Food Containers Research Articles

Development of Public Education in the Use of Plastic in Food on Health and Environment in High School of Agribusiness at Bengkulu City

The background of this of using plastic for food packaging. Materials classified as plasticizers include types such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and bisphenol-A (BPA), with Styrofoam also falling into the category of plastics often used for food containers despite their adverse effects. High school Agribusiness Dangau Datuk Bengkulu possesses skills in food production, maintenance, and distribution, yielding processed foods such as ice cream, ground coffee, and various other products. Vocational students market their processed products using plastic packaging. Therefore, the aim of this initiative is to impart knowledge on the use of plastic packaging in food products and its effects on health and the environment. This endeavor can enhance community abilities, particularly those of vocational students who have filled out questionnaires, numbering around 20 people. The activities are conducted through coaching methods, which involve coordination with partners, counseling, demonstrations, and promoting sustainability. Counseling materials encompass the functions of packaging for food products, types of packaging, plastic as a food product packager (including types and raw materials), the impact of using plastic packaging on health and the environment, and tips for safely utilizing plastic packaging. The educational activities proceeded smoothly, with enthusiastic participation from the attendees. The evaluation results indicated a positive and beneficial impact, ensuring that all participants acquired knowledge about the use of plastic packaging. Consequently, participants are now equipped to select appropriate packaging for the food products they produce.

Impact of Microplastics on Human Health: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract This comprehensive review explores microplastic (MP) contamination in food and Incorporating nanotechnology into food packaging. It covers origins, pathways, health consequences, and analytical challenges. Microplastics (MPs), which are generation due to the breaking down of plastic garbage, presents significant dangers to both the environment and human health. These small particles, sometimes unseen to the unaided eye, can accumulation in ecosystems, harm wildlife, and even entering food chain, potentially cause health issues for humans who consuming contaminated food or water. Exposure occurs through ingesting MPs in food, notably in processed foods, canned goods, and infant milk powder, raising concerns about breast cancer. Nanotechnology in food packaging enhances characteristics but raises migration risks, introducing substances such as phthalates (PAEs), non-PAEs plasticizers (NPPs), bisphenols (BPs), and metal nanoparticles, posing health risks. Microwavable plastic food containers release both intentionally included substances and inadvertently included substances. Consumer attitudes toward nanotechnology are positive, driven by perceived benefits. Analytical techniques for MP detection, including micro-Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging, face challenges like sample preparation. Multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration are crucial for complex MP analysis in diverse food matrices. The paper discusses MP accumulation in the human body, noting its presence in placentas, bodily fluids, and lower limb joints, raising health questions. Despite challenges in understanding the full health impact, standardized methods and collaboration are urgently needed. This holistic view of MP contamination and nanotechnology in food packaging underscores the necessity of safeguarding food safety and public health against pervasive environmental issues.

Electric Powered Food Container by Energy Harvesting from Suspension System

Electric Powered Food Container by Energy Harvesting from Suspension System

Estuary Clean Up dalam Mendukung Pengelolaan Kawasan Pesisir Desa Sungai Nibung Kalimantan Barat

Desa Sungai Nibung is a coastal with high biodiversity, so this village has been designated as a conservation area in West Kalimantan with the main conservation target is mangrove. The mangrove ecosystem has an important ecological role, namely as a habitat for marine and coastal biota. A maintained ecosystem will protect the survival of the biota within it. Therefore, managing coastal areas is essential and a shared responsibility. One of the challenges faced in the management process in Desa Sungai Nibung is plastic waste pollution. This waste comes from disposal and runoff from land, which can enter rivers and the sea. Plastic pollution also comes from fishing activities, such as ship traffic, responsive fisheries, and cultivation. This waste needs to be appropriately managed because there is no final waste disposal site (TPA). Household waste and waste from several shops (plastic food and drink packaging) are dumped directly around the building. The accumulation of plastic waste will continue to increase. Therefore, cleanup activities were carried out to reduce plastic waste. Apart from that, this activity aims to educate activity participants about the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment. This community service activity was carried out by a lecturer in Marine Science, FMIPA, Tanjungpura University, who involved students from the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. Beaches and coastal clean-up from macroplastic waste are carried out in residential areas, docks, and areas near fishing activities and ecotourism areas. Implementation of PKM activities consists of permission and coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The waste from activities varies from plastic bags, sachet packaging, and food containers to fishing lines. Plastic waste dominates compared to other waste. Participants' understanding concerning plastic waste pollution and its negative impact on the environment and aquatic organisms increased after the activity took place.

