Prediction of plastic film thickness based on gas permeability and validation with ‘Kyoho’ table grapes for optimal modified atmosphere packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) storage has become a useful technique for extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetables. However, the success of MAP depends on many factors, including types of fresh products, storage conditions, and the characteristics of the packaging films. To achieve the optimal gas composition in the package headspace and improve the postharvest quality of fresh produce, the packaging film with appropriate barrier properties needs to be selected. This study aimed to predict the film thickness by applying produce respiration rate and package film permeability data measured in given product weight and storage conditions. An available film (eg, 25‐μm‐thick low‐density polyethylene) was used to pack fresh produce, and the respiration rate of fresh produce and in‐package O₂ and CO₂ concentrations at steady state were measured. Permeability of the film was calculated based on mass balance, and the thickness of the film could be predicted if the recommended target O₂ and CO₂ concentration was obtained from the literature. To validate the predicted thickness value, an experiment was conducted by packaging fresh table grapes in bags of the predicted thickness. The effect of packaging with different film thicknesses on the quality of the fruit was determined. The results showed good agreement between the predicted and the experimental in‐bag O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, and the MAP with predicted thickness (90 μm) film was more effective in maintaining postharvest quality of grapes during low‐temperature storage than the thinner films (30 and 60 μm) and the control.