Dry-formed cellulose trays with biodegradable barrier coating for modified atmosphere packaging of chicken breast fillets

Summary

Cellulose-based materials with bio-based, biodegradable coatings have received attention as alternatives to plastics for food packaging. However, such materials have not yet demonstrated suitability for challenging applications, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of fresh meat. In this study, dry-formed cellulose trays were coated with a blend of poly(butylene-succinate) (PBS) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). They were then used for MAP of skinless chicken breast fillets in 60 %CO2 and 40 %N2, sealed with conventional plastic. The quality of the chicken was assessed in terms of drip loss, microbiological, and sensory quality over 19 days of refrigerated storage. In addition, the gas transmission rate, compression resistance, deformation, weight, and odor of the trays were evaluated. Adhesion between coating and cellulose trays was sufficient, and seal integrity could be maintained throughout storage. The suitability of cellulose/PBS+PHBV trays was mainly limited by the high CO2 transmission rate (CO2TR) and CO2TR/O2 transmission rate (OTR) ratio, causing substantial drip loss and deformation of the packages. Despite a higher growth of Enterobacteriaceae (like Hafnia alvei) in cellulose/PBS+PHBV-packaged chicken compared to that in PET, the intensities of negative odor attributes were not significantly higher for chicken in cellulose/PBS+PHBV. The cellulose-based trays were weakened by the humid conditions, but the PBS+PHBV coating maintained its functionality and protected the cellulose from being extensively affected by food contact. Dry-formed cellulose trays coated with PBS+PHBV demonstrated promising properties, indicating potential for MAP applications if barrier and sealing performance are optimized. Nevertheless, limitations in CO₂ barrier under humid conditions must be addressed in future development.