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Assessment of Penicillium expansum and Escherichia coli transfer from poplar crates to apples

Poplar crates are widely used in contact with foodstuffs. One of the major markets for poplar crates is apple packaging. As a direct food contact material, wood is subject to European regulation n° 1935/2004, which requires no negative effect of material or packaging on foodstuffs. This study aims to quantify the transfer of Penicillium expansum conidia and Escherichia coli from poplar specimens to Golden apples. This [microorganisms-poplar-Golden apple] model was developed taking into account realistic parameters with extreme and usual conditions. Poplar specimens were artificially contaminated with P. expansum and E. coli. They were then put in contact with apples and stored in a climatic room for up to one week. Both wood specimens and apples were analyzed to assess the survival of microorganisms on wood specimens and the proportion of microorganism transfer to apples. Whereas P. expansum conidia survived but did not grow on wood specimens, E. coli mortality was observed after one hour of contact with wood. The proportion of both microorganisms transferred to apples was less than 0.25%. The impact of wood moisture content, contact time between wood and apples, and apple supply variability on the transfer levels were studied. The hygroscopic properties of wood were discussed. The low and reproducible transfer levels observed demonstrate that poplar is a safe packaging material for apples.

New Silica Fillers for Polymers used in Food Packaging

SummarySeveral nanosilicas with different degree of hydrophobicity were prepared from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) by using the sol‐gel method. Two modifiers, 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APS) and 1,1,1,3,3,3–hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), were added during the synthesis. The nanosilicas were added to commercial biopolymer (Hexamoll Dinch, BASF) intended for packaging of apples and pears. The nanosilicas were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, potentiometric titration, porosity and specific surface area, and hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity by wetting tests. Colorimetry was used to assess the effect of the nanosilica in contact with apple pulp as the change in color with time was related to the efficiency of the packaging material. Addition of nanosilicas obtained with HMDS and APS increased the hydrophobicity of the biopolymer. The APS modified nanosilica showed an abrupt decrease in acidity as compared to the unmodified silica (i.e. the one prepared with only TEOS). On the other hand, the increase in HMDS maintained the spherical shape of the silica which also was maintained into the biopolymer. On the other hand, the nanosilica morphology was similar in the biopolymer materials, forming clusters or agglomerates. Finally, the brightness of the pieces of apple pulp in contact with the modified nanosilicas slightly increased with respect to the unmodified silica, and similar behavior was observed in the Hue angle.

Use of new silica fillers as additives for polymers used in packaging of fruit

The objective of this work was to synthesize nanosilicas with different degree of hydrophobicity by the sol-gel method, using tetraethyl orthosilicate as a precursor. For this purpose, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APS) and 1,1,1,3,3,3 - hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), were added during synthesis as modifiers. A commercial biopolymer (Hexamoll Dinch, BASF) intended for packaging of apples, was added to the new nanosilicas. The materials obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, potentiometric titration, porosity, specific surface area and hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity by wetting test. Colorimetry was used to evaluate change in apple pulp color after contact with the different silicas.

Cold Atmospheric-Pressure Plasmas Applied to Active Packaging of Apples

Active packaging of fruits and vegetables uses films that absorb molecules from or contribute molecules to the produce. The pilot application developed in this paper has resulted in the deposition of film to apples. A prospective application relates to replacing hot wax that is expensive and that lowers the textural quality of the apple. This was the early motivation of this paper. Moreover, the focus of this paper will be mostly on the reactor design and film evaluation. The cold-plasma zone was obtained by increasing the voltage on a needle-to-needle electrode structure until the electric field in the feed material (argon + monomer) was sufficiently high to yield electron avalanches and self-propagating streamers. The ?corona onset criterion? was used to design the cold-plasma reactor. The apple was placed in a treatment chamber downstream from the activation zone (cold-plasma zone). Selected physical properties of the film were measured. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared studies of samples were also performed to determine the presence of the film. Electromagnetic modeling was applied to the design of the cold-plasma reactor, and those results are presented in this paper.

Life cycle analysis with regard to environmental impact of apple wholesale packaging

A comparison between cardboard and plastic boxes for apple packaging in the wholesale and retail trade has been drawn using the SimaPro programme for life cycle analysis. The environmental impact of using plastic cases was estimated much lower, mainly thanks to their repeated use.

Release of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in apple packaging

Abstract The release of dioctyl phthalates (DOP) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in apples in packaging has been investigated by using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) during the storage. The results indicated that the release amound of DOP increased with time at the room temperature and the amount of DOP transported to the apples reached to 7.5 μg/g after 75 days of storage. Over the total amount of DOP transferred to apples, however, about 6.56 μg/g DOP was retained in the cuticle and only 1.37 μg/g DOP reached the apple flesh.

Citrinin-producing capacity of Penicillium expansum strains from apple packinghouses of Lerida (Spain)

A study of the citrinin producing capacity in 122 Penicillium expansum strains isolated from apples and various locations of apple packaging premises Lleida (Spain) was conducted. Among the strains examined, 46% produced citrinin in a laboratory substrate and 73.2% of these strains were isolated from decayed apples. All citrinin producing strains produced metabolites which inhibited Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis. The majority of the strains producing citrinin in solid substrate also produced citrinin in apples and apple juices.

Individual Packaging of Apples for Shelf Life Extension

ABSTRACTRed Delicious apples after 2 wk and 4 months of cold storage and after 4 months of CA storage were individually packaged in two heat‐shrinkable copolymers. Packaged and control apples were stored at 3°C and 90% RH, 21°C and 30°C and 50% RH, and at 30°C and 50% and 70% RH and the effect of packaging on modification of the microatmosphere inside the fruit and on various chemical and physiological changes were monitored with time. Temperature was the dominant storage factor. At 3°C, packaged and control apples had good eating quality and did not show significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) after 3 months of storage. At 21°C, packaged apples reached a minimum acceptable condition at week 6 of storage which represented a shelf life extension of 3‐4 wk over nonpackaged controls. At 30°C, internal quality of packaged apples deteriorated faster than controls. The respiration rate of packaged apples was lower than that of controls.