The benefits of film packaging include easy to handle (consumer package); protection from injuries; reduction of water loss, shrinkage, wilting; reduction of decay by modified atmosphere, reduction of physiological disorders (chilling injury), retardation of ripening and senescence processes and control of insect in some commodities. Harmful effects of film packaging include enhancement of decay due to excess humidity; initiation and/or aggravation of physiological disorders, irregular ripening in improper concentrations of CO2/O2; off-flavors and off-odors and increased susceptibility to decay (Irtwange, 2006).
Packaging can influence temperature management and water loss of the produce. To reduce water loss plastic wraps and liners may be used, but the restriction of ventilation so caused can result in problems of low oxygen, high carbon dioxide or an accumulation of water which can be improved by perforation of the films (Burdon, 2001).