Spanish researchers obtain bioactive and sustainable plastic material from pineapple waste

Since the end of 2021, researchers from the University of Alicante, the Technological University of Panama, Sigma Clermont (France) and the Anecoop group, have been working on the project "Development of natural bioflavors to extend the shelf life of fresh food and reduce food waste”.

The goal of this project is to obtain new sustainable plastic materials of natural origin, and, in this case, made from the pulp and peel of pineapples.

After the study, researchers discovered a new material that contains active natural compounds with antioxidant capacity. In other words, the plastic material not only has its own capacity to be a container, but also interacts with the product it stores and increases its conservation capacity, and as a result extends its shelf life.

Currently, the project is in the validation phase by studying the impact of the material, which includes a control of the rancidity of fresh packaged products.

In addition, the incorporation of aroma-enhancing active compounds, also from pineapple waste, is being studied, which would serve to improve the sensory experience of the consumer through the olfactory sense.