Package Research Articles

Packaging Materials Design And Developing Trend

Abstract: Packaging materials design is related to economic and social development. At the same time, it also reflects human aesthetic and emotional expression. With the continuous maturity of consumer psychology, people have a new understanding of packaging design, and the past packaging materials design concepts can no longer meet the various needs of customers. As is known, packaging plays a very important role in promoting products to customers. Therefore, attractive packaging materials design is essential. In this work, the developing history of packing materials design was reviewed in detail. Both the advantages and disadvantages of the packing materials were discussed. Packaging materials experienced the process from paper, plastic, and metal to composite materials. The functions of packaging materials have gone from single to comprehensive. Driven by the commercialization of fierce competition, although humans have made great achievements in packaging material design, there is still greater room for development in packaging material design to meet the needs of future society. For a long time from now to the future, the balance between practicality and aesthetics will still be the basic principle of material packaging design. In addition, the human experience, such as the friction coefficient of packaging materials, has begun to be considered. The artistic combination of materials, shapes, colors, and characters combined with artificial intelligence has gradually become the frontier of packaging material design. By learning from nature, it can be concluded that smart packaging, eco-friendly and sustainable development in packaging materials design combining practicality and aesthetics are the developing trend for the future.

Investigation of Microplastic Contamination in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Fish: A Comparative Study of Various Freshwater Species

The aqueous environment has been reported to be seriously threatened by the pollution of microplastics (MPs), which has been confirmed in numerous studies affecting various aquatic habitats. Despite this, few investigations exist on MP contamination in fish of specific regions. Thus, the current study aims to determine MP concentrations in the fish species of the Chhota Nagpur zone of eastern India. From August to September 2023, fish samples were collected from 10 km distance between two locations of Subarnarekha and Kharkai river banks through fishermen. Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tract of 45 fish of 8 species out of 48 samples. Of these species, six species were secondary consumers, while the remaining two were primary consumers. The average amount of microplastics consumed by each fish (n = 48) was 3.0 ± 1.8. A total of 144 microplastics were found in collected samples of fish species. Among the analyzed sample of MPs, 69.4% were fibers, films were (22.3%), and (8.3%) were fragments. The least contaminated species was T. ilisha (0.8 ± 0.7 particles/ind.), while L. rohita had the highest microplastic contamination (4.5 ± 1.7 particles/ind.). The present study found a negative correlation of - 0.83 between MP consumption and the mean body weight of fish. Similarly, a negative correlation of - 0.5 was found between the length of fish and MP intake. Polyamide (nylon), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene polymers were found. The size of MPs ranged from 45-355 μm and mainly were fibers. They were also predominantly blue and black. Polyamide and polyvinyl chloride were the common MP types in every specimen. The possible sources of MPs were fishing nets, ropes, and packaging material. This investigation points to MP contamination in aquatic ecosystems and particular species. It provides advanced knowledge of MP pollution, sources, and effects on regional ecosystems and public health.

Brick-cement system inspired fabrication of Ti3C2 MXene nanosheet reinforced high-performance of chitosan/gelatin/PVA composite films.

The increasing need for convenient, fast, and nutritious of prepared foods elevate the development of biodegradable antibacterial packaging materials with excellent performance. Inspired by the brick-cement-like system, the two-dimensional nanomaterial Ti3C2 MXene as nanofillers with optothermal response function was employed to strength the performance of chitosan/gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol composite films (CGPF-Mxs). The results revealed that the high-modulus Ti3C2 MXene material improved the microstructures density of macromolecule polymers by physical interactions, as well as enhancements in mechanical properties, thermal stability, barrier properties, water resistance, and antioxidation performance of the composite films. The composite film with 0.75% Ti3C2 MXene demonstrated the optimal performance. Additionally, the composite films exhibited efficient photothermal effect, which showed inhibition rate of 98.53% for Staphylococcus aureus and 82.91% for Escherichia coli under near-infrared laser. The proposed film revealed a potential application as packaging material for maintaining the quality of cooked meat products.

Packaging Materials: Past, Present and Future

Packaging Materials: Past, Present and Future

Preparation of Physalis alkekengi L. calyx total flavonoids-chitosan composite film and its effect on preservation of chilled beef.

