Chitosan-based biodegradable packaging: Enhancing the shelf life and quality of Jasminum sambac L. flowers

A study evaluated the effectiveness of chitosan-based biopolymer films as an alternative packaging material for enhancing the post-harvest quality and shelf life of jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) flowers during export. Chitosan-tween 80 and chitosan-glycerol films were prepared using the solvent-casting method and characterized for their physical and chemical properties, including surface morphology, UV absorbance and thermal stability. The packaging effects were compared against conventional films, aluminium-foil-lined boxes with gel ice and untreated flowers in a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Visual and physiological parameters were evaluated over 3 days, including freshness index, flower opening index, colour retention, fragrance index, moisture content, physiological loss in weight and shelf life. The results indicated that chitosan-glycerol films exhibited superior properties, extending the shelf life to 4.16 days compared to 2.7 days in the control, offering a sustainable and cost-effective packaging solution for the floriculture industry.