Food Packaging Research Articles

Antimicrobial keratin-based sustainable food packaging films reinforced with citric acid-modified cellulose nanocrystals

Sustainable food packaging films play a crucial role in maintaining the freshness and quality of the food, while prioritizing environmental sustainability. In this paper, a transparent film with antibacterial properties and excellent tensile property was prepared utilizing keratin extracted from waste chicken feathers, combined with citric acid-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-CA). The film exhibited an elongation at break of 209%, highlighting its substantial potential for food packaging applications and addressing the brittleness problem associated with keratin-based films. Microstructural analysis revealed that, the network formed by keratin and CNC-CA with the presence of extensive sliding hydrogen bonds and the transformation of keratin's secondary structure from α-helix to β-sheet were pivotal in enhancing the tensile strength of the Keratin/CNC-CA film. The citric acid not only act as crosslinkers, but also contribute to the sustained antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities of the prepared Keratin/CNC-CA film, eliminating the need for adding chemically synthesized antimicrobial agents. The high stretchability of the Keratin/CNC-CA film facilitates the secure packaging of loose food items, effectively preserving freshness by minimizing air exposure, and could be degraded rapidly upon disposal, converting into organic fertilizer in the soil, and thereby mitigating the environmental problems induced by conventional plastic packaging films. This work highlights the great potential of waste biomass-derived material keratin in preparation of functional films with antibacterial property, offering promising application prospects in food packaging contexts.

Plastic Litter: A Hidden Reservoir for Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in Coastal Ecosystems

Plastic litter carrying pathogenic bacteria pose serious threats to the health of human and aquatic life. We enumerated the abundance of Escherichia coli and Vibrio species in different types of plastic litter (biomedical, food packages, sanitary, fishing material and miscellaneous) collected from the beaches of Agatti and Kavaratti in the Lakshadweep islands of India using quantitative real-time PCR. Further the antimicrobial resistance profile of E. coli and Vibrio species isolated from these samples were also tested. A very high number (more than three thousand gene copies per gram of plastic litter) of Escherichia coli, and Vibrio spp. were detected in the plastic litter. Vibrio spp. in the plastic litter were identified as V. harveyi, V. neocaledonicus, V. japonicus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. campbelli. More than sixty percentage of E. coli and Vibrio spp. isolated from all samples except the E. coli isolated from fishing gear of Kavaratti had multiple antibiotic resistance index of more than 0.25. Most of the bacteria were resistant towards ampicillin, erythromycin, and moxifloxacin, while least resistance was observed against gatifloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, meropenem, norfloxacin and trimethoprim. These results indicate that plastic litter may act as a conduit for the attachment and transport of multiple antibiotic resistant pathogens, causing severe setbacks to the global efforts on attaining sustainable development goals 3 (health), 6 (clean water) and 14 (life under water). Therefore, strict implementation of plastic waste management rules, awareness campaigns for cleaning beaches and citizen science initiatives to monitor and remove plastics are proposed for protecting the beaches from the deleterious effects of mismanaged plastics.

Facile preparation of soybean protein-based oil-resistant paper for food packaging

The use of plastic packaging is harmful to the environment. Due to the advantages of degradability, renewability, and safety of paper packaging materials, replacing plastic with paper has received much attention. However, the poor oil resistance of traditional paper constrains its application. In this research, oil-resistant agent is prepared using soy protein isolate and montmorillonite through physical blending. This oil-resistant agent has advantages of low cost and food safety. Subsequently, food packaging oil-proof paper is obtained by coating the above-mentioned coating on paper. This oil-proof paper has good heat resistance, oil resistance (kit rating is 8/12) and mechanical properties. In addition, it is found that the optimal storage environment for the oil-proof paper. This study provides a feasible method for producing, biodegradable, and eco-friendly food packaging oil-proof paper.

