Ham cover with antibacterial control

The project “Active Ham: development of ham cover with antibacterial control made of plastic non woven material” has been co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the “Operational Programme Smart Growth 2014-2020” and the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, through the Spanish Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI).

The objective of this innovative research project is the development of a new active packaging system which helps to preserve and prolong the optimum conditions of the Spanish cured ham during its consumption cycle, thanks to the incorporation of a series of antioxidant and/or antimicrobial agents in the packaging material (polypropylene non woven).
Ham’s shelf life after the first slicing is one of the main concerns of ham carvers. This research line has focussed in the study of the morphological design of the packaging material (polypropylene non woven) and the treatment applied to it. The results show a significant reduction of mould appearance on the surface of carved ham.

As a result of this study, the new material “Active Ham” provides added value to the final customer, as not only it is easier to handle and transport the ham from the store to the consumption place, but it also helps to extend its consumption cycle and maintain its organoleptic properties: colour, smell and taste.

Data of the project

Duration: 24 months
Start date: April 2015
Record: IDI-20150329

Call: Resolution of the 15th of April 2015, of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology, approving the 2015 call for the granting of subsidies earmarked to promote regional cooperation for research and development (ERDF Innterconecta Programme).

Active ham