Effect of Polypropylene Container Color on the Stability of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Palm Oil under Sunlight Exposure

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of polypropylene (PPE) containers of different colors (black, blue, yellow, and white) on the stability of lutein and zeaxanthin in palm oil under sunlight exposure. Lutein and zeaxanthin, essential carotenoids with significant antioxidant and eye health benefits, are prone to degradation when exposed to UV light and oxygen. The Baseline carotenoid concentrations were measured initially, with samples analyzed every 30 days over a 60-day exposure period. Containers were exposed to direct sunlight for seven hours daily (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Each PPE container color was analyzed in true duplicates for both day 30 and day 60 resulting in a total of 4 treatment per PPE color. This gives a total number of 16 sample treatments. Statistical analysis using ANOVA, with significance levels set at 0.05, revealed significant differences in carotenoid stability among the PPE containers over time. Results showed that black PPE containers provided the highest retention of both lutein and zeaxanthin, with no significant degradation over the 60-day period (p > 0.05), maintaining    levels close to the baseline. In contrast, blue PPE exhibited moderate protection, while white and yellow containers demonstrated significant declines in carotenoid levels, with lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations reduced by more than half by 60 days (p < 0.05). The comparison between 30-day and 60-day values further highlighted the protective effect of black PPE, with statistically significant reductions in these carotenoids observed only in the lighter-colored containers (p < 0.05). These findings emphasize the importance of UV-blocking packaging, particularly black PPE, in preserving these carotenoids in palm oil. Using UV-resistant containers can enhance the shelf life and nutritional value of carotenoid- rich oils, ensuring product quality throughout storage and distribution. This research provides a basis for improved packaging strategies in the palm oil industry to meet the growing consumer demand for nutrient-stable functional foods.