Date seed extract encapsulated-MCM-41 incorporated sodium alginate/starch biocomposite films for food packaging application

In this study, we developed active bio-composite films using a sodium alginate/starch (1,1) matrix incorporating date seed extract encapsulated mesoporous silica (DSE@MCM-41) up to 7.5 wt%. Incorporating DSE@MCM-41 significantly improved the films' properties, enhancing antioxidant efficacy and UV-blocking capabilities. Notably, the films exhibited a 29.5 % increase in tensile strength, a 34.81 % decrease in water absorption, and a reduction in water vapor permeability to 1.76 × 10−8 g m−1.h−1.pa−1 at 5 wt% DSE@MCM-41 concentration. These enhancements, coupled with sustained DSE release, effectively extended the shelf life of black grapes by up to 16 days. These results demonstrate the potential of DSE@MCM-41-incorporated bio-composite films to improve food preservation and extend shelf life, making them suitable candidates for advanced food packaging systems.

Facile synthesis and antibacterial performance of novel biofilms based on bacterial cellulose from jackfruit rags, incorporating polyvinyl alcohol, Ag nanoparticles, and Eclipta prostrata extract

The advancements of antibacterial biofilms have received much attention in biomedical, wound healing, and food packaging. Here, we developed a novel bacterial cellulose (BC) through Acetobacter xylinum strains using jackfruit rags as a carbon source, under different fermentation conditions. The highest BC production of 5.668 g L–1 of dried weight BC was obtained from the medium with 1: 2 (w v–1) of jackfruit rags/water ratio, 4.5 initial pH and 9 days of incubation. Further bacterial cellulose was incorporated into mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Eclipta prostrata extract (EPE) to develop antimicrobial films. The micromorphology, mechanical, and functionality of BC/PVA/AgNPs/EPE biofilms were compared with those of BC/PVA, BC/PVA/EPE, BC/PVA/AgNPs film precursors. The results showed that mechanical strength of BC/PVA/AgNPs/EPE biofilms increased, while their water vapor permeability significantly decreased. Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy revealed excellent compatibility between AgNPs, EPE and the BC/PVA matrix. The BC/PVA/AgNPs/EPE biofilm had strong antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as the average zone of inhibitions were 18.5 ± 0.33 mm and 21.0 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. These outcomes suggest that the BC/PVA/AgNPs/EPE biofilm can be a good candidate for antibacterial food packaging.

Green Packaging Material Preferences among Young Chinese Consumers: A Comparative Study of Recycled versus Virgin Papers and Bio-based versus Synthetic Materials

Abstract Increasing the use of recycled paper instead of virgin wood pulp paper and plastic in green packaging has the potential to alleviate the current pressure on wood supplies, reduce the carbon footprint of consumer goods, and improve the sustainable development of the forest industry. Exploring how consumers’ environmental, carbon, and health concerns influence their preferences for different layers of green paper products can provide theoretical guidance for enhancing resource utilization and promoting sustainable development of the forest products market. This study aimed to identify consumer perceptions of green attributes, assess the impact of environmental and carbon concerns on green product preferences, and examine the significance of paper materials in various packaging layers. Utilizing conjoint, factor, and regression analyses, we investigated young Chinese consumers’ green packaging preferences, focusing on their prioritization of packaging types and the choice between recycled and regular paper over fossil-based materials. The results indicate that consumers prefer green attributes in food packaging, such as recycled paper, paper-based substitutes for plastic, and corn fiber substitutes for nylon. However, recycled paper and virgin paper have no significant difference in consumer utility. For different layers, the preference for recycled paper was slightly higher for outer packaging than for inner packaging and packaging in direct contact with food. Cognitive and affective attitudes toward recycled paper material have a positive impact on both recycled paper and paper-based plastic substitutes, while environmental concern directly influences the choice of recycled paper, and carbon concern influences consumer preferences for paper-based plastic substitutes.

Contemporary Trends in Active and Intelligent Polymer Nanocomposite based Food Packaging Systems for Food Safety and Sustainability in the Modern Aeon

