###### Abstract  
Post-harvest loss continues to be a significant problem in the food industry. Different packaging materials, designed to reduce fruit damage, are anticipated for various applications in the supply chain. Recently, stamped paper (SP) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) trays have been introduced as tomato retail packaging. Although the combination of paper trays and clear plastic are still not 100% biodegradable packaging, they are promising alternatives to the heavy utilisation of petrochemical-based polymers. This study investigated the effects of different packaging materials and storage conditions on the 'Nema-Netta' tomatoes' quality attributes. The treatments consisted of a stamped paper (SP) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), expandable polystyrene (EPS) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stamped paper (SP)+ flow wrap, expandable polystyrene (EPS) + flow wrap, polypropylene (PP), and unpackaged tomatoes stored at cold and ambient conditions. Firmness, physiological weight loss (PWL), pH value, tittatable acidity (TA) and total sugars were evaluated at seven-day intervals, over 28 days. Temperature and relative humidity at cold storage ranged between 8-12 \({}^{\circ}\)C, 78-80% RH and 22-26 \({}^{\circ}\)C, 68-72% RH at ambient storage conditions. The packaging and storage conditions significantly affected the PWL, firmness, pH, TA and total sugars. Samples in the EPS Tray combined with the PVC wrap at cold storage maintained the quality of the tomatoes better than the other packaging. The combination of packaging and cold storage created an ideal environment for maintaining the quality of tomatoes. The relative differences between EPS Tray + PVC (non-biodegradable) and SP Tray + PVC (biodegradable) were less than 5% in multiple tests.  
post-harvest; packaging materials; storage conditions; tomatoes +
Footnote †: journal: Applied  
0000-0001-8000-0001-8000][PERSON]. [PERSON] 00000-  
The South African market for fresh tomato products is very important and must strive to preserve its commodities, including during probable high-temperature transpiration phases. Expandable polystyrene trays (EPS) are well insulated and have traditionally been used in Icelandic fish export in the British market [12] and as disposable fast-food containers in China, due to their low cost and lightweight [13]. EPS trays are white, manufactured from polystyrene, with a master batch and a nucleating agent, and consist of air pores [12; 13]. The air pores reduce the strength and density of the packaging but increase the insulation performance as well as the volume [14] Another alternative type of wholesale fresh tomato packaging that has been receiving international recognition is stamped paper (SP) trays. SP trays are manufactured from fibrous materials from wood and recycled paper turned into pulp, which is then bleached and coated with Kraft paper. Paper trays are environmentally friendly, but they have poor strength and insulation, thus making them unfavourable for harsh weather conditions. Food security is a top priority, therefore it is important to know not only the environmental impact but also to understand the effects on the quality of the food. Since the use of EPS and paper trays is new in the South African tomato industry, more emphasis has been put on investigating the use of EPS and paper trays and covering them with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and flow wrap. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different packaging materials and storage conditions on the quality attributes of tomato fruits.