Wednesday (16/06/2021), East Lampung – Lecturers of the Food Technology Study Program, Sumatra Institute of Technology (Itera) carried out community service (PkM) at the Darsa MSME (16/06). This PkM was carried out through the 2021 Itera Community Service grant organized by the Itera Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM).
The Darsa MSME is located in Labuhan Ratu IV Village, Labuhan Ratu District, East Lampung. The head of the service team, Isnaini Rahmadi, explained that this partner was chosen because it is engaged in processing fruit chips from local raw materials, such as muli banana, pineapple, and jackfruit. “The Darsa MSME also processes fruit chips using vacuum frying technology,” he added.
Nevertheless, the Darsa MSME has several problems. Neneng Suryani, the owner of the MSME, explained that the packaging and shelf life of the fruit chips need improvement. Therefore, the PkM Team offered a solution to improve the fruit chip packaging. The shelf life of fruit chips can be extended by adding silica gel as active packaging that can absorb moisture inside the primary packaging. This is expected to keep the fruit chips from easily becoming soggy.
In addition to applying active packaging, the PkM also applied secondary packaging to the fruit chips. “We also promoted the use of goodie bags as secondary packaging to reduce plastic use,” added Isnaini. This was done because plastic bag use is starting to be restricted in big cities, so it needs to begin being promoted in East Lampung.
In addition to involving lecturers, this PkM also involved Itera Food Technology students. This is so that students can learn how to apply the science and technology they study in lectures.
Furthermore, Itera is currently continually striving to play a role in applying technology to society, especially through the Research and PkM Programs. Thus, it is hoped that Itera can help communities and MSMEs solve the problems they face.