In the present study, Physalis alkekengi L. calyx total flavonoids (PCTF) were extracted using the ultrasound-assisted ethanol method and separated and purified using macroporous resin AB-8. Physalis alkekengi L. calyx total flavonoid-chitosan (PCTF-CS) composite films containing 0.05 %, 0.10 % and 0.15 % PCTF were prepared using the purified PCTF laminated with chitosan (CS) and compared with single CS films, respectively, to investigate their mechanical properties, barrier properties, optical properties, microstructure, crystallography, thermal stability, water contact angle, particle size and zeta potential, antioxidant property, antimicrobial property, and preservation effect on chilled beef. The PCTF-CS films with PCTF additions had darker colors and higher mechanical and barrier properties than the CS films. In addition, the addition of PCTF improved the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the CS films. It enhances the freshness retention of fresh beef, and effectively inhibits the rise of weight loss, pH, total bacteria, total volatile basic nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in beef, prolonging the shelf life of beef. These results indicate that the addition of PCTF can provide CS films with superior functional properties and bioactivities and that PCTF-CS composite films are a potential and promising packaging material for food preservation.

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.

Development of an intelligent packaging material incorporating betacyanin from red beetroot extract into polyvinyl alcohol films

This research aimed to develop an intelligent packaging material by incorporating betacyanin from red beetroot extract into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film. Betacyanin was extracted using three solvents (Distilled Water, Ethanol, and Methanol), and films were prepared. The methanolic extract had the highest betacyanin content (416.57µg/100g), while the distilled water extract had the lowest (310.22µg/100g). Incorporating betacyanin increased the film thickness, with methanol-extracted films (MEF) being the thickest (126.36µm). Light transmittance differed significantly, being highest in ethanol-extracted films (EEF) (4.32%) compared to control (3.65%) and MEF (3.82%). Water solubility was highest in the control sample (44.94%), and water vapor permeability was lowest in methanol-extracted films (14.25gmsPa-1 × 10-7), indicating better film quality. MEF had the lowest lightness (L*=31.71), while control films had the highest (L*=38.84). The a* value was lowest for control films (a*=1.97) and highest for methanol-extracted films (a*=6.08). EEF had the highest b* value (b*=6.58±0.95), and control films had the lowest (b*=4.01). All films exhibited low mechanical resistance with tensile strengths ranging from 2.84 to 3.16 MPa. Additionally, these films can detect pH changes, acting as promising colorimetric bioindicators. The study concludes that intelligent films made with methanol-extracted betacyanin are viable for developing pH-responsive packaging for the food industry.

Synthesis of Renewable and Seawater-degradable Polyesters Based on a Fully Biobased Diester

The design and development of biobased plastics that can degrade in seawater is a potential approach to address the seawater pollution of fossil plastics. Herein, N,N'-pentamethylene-bis(pyrrolidone-4-methyl carboxylate) (PBPC), a biobased diester with two pyrrolidone rings, was synthesized from renewable 1,5-pentanediamine and dimethyl itaconate. PBPC was polymerized with three α,ω-diols to prepare biobased homopolyesters with number-average molecular weight (Mn) around 25 kDa. These amorphous homopolyesters presented remarkable UV shielding abilities compared with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Incubation experiments in artificial seawater for 150 days indicated that the homopolyesters based on PBPC exhibited rapid seawater-degradability. Then, PBPC was copolymerized with 1,4-butanediol and terephthalic acid to prepare a series of copolyesters with Mn around 20 kDa. The introduction of PBPC into poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) resulted in the elevated toughness and sensitivity to seawater degradation. Depending on the composition of PBPC, the thermal, mechanical, and degradation rate of the copolyesters were adjustable. Overall, the PBPC-based polyesters are promising alternatives to commercial packaging materials in improving the renewability of raw materials and achieving seawater degradation.

