Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Spreadable processed cheese is a high-moisture, fat-rich product vulnerable to moisture loss, lipid oxidation, and mold growth.
The packaging material must provide a high barrier against both water vapor transmission and oxygen ingress, while maintaining structural flexibility for dispensing.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the polymer materials listed:
- LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene): Provides a good moisture barrier and flexibility but has poor oxygen barrier properties.
- PS (Polystyrene): Has poor moisture and gas barrier properties.
- EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol): This copolymer is renowned for its exceptional gas barrier properties, specifically preventing the passage of oxygen.
However, EVOH is highly sensitive to moisture and loses its gas barrier properties if exposed to high relative humidity.
- Coextruded LDPE-HDPE with EVOH middle layer: In this multilayer structure, the EVOH layer is sandwiched between polyolefin layers (LDPE and HDPE).
The outer and inner LDPE/HDPE layers protect the moisture-sensitive EVOH layer from water vapor, while the EVOH layer acts as a complete barrier to oxygen.
This coextruded structure provides the flexibility needed for a squeezable tube, maintains moisture levels, and prevents oxidative spoilage of the cheese.
Therefore, this coextruded material is the most suitable packaging choice.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (D).