ANTIMICROBIAL PAPER FOR SECONDARY/TERTIARY PACKAGING

Abstract

Antimicrobial packaging plays a vital role in the supply chain of e-commerce, providing the requirement for better cleanliness and product protection. As items are moved and kept across the supply chain, they touch numerous surfaces and surroundings, possibly exposing them to hazardous microbes. Antimicrobial packaging provides an extra layer of defence against microbial contamination, helping to restrict the development and spread of bacteria, fungi, and other diseases. Adding antimicrobial qualities into the packaging materials, such as films, coatings, or additives, it can assist in decreasing the danger of microbial growth, maintaining the safety and quality of the items during transportation and storage. Antimicrobial packaging in the e-commerce supply chain aids in maintaining product integrity, prolonging shelf life, and boosting consumer confidence in the safety and cleanliness of the supplied items. In this study, antimicrobial paper was developed with the method of spray coating of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil on a 200 GSM paper using PVA as a binder. The paper was then tested for its antimicrobial efficacy against e. coli and s. aureus. Furthermore, the release of antimicrobial agents, viz. EO was analysed over ten days which is also a significant time for a package to move from source to destination in a typical supply chain of e-commerce. The release of EO was observed using UV-vis spectroscopy. The concentration vs antimicrobial activity was also studied, which showed promising antimicrobial effectiveness of the paper up to a concentration of 50% Volume by weight.