Designing an active green packaging material based on black chickpea protein isolate electrospun nanofibers containing citral nanoliposomes

Active green packaging with a sustainability perspective is one of the trending fields in the food industry. In this regard, we designed an eco-friendly packaging material based on black chickpea protein isolate (BCPI) electrospun nanofibers (NFs) containing citral-loaded nanoliposomes (NLPs). The particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of the produced citral-loaded NLPs were 145 nm, 0.27, -37 mV, and 88%, respectively. BCPI was successfully extracted and used to produce electrospun NFs. The NLPs were incorporated into BCPINFs at 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% w/w concentrations. All samples displayed a narrow, strip-like morphology. However, the incorporation of NLPs significantly (p<0.05) increased the average fiber diameter (400–600 nm). The chemical structure of NFs was investigated, revealing the formation of new interactions among components. The thermal stability and crystalline structure of BCPI-based NFs showed no significant change with the addition of NLPs. However, NLPs concentrations higher than 0.25% enhanced the tensile strength and surface hydrophobicity of NFs. In addition, incorporating citral-loaded NLPs into NFs at concentrations higher than 0.25% provided antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Based on the obtained results, the activated BCPI-based NFs with 0.5% w/w of citral-loaded NLPs was selected as the optimal NFs sample.

Colorimetric ammonia-sensing nanocomposite films based on starch/sodium alginate and Cu-Phe nanorods for smart packaging application

The development of colorimetric ammonia-sensing smart packaging materials with real-time freshness detection ability are crucial for ensuring food safe. This research involved the construction of Cu-based framework (Cu-Phe) nanorods with colorimetric ammonia-sensing ability through an easy-to-perform aqueous solution method, and their subsequent utilization as nano inclusions in starch/sodium alginate (ST/SA) substrate to foster the creation of high-performance smart packaging materials. Research findings revealed that the addition of Cu-Phe nanorods (3, 6, 9 wt%) within ST/SA substrate led to the formation of compatible nanocomposite films with significantly augmented physical performance and functionality. Especially, the film containing 9 wt% Cu-Phe presented the highest tensile strength (30.32 MPa), elongation at break (19.12 %), UV-shielding efficacy (blocking >99 % of UV passage), water vapor barrier effectiveness (1.90 × 10−6 g/m·h·Pa) and oxygen barrier ability (2.26 × 10−3 g/m2·s). In addition, the developed ST/SA/Cu-Phe nanocomposite film possessed excellent antibacterial activity (over 99.9 %) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, superior colorimetric ammonia-sensing ability, and long-term colour stability. Also of note, the Cu-Phe added ST/SA nanocomposite film allowed for detecting prawn and pork freshness reduction in real-time via discernible colour transition, suggesting its extensive promise for smart packaging applications.

Fabrication and characterization of carvacrol encapsulated gelatin/chitosan composite nanofiber membrane as active packaging material

In this study, carvacrol was effectively encapsulated in gelatin/chitosan composite nanofiber membrane using the electrospinning method with the help of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The effects of CTAB (0.0 %, 1 %, w/w) and bioactive carvacrol (0.0 %, 1.0 %, 3.0 %, 5.0 %, 7.0 %, 10 %, w/w) on the structural, physicomechanical, antibacterial, and antioxidant characteristics of the nanofiber membranes were investigated. The results demonstrated that the antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics of the gelatin/chitosan composite nanofiber membrane (GC) and GC-CAR membrane (with the addition of 1.0 % carvacrol) were unsatisfactory. As carvacrol and CTAB were both added, the elongation at break, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the nanofiber membranes significantly improved (p < 0.05), while the water vapor permeability (WVP) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). When the added amount of carvacrol was 5 % (w/w), the nanofiber membrane (GC-CAR5-CTAB) exhibited the best antioxidant and antibacterial performance. Finally, the GC-CAR5-CTAB membrane was applied to the preservation of strawberries and Erjingtiao chilies, and their shelf life was effectively extended. The above results indicate that the nanofiber membrane prepared in this study has great potential for application in food-active 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.

Active polyvinyl alcohol films with enhanced strength, antioxidant and antibacterial properties by incorporating nanocellulose and tannin.

