Storage Stability of Sugarcane Juice in Polypropylene-Based Nanocomposite Packaging Films

Polypropylene-based nanocomposite films of 15 different compositions of nanoclay, compatibilizer and thickness were evaluated for packaging and storage of sugarcane juice of ‘Mandya’ variety Co 62175. The effect of nanocomposite films on the juice quality characteristics under ambient condition at every 15-day interval was studied for 60 days. The various biochemical quality parameters, viz. total soluble solids, pH, total sugars and overall acceptability scores of stored sugarcane juice, decreased with the elapse of storage period as well as with increased proportion of both nanoclay and compatibilizer but decreased by reducing the thickness of film. Among all the nanocomposite films, polypropylene packaging material having 5% compatibilizer, 2% nanoclay and 100 µm thickness showed better stability of measured biochemical properties with zero microbial population. Polypropylene packaging material with 15% compatibilizer, 6% nanoclay and 100 µm thickness showed better stability in maintaining the total color value than any other treatment.