Chitosan active coating on paperboard surface forming an anti‐insect grain‐based food packaging

In the food chain, the packaging is an intermediary product between the food industry and consumers. It represents a critical step in food quality preservation and the ultimate protection against insect pests. Insects may infest grain‐based food products during their packed life. Active packaging systems involve intentional interaction with food or its surroundings, and a few studies have been focused on anti‐insect packaging materials for food. The aim of this work was to develop a sustainable and active packaging material based on chitosan coating on paperboard surface incorporating lemongrass essential oil with potential action against weevil infestation in cereal‐based food packed products. The innovation is the eco‐friendly packaging development by applying natural and biodegradable compounds to prevent stored product insect infestation in the grain‐based product. The effects of chitosan and lemongrass essential oil (LG) concentrations and the number of coating layers were studied. The active packaging material was anti‐insect efficient against adult weevils in wheat grain and pasta package. The active coating reduced the air and water vapour transmission rate, and water absorption capacity improved the fat barrier while maintaining a microbial impermeability. The proposed active packaging material presented a potential application to extend the shelf life of grain‐based food products against weevil infestation. The new active packaging material was efficient against weevil infestation in cereal‐based food‐packed products.