Abstract: The demand for innovative solutions has arisen from the inevitability of improved packaging systems to protect processed food from various factors that cause spoilage. Traditional food packaging materials have limitations in fulfilling all the requirements of consumers, such as being inert, cheap, lightweight, easily degradable, reusable, and resistant to physical abuse. Nanofillers incorporated in the polymer matrix can provide potential solutions to these challenges. This review paper deliberates the use of nanofillers in a polymer matrix to develop an active and intelligent polymer nanocomposites-based processed food packaging system. The present review article focuses on the properties of nanofillers and their potential benefits when incorporated into the polymer matrix. It also examines the challenges associated with developing such packaging systems and explores the ways to address them. It highlights the potential of nanofiller-based polymer nanocomposites in developing a novel food packaging system that can improve the shelf-life and quality of processed food. Such systems can protect food from dirt or dust, oxygen, light, moisture, and food-spoiling microorganisms. Incorporating nanofillers can provide a viable solution to these problems. Most importantly, this paper provides research insights into the potential benefits of nanofillers-based polymer nanocomposites and their applications in the food packaging industry. The verdicts of this review will be of interest to the food packaging industry, entrepreneurs and researchers interested in developing sustainable and innovative packaging systems.

Nanoplastic Release from Disposable Plastics: Correlation with Maximum Service Temperature

The potential for bioaccumulation of nanoplastics (NPs, <1µm) increases as the particle size decreases. Since several disposable plastic products used daily may release NPs, their intake may be unavoidable. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the release patterns of NPs from these products. This study investigates the relationship between NP release and the Maximum Service Temperature (MST) of five plastic types, confirming the correlation under real-world conditions. The releasing tendencies of NPs were investigated using plastic pellets. We simulated the packaging of hot food in plastic containers, considering the physical dynamics of food delivery, and replicated cooking in an oven and microwave. We observed that the mass of NPs released tended to reach its maximum at the material's MST. In real-life conditions, the release of NP was found to increase with higher container content temperatures and longer packaging or cooking durations. Physical impacts were confirmed to be the most significant contributors to NP release. Moreover, Higher microwave power levels lead to greater NP release, with polar materials releasing more NPs compared to non-polar materials. Consequently, to minimize NP ingestion, it is recommended to use containers made from non-polar materials with a high MST.

Synthesis of Water-Soluble Polyurethane Using Lignin, Dopamine and Zn2+ and Its Effects on Paper Properties

A novel water-soluble polyurethane copolymer (i.e., LnBPU-[Zn(DOPA)2]) was synthesized through a route mainly using a prepolymer (i.e., BPU), lignin, dopamine and Zn2+ as the raw materials by cross-linking copolymerization. The optimal reaction conditions are as follows: m(Lignin):m(BPU) is 1:4, time is 4 h and temperature is 70 °C. The prepared LnBPU-[Zn(DOPA)2] was turned out to improve the strength, resistance to water, oil and Escherichia coli of fibre when it was evenly coated on the paper with a dose of 15 g/m2. SEM &amp; EDS, FT-IR, GPC confirmed that the crosslinking copolymerization was enhanced by dopamine and Zn2+, which can give the polyurethane copolymer better strength and water and oil resistance. This study provided an efficient and green approach for preparing lignin-based polyurethane, and contributes to the application of paper in more fields such as food or medical packaging.

A solid phase extraction of bisphenol derivates for their LC-PDA-MS/MS determination in beverages of the Turkish market and its greenness, whiteness, and blueness assessment

Bisphenols transfer from the materials used to food and beverages packaging and disrupt the endocrine system. A solid phase extraction procedure for quantitatively determining bisphenol A, F, and S was developed here. The quantitative determination of these bisphenols was carried out by Liquid Chromatography with ultraviolet followed by tandem mass spectrometry for all types of food analysis laboratory. Analytes separation was carried out by a SUPELCO Ascentis® Express C18 (100×3.0mm, ID, 2.7µm) column with gradient elution mode. All samples were extracted with using Chromabond C18 (500mg, 6mL)ec cartridges before injection to concentrate the analyte. The working range was 0.5-20µg/mL in bisphenol S and bisphenol F, 1.8-72.0µg/mL for bisphenol A in ultraviolet; and 0.09-3.60µg/mL for bisphenol S, 1.5-60.0µg/mL for bisphenol F and 2.5-72.0µg/mL for bisphenol A in tandem mass spectrometry. The recovery range for the new solid phase extraction with liquid chromatography method developed is between 92.20% and 96.92%. This is the first time, 59 types of beverages, except alcoholic and dairy products, and 16 brands of bottled water, were analyzed in Turkish markets. Bisphenol derivatives were measured at LOD levels in 2 drinking waters and 26 beverages, and above LOQ levels in 6 beverages. The greenness score of the developed method is calculated as 0.6, blueness as 65.0 and whiteness as 90.8 and 92.6 for PDA and tandem mass detector, respectively. As a result, the proposed method is green, sustainable, and applicable.

