A new generation of advanced packaging able to selectively interact and change the package’s internal atmosphere is obtained by introducing active functionalities into coating formulation. Advanced active coatings are innovative solutions able to selectively interact and control the package’s internal atmosphere thus extending products shelf life and ingredients preservation without the need to use preservative additives. Active components can be dissolved or dispersed in the lacquer formulation and include different type of chemical and physical gas scavenger able to absorb or block the target molecule; the high selectivity of active system guarantees excellent performance even in the presence of high humidity and other VOCs. An oxygen scavenger is a material in which reactive compounds may combine with oxygen to reduce or completely remove oxygen in enclosed volume. The purpose of an oxygen scavenger is to limit the amount of oxygen available for deteriorative reactions that can lead to reduced functionality of many types of products: lipid oxidation, nutritional loss, changes in flavor and aroma, alteration of texture, and microbial spoilage. Antioxidant coating, able to inhibit the propagation of oxidizing reaction, is obtained by integration of natural antioxidant materials specifically selected and, if required, designed in capsules/core-shell structures to guarantee chemical and physical compatibility. An active system comprising exchanged zeolites is provided as ethylene scavenger coating, suitable to improve the fruits and vegetables lifetime by controlling ethylene concentration within the package itself.