Geographic network effects in a circular economy: A field data analysis of reusable packaging services

AbstractProduct–service systems (PSS) have the potential to align businesses’ financial incentives with environmental objectives. Conceptual and qualitative research on non‐ownership consumption suggests that such offerings benefit from dense local networks, which motivate system adoption and use. However, geographic network effects and their magnitude have not been examined with field data capturing revealed behavior. This paper leverages a large field dataset from a system for reusable take‐out food containers to evaluate the effect of increased geographic network density of participating restaurants on (a) the acquisition of new users and (b) the frequency of system use. Based on fixed effects Poisson panel models, this paper finds statistically significant and practically meaningful positive effects of increased geographic network density on acquiring new users. Notably, marginal effects of increased geographic network density on user acquisition diminish as networks get denser. In terms of frequency of use, no significant effects of geographic network density are identified. These results contribute to the literature on non‐ownership consumption by presenting nuanced field evidence of indirect, cross‐side network effects in PSS. Furthermore, findings encourage businesses and policymakers to promote PSS with dense local networks.

Sustainable solutions in single-use food containers: A comprehensive life cycle assessment comparing plastic (PP) and its green alternative (PLA coated kraft paper, PLA)

The research conducted a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of single-use food packaging made from PP, PLA, and Paper/PLA materials using the ReCiPe method. The assessment covered 18 environmental impacts from box processing to end-of-life treatment, with a functional unit (FU) specified as 1,000 units of single-use food container boxes. The dimensions of the boxes were standardized to reflect the average size from the Thailand market and food-delivery boxes. When focused on production stage, PP box shows the greatest impact on overall especially human non-carcinogenic toxicity (285.11 kg 1, 4-DCB). However, when focused on cradle-to-grave life cycle, the PP emerged as the optimal choice of food box due to its comparable environmental impact to biodegradable alternatives, when applying recycling processes. It recycles significantly reduces the total impact up to 73% from their waste-to-energy treatment option. To achieve environmental goals necessitates policy interventions such as extended producer responsibility laws and refund schemes to incentivize responsible disposal. In country lacking waste management infrastructure and collection system, the sensitivity analysis of this research show that biodegradable PLA material emerges as the most suitable choice, particularly over Paper/PLA, offering lower overall environmental impact due to less overall emission in landfill and composting process.

Diversity of Bambusa Species (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) in Kalimantan, Indonesia

Bamboo is reported to have many benefits, including as handicraft material, fishing, building materials, household appliances, furniture, food containers, medicines, vegetable materials, and firewood. In Indonesia, bamboo species richness is quite high with 175 bamboo species that can be found spread from Java to Papua. Research information on Bambusa species data in the Kalimantan region is relatively scarce and invalid. The research aims to provide data on the diversity of Bambusa species in Kalimantan. The research method was carried out descriptively by observing morphological characters from herbarium specimens and digital herbarium. Data were collected from herbarium specimens of bamboo genus Bambusa collected from Kalimantan and digital specimen data stored in online database portals, such as GBIF and Bioportal. All specimens were re-identified and their names validated. The results showed that there are five species of Bambusa in Kalimantan, namely Bambusa glaucophylla Widjaja, B. multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult.f., B. spinosa Roxb., B. tuldoides Munro, and B. vulgaris Schrad. The presentation is complemented by identification keys and explanations.

Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic

The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna – seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish – and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats – coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds – were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.

Opioid receptor antagonists reduce motivated wheel-running behavior in mice.

