Researchers from the Federal University of Lavras – UFLA developed a packaging that uses tomato peel, a process that makes the packaging antioxidant. “The objective of this work is to reuse tomato peel, which is a residue from the production of tomato sauces, to obtain a biodegradable and antioxidant film. The tomato peel was added to cassava starch and the packaging was obtained through the extrusion process”, explains Laura Fonseca, a PhD student in Biomaterials Engineering.

Packaging research conducted by the Packaging Laboratory of the Department of Food Science aims to meet the demands of meat products (obtained from meat), dairy products and fruits, which are considered more perishable foods. “These products require more expensive, waterproof conventional packaging; therefore, if we place a film containing free or encapsulated substances, a sachet inside the packaging that has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, for example, it is possible to reduce the cost of that packaging,” explains Professor Soraia Vilela Borges. At UFLA, several laboratories have been looking for new options for biodegradable packaging in renewable sources, whether active, intelligent or blended.

Know more: https://projetocolabora.com.br/ods4/casca-de-tomate-para-produzir-embalagens-antioxidantes/