Eco-friendly nanocomposite biofilm based on sage seed gum/gelatin/TiO2: Fabrication and characterization.

In the current study, the sage seed gum/gelatin-TiO2 (SG/Ge-TiO2) nanocomposite films were prepared. Their physical, mechanical, chemical, barrier, surface, structural, and microbial characteristics are determined as a function of different ratios of sage seed gum (SG) to gelatin (1 to 2, 2 to 1 and 1 to 1) and different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles (0, 2, 4% based on biopolymer (w/v)). The results indicated increases in the tensile strength, elongation at break, thickness, brightness (L*), whiteness index (WI), and contact angle, as gelatin content and concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increase. In addition, the increases of TiO2 nanoparticles and the increased content of SG lead to an increase in the surface roughness of the films. As the gelatin content and the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased, the barrier characteristics against water vapor, oxygen, and light increased, so that the water vapor, oxygen, and light permeability in the SG 1-Ge 2-4% film decreased by 66.93%, 80.89%, and 47.43%, respectively, compared to the SG 2 Ge 1-0% film. According to the results of structural and thermal investigation, the crystallinity degree in the films increased as the gelatin content and the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased, resulting in the enhanced thermal stability of the film. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles brought about antimicrobial characteristics in the film, with no significant effect on the antioxidant activity and total phenol content (p>0.05). The results indicated that SG-Ge-TiO2 bionanocomposite films (especially SG 1-Ge 2-4%) can be considered a suitable option for active food packaging as well as medical applications (e.g. active wound adhesive) due to its favorable characteristics.

Experimental and theoretical studies on antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosan-gelatin functional composite films loaded with flavonoids

Chitosan-gelatin-flavonoid functional composite films were prepared with chitosan, gelatin, and three flavonoids (Naringenin, Apigenin, and Luteolin). The effect of three flavonoids on physical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of functional composite film was investigated from experimental and Density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The tensile strength, thermal stability, water solubility, water vapor permeability, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity of chitosan-gelatin-flavonoid functional composite films were improved with flavonoid (Naringenin, Apigenin, and Luteolin) incorporation. The release behavior of Apigenin from functional composite film was much lower than that of Naringenin or Luteolin. ABTS+ radical scavenging ability values of functional composite films followed: Luteolin (69.53 %) > Naringenin (41.39 %) > Apigenin (36.13 %). The antibacterial activities of functional composite films against Staphylococcus aureus followed: Luteolin (52.03 mm) > Apigenin (49.34 mm) > Naringenin (43.15 mm). The total number, location of hydroxyl groups on ring-B, and the unsaturation degree on pyrone ring of flavonoids influenced antioxidant and antibacterial activities of functional composite films. The minimum bond dissociation enthalpy values of flavonoids followed: Luteolin < Apigenin < Naringenin. The interaction energy of Apigenin-chitobiose was stronger than that of Naringenin or Luteolin. These results will shed light on flavonoid selection for functional composite films of food packaging.

Biodegradable active films based on Chlorella biomass and cellulose nanocrystals isolated from hemp stalk fibers

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-reinforced biopolymers have emerged as a widely embraced approach for enhancing the characteristics of biopolymers due to their exceptional properties. Biocomposite (Chl-CNC) films were fabricated by blending Chlorella biomass and varying concentrations of CNCs via a solution casting technique. CNCs were effectively isolated from hemp stalk fibers, as confirmed by structural, surface, thermal, and morphological analysis. The crystallinity of films increased by CNC incorporation, which was confirmed by the XRD. The presence of molecular interactions between CNC and protein-rich Chlorella biomass was illustrated with the FTIR analysis. These interactions enhanced the physicochemical properties of the films. Further, films demonstrated a high level of soil biodegradation in the 42 days, while their total phenolic, chlorophyll, carotenoid contents, and antibacterial activity were unaffected by the incorporation of CNCs. The Chl-CNC films, regardless of CNC addition, indicated antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli but not Staphylococcus aureus. These results indicate that developed biobased and biodegradable Chl-CNC films could be highly beneficial in active food packaging applications.