We hypothesized that opioid receptor antagonists would inhibit motivated behavior produced by a natural reward. To evaluate motivated responses to a natural reward, mice were given access to running wheels for 71.5 h in a multi-configuration testing apparatus. In addition to a running wheel activity, locomotor activity (outside of the wheel), food and water intake, and access to a food container were measured in the apparatus. Mice were also tested separately for novel-object exploration to investigate whether naloxone affects behavior unrelated to natural reward. In untreated mice wheel running increased from day 1 to day 3. The selective µ-opioid receptor antagonist β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA) (5 mg/kg) slightly decreased wheel running, but did not affect the increase in wheel running from day 1 to day 3. The non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone produced a greater reduction in wheel running than β-FNA and eliminated the increase in wheel running that occurred over time in the other groups. Analysis of food access, locomotor behavior, and behavior in the novel-object test suggested that the reduction in wheel running was selective for this highly reinforcing behavior. These results indicate that opioid receptor antagonism reduces responses to the natural rewarding effects of wheel running and that these effects involve multiple opioid receptors since the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist had greater effects than the selective µ-opioid receptor antagonist. It is possible that at the doses employed, other receptor systems than opioid receptors might be involved, at least in part, in the effect of naloxone and β-FNA.

Target-regulated photoactivities of CdS/Ni-MOF heterojunction with [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ intercalator: a bisphenol A photoelectrochemical aptasensor.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an important endocrine disrupting compound, has infiltrated human daily lives through electronic devices, food containers, and children's toys. Developing of novel BPA assay methods with high sensitivity holds tremendous importance in valuing the pollution state. Here, we constructed an ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for BPA determinationby regulating photoactivities of CdS/Ni-based metal-organic framework (CdS/Ni-MOF) with [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ sensitizer. CdS/Ni-MOF spheres exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, serving as a potential sensing platform for the construction of target recognition process. [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ were embedded into DNA double-stranded structure, functioningas sensitizer formodulating the signal response of the developed PEC aptasensor. The proposed PEC sensor exhibited outstanding analytical performances, including a wide linear range (0.1 to 1000.0nM), low detection limit (0.026nM, at 3σ/m), excellentselectivity, and high stability. This work provides aperspective for the design of ideal photosensitive materials and signal amplification strategies and extends their application in environment analysis.

Bio-Based Disposable Containers for Food Services

Currently, petrochemical plastics dominate the food service industry due to their good mechanical properties and barrier against heat, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. This widespread use is not only harmful to humans but also to the ecosystem as synthetic plastics disrupt ecological balance and deplete petroleum-based oil resources. Researchers and manufacturers are continuously addressing this problem by developing bio-based alternatives that provide numerous advantages including structural flexibility, biodegradability, and effective barrier properties. However, the high cost of production and unavailability of equipment for batch processing impede the potential for widespread manufacturing. Natural fibers mixed with bio-based adhesives derived from plants provide one of the biggest potential sources of bio-based materials for the food container industry. Not only does this address the issue of high raw material cost but it also has the potential to become sustainable once processing steps have been optimized. In this review, the current findings of several research related to the production of bio-based disposable food containers, packaging, and composites made from bio-based materials and bio-based adhesives are critically discussed. Several properties and characteristics important to the production of food service containers and primary packaging, as well as the existing challenges and future perspectives, are also highlighted.

Detection of nanoplastics released from consumer plastic food containers by electromagnetic heating pyrolysis mass spectrometry

Nanoplastics released from consumer plastic food containers are emerging environmental pollutants and directly ingested as part of the diet. However, quantification methods for nanoplastics are still lacking. Herein, a rapid identification and mass quantification approach was developed for nanoplastics analysis by combining electromagnetic heating with pyrolysis mass spectrometry (Eh-Py-MS). The pyrolysis products directly entered into the MS, which omits the gas phase separation process and shortens the detection time. A compact pyrolysis chamber was used and this increased the sample transfer efficiency and lowered power requirement. The operational parameters were systematically examined. The influence of nanoplastic size, additive, humic acid, and aging on detection was investigated, and it was concluded that environmental factors (humic acid, aging) and plastic properties (size, additives) did not influence the detection. The developed chamber showed that the limit of detection of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics was 15.72 ng. Several typical food packages were demonstrated with satisfactory recovery rates (87.5–110%) and precision (RSD ≤11.36%). These results suggested that the consumer plastic food containers are a significant source of direct exposure to nanoplastics in humans from the environment.

Does Providing Information about Cleaning Increase People’s Willingness to (Re)Use Bowls That Show Signs of Previous Use?

