Influence of different bio‐based and conventional packaging trays on the quality loss of fresh cherry tomatoes during distribution and storage

The quality loss and shelf life of cherry tomatoes stored in different types commercially available bio-based packaging trays were analysed compared with the reference materials, corrugated cardboard recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). During storage under conditions reflecting points a regional German supply chain, typical parameters investigated. Surface bacterial counts materials investigated before after storage, material determined for selected packaging. results showed that groundwood pulp sugar cane higher preserving characteristics comparison references. weight was highest polylactic acid (PLA). increase microbial count 3.5 log10 units observed 20 days bamboo. lowest 0.5 0.6 recorded grass paper, respectively. show (411.0 N) (79.0 tensile strength cellulose pulp. water absorption capacity ranged from <10 g/m2 (bamboo, cellulose) up to 211.2 (corrugated cardboard).