Shelf-life extension of salmon using active total biodegradable packaging with tea ground waste and furcellaran-CMC double-layered films

•Trays containing green tea grounds were prepared using the casting technique.•Biodegradable active trays with films can act as a substitute for plastic.•Biodegradable active trays with films improved the shelf-life of salmon fillets. In this study, active biopolymer trays, being part of the biodegradable packaging, were developed and characterised. The aim of our research was to determine how active packaging (trays + films) affects the quality of salmon storage. The trays had high antioxidant potential and were biodegradable, however, they limited germination and seed growth, which may have been caused by the low pH of the material. Furthermore, the applied packaging demonstrated a potential possible inhibitory effect on the accumulation of biogenic amines and the growth of microorganisms responsible for the spoilage of salmon fillets. Compared to the control group, fillets stored in the tested pack had a 19% lower total bacteria count on the 6th day of storage. The innovative packing is easily biodegradable and prolongs the shelf-life of salmon fillets, therefore, it shows promise as a packaging material for perishable food products.