Systems for reusing containers (e.g., for takeaway food) represent one way to reduce waste. However, evidence suggests that people are relatively unwilling to reuse containers, especially if they show signs of previous use. The present research investigated the hypothesis that providing information about cleaning would increase willingness to reuse containers for takeaway food and reduce concerns about contamination. Study 1 found that information about cleaning decreased, rather than increased, participants’ willingness to reuse visibly stained bowls. Study 2 found no effects from the information about cleaning on willingness to reuse bowls or the accessibility of contamination concerns, although information about cleaning reduced self-reported concerns about hygienic contamination. Taken together, the findings suggest that exposure to information designed to reassure users that containers are properly cleaned is not an effective way to increase engagement with reuse systems for takeaway food. Further studies are therefore needed to test alternative ways to increase people’s willingness to reuse containers that show signs of prior use.

Development of a Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Gallic Acid and Caffeine in Health Functional Foods Containing Pu-erh Tea Extract

Development of a Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Gallic Acid and Caffeine in Health Functional Foods Containing Pu-erh Tea Extract

Potential Migration and Health Risks of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Take-Out Food Containers in South Korea.

The consumption of take-out food has increased worldwide; consequently, people are increasingly being exposed to chemicals from food containers. However, research on the migration of metals from containers to food is limited, and therefore, information required to determine the health risks is lacking. Herein, the amount of transfer of nine metals and metalloids (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ge, Co, Mn, Sn, As, and Hg) from food containers to food in South Korea was assessed from take-out food containers classified into paper and plastic container groups. The sample containers were eluted over time by either warming with 4% acetic acid at 70 °C or cooling with 4% acetic acid at 100 °C /deionized water at 25 °C. It was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and a direct mercury analyzer. The reliability of the quantitative results was verified by calculating the linearity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. We found that the amount of metals and metalloids (Pb, Sb, Cd, and Co) eluting over time was highly significant in the plastic group. Regardless of the food simulant and elution time, the amount of Sb transferred from the food containers to food was substantially higher in the plastic (average concentration: 0.488-1.194 μg/L) than in the paper group (average concentration: 0.001-0.03 μg/L). Fortunately, all food containers were distributed at levels safe for human health (hazard index: 0.000-64.756%). However, caution is needed when warm food is added to food containers. Overall, our results provide baseline data for the management and use of take-out containers.

Methyl Jasmonate Modulates Feeding Behaviors and Hypothalamic Expression of the Orexin 1 Receptor in Rats.

Active plant ingredients have been successfully used in modern medicine to control appetite and energy hemostasis. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MJ) on food-related behaviors in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into different groups (7 rats) and infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with MJ vehicle (DMSO) or MJ (2.5, 5 and 10 μg/rat). Then, the individual rats were placed in an automated open field-like apparatus to assess a 12-h food-related activity in light and dark times. After behavioral tests, immunofluorescence staining of the orexin 1 receptor (Orx1R) was studied in the hypothalamus of rats. MJ (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/rat) administration significantly decreased food intake in the light and dark phases compared with the control group. Moreover, all the MJ-treated groups exhibited a decrease in visits to food containers at the light and dark times (p < 0.001). In addition, rats infused with MJ at 5 μg and 10 μg spent less time in the ports of food containers in the light and dark phases in comparison with control rats. Time in zone-related to food and locomotor activity was significantly decreased in the MJ (5 μg) groups during the light time and in all MJ-injected groups in the dark time. Moreover, hypothalamic expression of Orx1R in rats treated with MJ (5 μg) was significantly lower as compared to the control group. Overall, the results indicated the potential of MJ to modulate feeding-related behavior and Orx1R expression in the hypothalamus of rats.

Macroalgal blooms on Moroccan coasts: Plastic trapping and tourism challenges

Coastal tourism, a vital economic pillar for many regions, confronts escalating challenges from macroalgal blooms, notably in the Moroccan Atlantic. These ecologically significant blooms display a dual problem: they detrimentally influence marine ecosystems and interact closely with marine plastic pollution. Thus, this research investigated the blooms' propensity to ensnare plastics. We found that 1068 items were trapped within Codium decorticatum blooms with a global mean of 0.022 ± 0.007 items/m2, predominantly coming from recreational activities. The three most prevalent litter types in bloom areas were food containers, caps/lids, and drinks. Such entrapment, combined with the degradation of coastal aesthetics and the fostering of harmful pathogenic conditions, compounds the threats to coastal tourism. A significant example is the Ceramium sp. bloom, which imposed bathing bans and restricted access, affecting core tourism activities in the study area. Comprehensive management encompassing early bloom detection, public awareness, adaptive tourism strategies, and efficient waste handling are crucial. Hence, those strategies will offer a roadmap to navigate the intertwined issues of macroalgal blooms, plastic pollution, and their ramifications on coastal tourism.

