Active Thermoplastic Starch Film with Watermelon Rind Extract for Future Biodegradable Food Packaging

. Wrapping fresh-cut purple cabbage with PVA/ST/WMRE film significantly reduced the microbial load after 3 days of storage, in comparison to commercial packaging (PET) and thermoplastic control film. Consumer testing of the packaging film indicated that user acceptance of the product was favorable. Therefore, we suggest that this newly developed film can be used as a biodegradable food packaging item that will lead to enhanced food safety, food quality, prolonged shelf life, and consumer acceptance for further food applications.