05.06.2017 change 05.06.2017

Scientists from Łódź are working on packaging that will show whether the food is fresh

Scientists from Łódź are working on smart, biodegradable food packaging that will change colour as the product ages. Such indicators of plant origin will inform us whether the food is fresh - announced Dr. Anna Masek from the Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology.

The researcher emphasizes that polymers are usually obtained from petroleum derivatives. Scientists from Łódź are looking for alternatives and want to develop technology for the production of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, stabilized with substances of plant origin. Ultimately, they are intended to be used to obtain biodegradable food packaging materials that will be more environmentally friendly, and more friendly for humans.

"We are working on the technology of processing and modifying biodegradable polymeric materials obtained from waste biomass - generally from plant materials. We add natural additives such as cellulose fibres, natural plant-based antioxidants to extend the life of such materials and help improve their mechanical properties" - explained Dr. Masek.

The range of applications of such polymeric materials can be quite large: from food packaging materials to medicine or other consumer products.

Scientists from Łódź work mainly on materials obtained, for example, from maize waste biomass. By using appropriate additives, polylactide or polylactic acid can be obtained which can then be used as an eco-friendly packaging material that can be easily disposed of via biodegradation after the end of its life.

"Such material is primarily environmentally friendly, it is free of any toxic additives and pollutants that are present in other polymers" - emphasised the author of the project.

As part of the project, researchers from Lodz University of Technology are also developing technology for the production of smart and eco-friendly packaging materials that will contain colourful aging indicators, also of plant origin.

"These indicators change their colour under the influence of sunlight and other climatic factors. Just like an apple that spoils after a certain time and changes its colour when exposed to UV radiation. We want to adapt this phenomenon for packaging, obtain natural indicators from plant materials - fruits and vegetables" - explained Dr. Masek.

Its colour will change over time. "When you buy food, you will see how the colour of the package changes and for how long food has been in the packaging. Such smart packaging will inform you about the freshness of the packaged products" - she added.

The project "Development of biodegradable packaging (polyester) materials containing substances of plant origin" was launched in the beginning of this year.

The final results are expected to be available in three years, and Dr. Masek hopes that the packaging made of such materials developed by scientists from Łódź will appear on the shelves in about 5 years.

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