Bandgap-level engineered photodynamic antibacterial film with boosting ROS production for long-term fruit preservation

The growing demands for fruit preservation have inspired researchers to concentrate on developing advanced food packaging films with sustained and efficient antimicrobial properties. Herein, a visible light-powered photodynamic antimicrobial packaging system with enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability (Bi/BiOI1-x-CS) was developed by demand-driven engineering of the bandgap structure of the photo-responsive filler (Bi/BiOI1-x) and the ingenious selection of chitosan matrix (CS) with bacteria capture and killing capabilities. This film displayed excellent photocatalytic killing performance against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) under the visible light, with the bactericidal efficiency up to 99.36 % and 99.54 %, respectively. The enhancement stemmed from the reasonable optimization of the following two aspects: (i) The iodine defects and lateral modification of pure bismuth jointly optimized the electronic band structure of BiOI and significantly boosted the ROS production level, and (ii) The capturing characteristic of CS on bacteria might shorten the diffusion distance between ROS and bacteria, thus further amplifying the bactericidal effect of ROS. As a result, the as-prepared Bi/BiOI0.201-x-CS film (0.20 shows the Bi/BiOI1-x amount in film solution) exhibited enhanced preservation ability, significantly extending the shelf life of kumquats from 18 to 27 days. Meanwhile, the introduction of Bi/BiOI1-x successfully promoted the mechanical properties, ultraviolet-barrier performance, and hydrophobicity of CS film. The enhancement of comprehensive performance underscores the potential application of Bi/BiOI1-x-CS film in the field of fruit preservation.

Role of Nanomaterials in improvement of food packaging

Nanotechnology in food and beverage packaging has garnered significant interest due to its potential benefits, but it also raises safety concerns related to the toxicology of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). The primary issue is whether ENPs can migrate from food contact polymers into food and under what conditions this occurs. This review has two main objectives: First, it will examine the current advancements in ENP applications for food packaging, focusing on the latest risk assessment strategies and the conflicting findings from cytotoxicity studies. It will also highlight the often-overlooked effects of food matrices on nanoparticle behavior in the gastrointestinal tract, discussing a recently proposed standardized food model for evaluating the toxicity and fate of ingested ENPs. Second, the review will thoroughly analyse current market dynamics and industrial applications of ENPs in food packaging, aiming to offer a comprehensive overview of their impact and trends in the industry.

Research progress on mineral-filled biocomposites: properties, manufacturing methods and applications

The review article presents a comprehensive analysis of recent research on biocomposites based on natural minerals as fillers. The various minerals available on the market and their potential to modify and improve the properties of composites are discussed. Methods of manufacturing biocomposites, such as blending, impregnation and coating application, are described in detail, taking into account the importance of process parameters and component ratios for achieving optimal material properties. The article also examines recent scientific developments related to the use of minerals in biocomposites, paying particular attention to their effects on strength, stiffness, environmental resistance and biodegradation. Despite advances in biocomposite manufacturing technology, there is a need for further research into optimizing manufacturing processes to obtain materials with homogeneous properties. Future research should focus on analyzing the effects of different types of minerals and their proportions on the properties of biocomposites. Biocomposites with natural minerals are widely used in various industrial sectors, from construction to automotive and food packaging, suggesting their potential as an alternative to traditional plastics, contributing to the development of greener materials.

Point-of-Care Diagnostics Using Self-heating Elements from Smart Food Packaging: Moving Towards Instrument-Free Nucleic Acid-Based Detection.

