Organic packaging proposal of biopolymer base starch-exudate tree Capparis scabrida for blueberry’s conservation

Abstract

The current need to reduce environmental degradation and seek environmentally friendly packaging alternatives has encouraged research into new products based on biological resources such as biopolymers (polysaccharides), such as the starch in potatoes. The objective of this research was to identify the properties of potato peel joined with a natural plasticizer obtained from tree exudate Capparis scabrida as a blueberry packaging alternative, which presents sensitivity to deterioration, a suitable packaging with an abundance of starch can delay this phenomenon, on the other hand, synthetic polymer packaging deteriorates the product. A mixed analysis was performed, applying the quantification and estimation of the biopolymer for the packaging’s development according to the control variables such as biodegradability, functionality, breathing rate, and weight loss of the fruit. The technical data obtained from the biopolymer were the basis of the decision-making process for the implementation of packaging as a replacement for existing synthetic polymers. The characterization will be the reason for future works for its optimization.