This invention relates to foodstuff packaging, in particular to forms of packaging that enhance the shelf life ofthe foodstuffs contained therein.

The shelf life of foodstuffs is limited by the onset of deterioration processes, the result of which is wastage and loss of revenue for foodstuff retailers. Extension of existing shelf lifes, even by a day or so, would result in a substantial reduction in such wastage. This is particularly true for perishables, such as fruit and vegetables, where the shelf lifes are inherently rather short.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient and economical means of preserving foodstuffs.

According to the invention there is provided foodstuff preserving packaging comprising a packaging substrate having a layer of a bonding agent including at least one foodstuff preservative.

The packaging substrate may be plastic film, paper, cardboard or a woven material.

The v/v ratio of preservative or preservatives to bonding agent may exceed 9: 1.

The bonding agent may be an inorganic lacquer such as shellac.

The foodstuff preservative may be an essential oil such as rosemary oil or thyme oil

Both thyme oil and rosemary oil may be included in the layer of bonding agent.

The preserved foodstuff may be a perishable.

The layer may be coated onto the packaging substrate, and the coating may be performed using a printing technique. Designs or text may be simultaneously printed onto the substrate.

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the single Figure on the accompanying drawing, which shows a cross section through a package.

The Figure shows foodstuffs preserving packaging 10 comprising a packaging substrate 12 having a layer 14 of a bonding agent including at least one foodstuff preservative. Contained within the packaging 10 is a foodstuff item 16.

The packaging substrate 12 is preferably plastic film, although paper, cardboard or a woven material suitable for coating with the layer 14 may also be employed.

The bonding agent may be any substance that, when mixed with the foodstuff preservative, will bond the preservative to the packaging substrate 12 whilst allowing the preservative to act efficiently upon the foodstuff item 16. Fulfilment of the latter condition is advantageously achieved by maintaining a large excess of the preservative (or preservatives) in relation to the bonding agent. A v/v ratio of preservative or preservatives to bonding agent of ca. 9: 1 or greater is considered a large excess in this context, although this should not be taken as excluding lower ratios from

the scope of the invention. Inorganic lacquers may be employed as bonding agents, a preferred example being shellac.

The foodstuff preservative may be any substance that has a beneficial effect in prolonging the shelf life of the foodstuff item 16. Specific examples of foodstuff preservatives are provided by essential oils such as rosemary oil and thyme oil. Thyme oil absorbs carbon dioxide released by foodstuffs, whilst other essential oils such as rosemary oil absorb dioxins and also inhibit the growth of dioxin producing bacteria. Both carbon dioxide and dioxins cause deterioration of foodstuffs. A 95% rosemary oil/5% shellac (by volume) layer is suitable for use with a plastic film packaging substrate. Other foodstuff preservatives, such as anti-oxidants, are within the scope of the invention. It is also within the scope of the invention to employ more than one foodstuff preservative: for example, both thyme oil and rosemary oil may be advantageously combined within the layer 14.

The invention is primarily directed towards providing packaging for perishable items such as vegetables, since even a relatively modest extension of a day or so in the inherently short shelf lifes associated with such foodstuffs represents a substantial saving in wastage caused by the rejection of foodstuff items that are past their sell-by date. However, it should be noted that the packaging of other foodstuffs is within the scope ofthe invention.

The layer may be coated onto the packaging substrate by methods well known to those skilled in the art, with varying thickness and concentrations of preservative or preservatives. A preferred method of coating is by a printing technique in which a mixed solution of bonding agent and preservative or preservatives is applied, via metered rollers, to, for example, a plastic packaging film. It may prove desirable to simultaneously print text or designs, including logos, advertisements, nutritional information, instructions, etc., onto the film. The layer is subsequently dried.

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the inventions to the above examples only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible without departing from the scope thereof.