New Material for Meat Preservation Under Investigation Promises to Be Revolutionary

A groundbreaking study by Argentina's National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA) is evaluating a new generation of compostable, bio-based films as a potential replacement for single-use plastics in the meat industry. Researchers from INTA's Balcarce and Anguil campuses, along with the Institute of Research in Science and Technology of Materials (Intema), are leading the effort.

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The increasing environmental impact of single-use plastics drives the search for more sustainable materials.

The developed films are designed to protect meat from contamination, reduce moisture loss, and maintain its physical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics. This initiative addresses the growing environmental concerns associated with conventional plastic packaging. "The increasing environmental impact of single-use plastics drives the search for more sustainable materials," stated INTA.

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These materials are formulated from biodegradable polymers that can be biologically degraded under composting conditions, transforming into biomass, carbon dioxide, and water without leaving residues.

"These materials are formulated from biodegradable polymers that can be biologically degraded under composting conditions, transforming into biomass, carbon dioxide, and water without leaving residues," explained the researchers. For testing, meat cuts were packaged in trays using either conventional PVC film or the new compostable film. These were then displayed for seven days under refrigerated aerobic conditions with light, simulating typical supermarket shelf conditions.

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The results demonstrated that the compostable packaging presented a behavior equivalent to conventional plastic, without compromising the product's quality throughout the entire storage period.

Analysis included evaluating color stability, gas exchange regulation, oxidation prevention, resistance to cold and humidity, and changes in microbiological and physicochemical parameters. The results indicated that the compostable packaging performed equivalently to conventional plastic, ensuring the product's quality remained intact throughout the storage period. This validation at a laboratory scale aims to guarantee that the new material meets the high standards required for meat preservation, freshness, and safety.

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The development and validation of compostable films at a laboratory scale respond to the need to ensure that the new material maintains the high standards of conservation, freshness, and safety that meat demands during its useful life.