Question:

Which of the following is the most suitable packaging material for spreadable processed cheese?

Show Hint

EVOH provides an excellent oxygen barrier but is moisture-sensitive. Sandwiches of PE-EVOH-PE combine moisture protection with oxygen barrier properties, making them ideal for fat-rich, spreadable products.
  • Squeezable tubes of LDPE
  • Multilayered cups comprising PS-LDPE
  • Multilayered tubes made of PET-LDPE
  • Coextruded LDPE-HDPE squeezable tube with an EVOH middle layer
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

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).
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