There are several main reasons why fruits are packaged in plastic film:
1. Extend the shelf life
Plastic film can effectively isolate oxygen, moisture and microorganisms in the air, slow down the oxidation and decay process of fruits, and thus extend the freshness and shelf life of fruits. Some fruits, such as apples, citrus, grapes, etc., can reduce water loss, maintain a suitable humidity environment, and reduce the phenomenon of peel cracking or dehydration after being packaged in plastic film.
2. Reduce damage and collision
As a light and elastic material, plastic film can provide certain protection for fruits and reduce collision, squeezing or friction during transportation and storage. Especially in the process of bulk transportation, plastic film can effectively prevent direct contact between fruits and reduce the incidence of crushing and cracking.
3. Prevent pollution and contact with external substances
Plastic film packaging can prevent fruits from contacting with dust, bacteria, germs, and chemicals (such as pesticide residues) in the external environment. Especially during transportation, fruits may encounter unclean environments, and plastic film can provide them with an effective barrier to avoid pollution.
4. Maintain appearance and beauty
Plastic film packaging can keep the fruit clean and neat, avoiding surface contamination or discoloration due to contact with air. For example, apples or citrus fruits can maintain their shiny surface through plastic film packaging, which enhances market appeal and increases sales opportunities.
5. Moisture and moisture retention
Plastic film can help retain moisture on the surface of fruits, especially in dry environments, reducing moisture evaporation from fruits and preventing fruits from drying out. Especially for some fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries, plastic film can help maintain proper humidity and prevent fruits from becoming withered or losing flavor due to moisture loss.
6. Control respiration
Fruits continue to respire during storage, that is, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Some types of plastic film are breathable, which can moderately control the respiration of fruits and avoid premature ripening or rotting due to excessive respiration. In this way, packaging films help fruits maintain optimal freshness.
7. Easy grading and transportation
Using plastic film packaging helps to grade and sort fruits, making fruits of different varieties and sizes easier to manage and transport. In supermarkets or wholesale markets, plastic film packaging can facilitate display and sales, and improve operational efficiency.
8. Provide traceability and brand marketing
Plastic film packaging can also be used to print product labels, brand logos, production dates and other information, which not only helps product traceability, but also helps brand promotion and marketing. Through the information attached to the packaging, consumers can more easily understand the source and quality of the product.
9. Anti-insect and anti-mold
For some fruits, especially those stored in a humid environment, plastic film packaging can effectively prevent the invasion of insect pests and mold, and protect the fruit from external pests.
Common fruits packaged with plastic film:
Grapes: After packaging, it can prevent water evaporation, reduce cracking or threshing, and keep the grapes fresh.
Citrus fruits (such as oranges and grapefruits): Reduce water loss and keep the skin shiny.
Strawberries and blueberries: Help maintain humidity, reduce water evaporation, and prevent fruit from shrunken.
Apples and pears: Plastic film can prevent the influence of oxidation and humid environment on fruits and delay deterioration.
Watermelon: Usually wrapped in film to reduce external collisions and keep the surface intact.
Conclusion:
Plastic film packaging plays a vital role in fruit preservation and transportation. By effectively extending the shelf life, reducing damage, retaining moisture, and improving food safety, it can not only improve the storage and transportation conditions of fruits, but also enhance the competitiveness of fruits in the market and improve consumers' purchasing experience. With the rise of the trend of sustainable development, more environmentally friendly packaging materials may be used to replace traditional plastic films in the future, but for now, plastic film is still one of the indispensable materials in fruit packaging.
