A NOVEL MULTI-LAYER AGRICULTURAL PACKAGING FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE PRESERVATION USING BIODEGRADABLE POLYLACTIC ACID, JUTE, AND POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE

Abstract

This invention presents a multi-layer agricultural packaging solution designed to preserve fresh produce using polylactic acid (PLA), jute, and potassium permanganate. The PLA layer provides durability and moisture resistance, the jute layer regulates gas exchange and humidity, and the potassium permanganate layer absorbs ethylene. This biodegradable packaging extends produce shelf life, maintains freshness, and supports sustainable practices by reducing plastic waste.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural packaging, specifically a multi-layer packaging solution designed for preserving and transporting fresh produce. The packaging combines polylactic acid (PLA), jute, and potassium permanganate, creating an eco-friendly, durable, and breathable structure that prolongs produce shelf life while reducing environmental impact.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional packaging solutions for fresh produce face several challenges, including inadequate moisture control, lack of breathability, and reliance on non-biodegradable materials. Common packaging materials, such as plastics, contribute to environmental pollution and are often ineffective in maintaining the quality of agricultural products over extended periods. Produce continues to respire after harvest, releasing gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene, which accelerate ripening and spoilage if not controlled. Moisture imbalances within conventional packaging can lead to condensation, mold, and microbial growth, further degrading the produce.
Existing packaging options often fail to address these issues in a sustainable way. Furthermore, there is a growing need for packaging that balances durability for transportation with biodegradability to reduce plastic waste. This invention presents a novel packaging solution that uses biodegradable PLA, moisture-regulating jute, and ethylene-absorbing potassium permanganate to create an integrated, active packaging solution ideal for modern agricultural supply chains.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
This invention provides a multi-layer agricultural packaging solution constructed from polylactic acid (PLA), jute, and potassium permanganate. Each layer serves a specific function to maintain product freshness: the PLA outer shell provides strength and moisture resistance, the jute middle layer regulates humidity and gas exchange, and the potassium permanganate inner coating absorbs ethylene. This combination offers a sustainable, active packaging system that extends the shelf life of produce and reduces environmental impact by being fully biodegradable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE MULTI-LAYER STRUCTURE OF THE PACKAGING, DETAILING EACH LAYER'S MATERIAL COMPOSITION AND ARRANGEMENT.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The proposed packaging solution consists of three layers, each contributing to the preservation of fresh produce through unique functionalities:
1. Outer Layer - Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch. This outer layer offers structural integrity, protecting the contents from physical damage during transportation and storage. PLA acts as a barrier against external moisture, preventing excess humidity from entering the package. Its compostable nature aligns with sustainable practices, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic packaging.
2. Middle Layer - Jute: The jute layer serves as a natural regulator of moisture and gas exchange. Its porous structure allows controlled respiration, enabling the release of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide while maintaining a balanced internal atmosphere. This feature prevents the buildup of ethylene, which can accelerate ripening. Jute also absorbs excess moisture from the produce, reducing the risk of condensation and subsequent mold growth. This layer significantly extends the freshness of produce by maintaining ideal humidity and gas levels.
3. Inner Coating - Potassium Permanganate: The inner coating of potassium permanganate actively absorbs ethylene, a plant hormone that promotes ripening. Potassium permanganate oxidizes ethylene, thus controlling its levels within the packaging. This function slows down the ripening process, allowing for extended shelf life. The inner coating is particularly beneficial for long-distance transportation, where produce freshness is critical.
This multi-layer design not only addresses key preservation challenges but is also biodegradable. PLA and jute are both compostable, reducing the environmental footprint of the packaging. The integration of these materials supports a circular economy by providing a packaging solution that can decompose after use, eliminating waste associated with traditional plastics.
, Claims:1. A multi-layer packaging solution for agricultural produce preservation, comprising an outer layer of polylactic acid (PLA), a middle layer of jute, and an inner coating of potassium permanganate.
2. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the PLA outer layer provides structural integrity, moisture resistance, and biodegradability.
3. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the jute middle layer allows controlled gas exchange, facilitating respiration of produce and preventing ethylene buildup.
4. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the potassium permanganate inner coating absorbs and oxidizes ethylene, slowing the ripening process and extending the shelf life of produce.
5. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the jute layer absorbs excess moisture, preventing condensation and minimizing the risk of mold formation.
6. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the PLA outer layer acts as a compostable alternative to plastic, aligning with eco-friendly practices.
7. A method for preserving agricultural produce using the multi-layer packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, involving controlled gas exchange, ethylene absorption, and moisture regulation.
8. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each layer is biodegradable, supporting a sustainable, compostable packaging alternative for agricultural products.
9. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it provides durability and protection for produce during transportation, reducing spoilage.
10. The packaging solution as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the potassium permanganate layer actively manages ethylene levels, minimizing food waste in the supply chain.

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