Compromising between accuracy and rapidity is an important issue in analytics and diagnostics, often preventing timely and appropriate reactions to disease. This issue is particularly critical for infectious diseases, where reliable and rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and easier containment, thereby reducing economic and societal impacts. Diagnostic technologies are vital in disease modeling, tracking, treatment decision making, and epidemic containment. At the point-of-care level in modern healthcare, accurate diagnostics, especially those involving genetic-level analysis and nucleic acid amplification techniques, are still needed. However, implementing these techniques in remote or non-laboratory settings poses challenges because of the need for trained personnel and specialized equipment, as all nucleic acid-based diagnostic techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction and isothermal nucleic acid amplification, require temperature cycling or elevated and stabilized temperatures. However, in smart food packaging, there are approved and commercially available methods that use temperature regulation to enable autonomous heat generation without external sources, such as chemical heaters with phase change materials. These approaches could be applied in diagnostics, facilitating point-of-care, electricity-free molecular diagnostics, especially with nucleic acid-based detection methods such as isothermal nucleic acid amplification. In this review, we explore the potential interplay between self-heating elements, isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, and phase change materials. This paves the way for the development of truly portable, electricity-free, point-of-care diagnostic tools, particularly advantageous for on-site detection in resource-limited remote settings and for home use.

Physicochemical investigation on eco-sustainable food packaging: valorisation of Moringa fibre and rice bran with embedded ZnO nanoparticles

Physicochemical investigation on eco-sustainable food packaging: valorisation of Moringa fibre and rice bran with embedded ZnO nanoparticles

Cross-linked structures reinforced the bamboo fiber/poly(lactic acid) composites with high heat resistance and their environmental impact through the life cycle assessment analysis

In order to prepare low-cost and heat-resistant poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites, in this study, bamboo fiber (BF) was added to stereo-complex crystal PLA (SC-PLA) to prepare heat-resistant composites. Poly[(phenyl isocyanate)-co-formaldehyde] [a polyaryl polymethylene isocyanate (PAPI)] was used to form cross-linked structures between SC-PLA and BF, and the effects of PAPI-cross-linked structures on the crystallization properties, mechanical properties, and heat resistance of BF/SC-PLA composites with different BF contents were systematically investigated. When 15% BF was added, the mechanical properties of the composite were significantly improved. The tensile strength increased by 85.5% compared to the unmodified composite, reaching 34.7 MPa, which was even higher than that of the SC-PLA composite (33.1 MPa). In addition, in order to explore the impact of the PAPI-modified BF/SC-PLA composite on the environment and carbon emissions, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the composites was conducted. The addition of BF effectively reduced the impact of the composite on the environment. Notably, the emissions of CO2 decreased by approximately 11.7%, and the freshwater, marine, and land ecotoxicity were also significantly reduced. This work provided a reference for the preparation of low-cost and heat-resistant PLA composites for heat-resistant food packaging and disposable tableware and expanded the application of PLA products in the field of heat-resistant materials.

Influence of Talc in Polypropylene on Total Fluorine Measurements Used as an Indicator of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

Increasing restrictions for chemicals of concern in plastic packaging materials have created an urgent need to accurately detect and quantify these chemicals. Total fluorine measurements have been utilized to screen for highly scrutinized per and poly-fluorinated substances (PFAS) in food packaging materials. Inorganic contributions to the total fluorine signal can result in false positive signals exceeding regulatory limits. The purpose of this study is to develop a method for determining the contribution of talc inorganic filler to the total fluorine signal. The influence of talc on total fluorine measurements of plastics was evaluated by compounding talc with virgin polypropylene (PP) then measuring the total fluorine concentration using oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion ion chromatography. This study provides a framework to predict the contribution of talc in plastic samples to the total fluorine signal. A near infrared spectroscopy method was developed by employing the full width half height (FWHH) of the interstitial fluorine characteristic band of talc. The FWHH signal of the processed puck specimens was determined to be linearly increase with the measured total fluorine difference as a function of talc concentration (R2 = 0.9619). This study developed a method to predict contribution of talc fillers to the total fluorine signal of plastic samples. This method is critical for accurately determining the regulatory compliance of talc filled plastic samples for PFAS using total fluorine. Total fluorine is a common regulatory compliance technique as an indicator of PFAS. Talc is a common plastic filler that contains fluorine as a contaminant. The fluorine in talc contributes to the total fluorine signal, which can falsely elevate the total fluorine signal, potentially resulting in the lack of regulatory compliance. The developed method serves as a framework of how to identify the fluorine contribution of inorganic fillers in plastics.