The objective of this study was to produce an active biodegradable packaging for fresh pasta. The
biodegradable film was produced by blown extrusion using thermoplastic starch, poly(butylene adipateco-terephthalate)
(PBAT) and potassium sorbate as an antimicrobial agent. Fresh pasta sheets were
intercalated with biodegradable films (i.e., film/pasta/film/pasta/film), sealed in LDPE bags, and stored at
10 C; the microbiological analyses and the characterisation of the films were performed before and
during storage. The migration of the antimicrobial agent to the pasta was also evaluated. The films had
mechanical properties suitable for use as active packaging for fresh pasta. The active films controlled the
microbial growth, thus increasing the shelf-life of fresh pasta. Moreover, the amounts of potassium
sorbate that migrated to the product were much lower than the concentrations allowed by the Brazilian
legislation for fresh pasta. The film with 4.5% potassium sorbate was the best at controlling the microbial
growth in the product; this film is suitable for use as an active packaging for fresh pasta.