Public awareness and perceptions of ocean plastic pollution and support for solutions in the United States

We conducted a nationally-representative survey of United States (U.S.) adults (n=1,960) in 2021 to gather insights on the knowledge, perceptions, and concerns about threats to the ocean, with a specific focus on plastics and microplastic pollution. Responses from the U.S. adult survey group were compared to a group of highly-engaged, Ocean Conservancy members who are very attuned to ocean issues (n=882). Ocean Conservancy is a U.S.-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest challenges. Plastic pollution was the primary ocean concern identified by both U.S. adults and Ocean Conservancy members, surpassing eight other threat categories including oil spills, chemical and nutrient pollution, and climate change. Broad concern was reported for both study groups about the impacts of ocean plastics on marine wildlife, with human health and coastal community impact concerns being less prominent. About half of U.S. adults and 90% of Ocean Conservancy members had heard of microplastics. Both study groups indicated widespread support for microplastic pollution prevention measures in the U.S. and believed industry to be most responsible for taking action to address it. Ocean Conservancy members were generally better informed and more concerned about plastic pollution impacts and microplastics than U.S. adults and reported significantly greater levels of personal action to reduce their plastic footprint when compared to U.S. adults. In general, U.S. adults reported a willingness to refuse single-use plastics, but less frequently brought personal food containers to restaurants for takeout, or contacted local representatives or businesses about reducing plastic waste and pollution. Overall, our survey results provide new insights about public understanding of ocean threats and plastic pollution, willingness to participate in individual plastic-reduction actions, and support for needed solutions.

A non-destructive, autoencoder-based approach to detecting defects and contamination in reusable food packaging

Today, environmental sustainability is one of the most critical issue. Hence, the food service industry is actively seeking ways to minimize its ecological footprint. One solution to address this issue is the adoption of reusable foodware in the food service industry. This approach requires a careful process for the collection and thorough cleaning of the foodware, ensuring it can be safely reused. However, reusable foodware might be damaged during the collection process, which can pose food safety hazards for customers. Additionally, there are cases where the cleaning process might not effectively remove all contaminants and therefore cannot be reused after the washing process. To ensure consumer safety, a manual inspection is typically conducted after the cleaning process. However, this step is labor-intensive and prone to human error, particularly as workers’ attention may decrease over extended periods. Consequently, the adoption of precise and automated methods for detecting defects and contaminants is becoming crucial, not only to ensure safety but also to achieve scalability and enhance cost-efficiency in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. In our research, we explore various data augmentation strategies and the application of knowledge transfer from various samples of reusable food containers. This method only requires few images from a clean sample to teach the network about normal patterns, and to detect defects by identifying irregular details that do not exist in normal samples. This allows us to rapidly deploy the detection system even with a limited number of collected samples. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in detecting both contamination and cracks on food containers.

Feasibility and Safety of Food Containing Acanthopanax senticosus for Treating Patients with Cancer-Related Fatigue.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a major obstacle to quality of life. Acanthopanax senticosus Harms (ASH) is available as a botanical adaptogen food worldwide. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of ASH in patients with CRF. Fifteen patients with CRF consumed ASH drink for 28 days. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of the study, and the secondary endpoints were changes in brief fatigue inventory (BFI), oxidative stress markers, and adverse events. Seven patients successfully completed the study. Four patients who had BFI <5.5 at enrollment revealed a decrease in BFI. The biological antioxidant potential/diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites ratio, potential antioxidant capacity, was increased but not significant (p = 0.063). No adverse events attributable to ASH were observed. Approximately 50% patients were successful in consuming ASH for 28 days. Patients with mild CRF showed improvement by using ASH. However, further investigations are needed to validate these findings.