There is an increasing demand of food packaging materials from sustainable bio- polymers. In this study, tannin-cellulose nanocrystal (TCNCs) fillers were first prepared using dialdehyde cellulose nanocrystal (DACNCs) and tannin through the nucleophilic addition reaction, and then added to PVA matrix as reinforcement fillers to fabricate active food packaging films. FT-IR analysis confirmed the successful reaction between PVA and TCNCs. The incorporation of TCNCs imparted high antibacterial, UV blocking and antioxidant capabilities to the composite films, maximumly achieving a 75 % DPPH free radical scavenging rate while blocking all UV rays. The addition of TCNCs resulted in an increase in water contact angle, alongside decreases in swelling ratio and solubility, indicating the enhanced water resistance. The composite films exhibited a 66.7 % decrease in oxygen permeability (OP) compared to the PVA film, with a slight increase observed in water vapor permeability (WVP). The tensile strength increased from 49.65 MPa to 74.17 MPa by adding 15 % of TCNCs due to the chemical crosslinking between PVA and TCNCs. Wrapping cherry tomatoes with these films prolonged the postharvest life compared to using polyethylene (PE) and pure PVA films. Films derived from sustainable biopolymers show great potential for use in fresh produce packaging.

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.

Physiochemical profiling of bioplasticizer derived from Ficus benghalensis leaves for eco-friendly applications

Ficus benghalensis is a tree belonging to the Moraceae family, reaching a height of 20–30 m and featuring branches that spread out widely, along with roots that grow in the air. F. benghalensis leaf cellulose (FBLC) is a type of biodegradable plasticizer with a restricted range of uses. Using pyrolysis and chemical reactions, this research aimed to produce a biodegradable plasticizer from natural sources. Once extracted, microscopic investigations evaluated the plasticizer’s suitability for use in lightweight packaging. The prominent Fourier transform infrared peaks ranging from 644 to 1124 cm−1 indicated the presence of C–Cl and C–F bonds. Additionally, the peak at 1524 cm−1 corresponds to the C–OH stretching in FBLC plasticizer, which is an organic molecule. The thin, downward UV peak indicated the presence of lignin or hemicelluloses. A strong transmission peak was observed at wavelengths of 240 and 366.34 nm. The FBLC plasticizers could be responsible for the size variations seen in the XRD view. The presence of a prominent thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) peak at an angle of 2θ = 28.35° indicated that the plasticizers had a significant enhancement on its crystalline properties. The material exhibits thermal stability up to a temperature of 271 °C. The FBLC plasticizer’s kurtosis (Rku) value ranged from 13.44 to 15.74, with a maximum value of 15.74 generating spikes on the produced surface and a minimum value of 13.44 skewing atomic force microscopy data. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of micro-sized fillers, plasticizers particles, rough surfaces on the fillers, and well-matched rough surfaces. The EDX test confirmed that the FBLC was free from any elemental impurities and showed a high level of purity. The Rq or Rrms value of FBLC surface roughness, measured at 48.28 μm, represented the square root of amplitudes relative to the midline. A significant reduction at 71.76 °C demonstrated the main thermal transition of the biopolymer, also known as the glass transition temperature of FBLC. In summary, the research findings suggested that bioplasticizers are a viable substitute for synthetic chemicals commonly used in the lightweight packaging industry.

A novel simplified model to evaluate environmental impact based on life cycle assessment methodology –Case study of spinach considering food waste reduction through modified atmosphere packaging–

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) from food loss and waste (FLW) act as a major hindrance to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 13. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can reduce the FLW of packaged fruits and vegetables, decreasing FLW-related GHGs. This study assessed the influence of food waste reduction (FWR) via MAP on the environmental load of the spinach life cycle. Particularly, we introduced a novel model to estimate the environmental loads of the life cycle. Additionally, we employed the model for the life cycles of strawberries and peaches to verify the suitability of the model to other product's life cycles. Furthermore, we assessed the trade-offs between the increase in the environmental loads attributed to MAP production and the decrease in the environmental loads of the spinach life cycle via FWR. FWR via MAP decreased the environmental loads of the spinach supply chain by 45.2 % compared to the waste reduction via oriented polypropylene packaging, although MAP increased the environmental loads for packaging production. Further, the proposed model could suitably predict the environmental loads of the life cycles of spinach and other products, irrespective of the packaging conditions (film, box, or tray), thereby contributing to environmentally sustainable improvements in future food-packaging systems.

Red cabbage and eggshell powder as active agent on cassava starch-based edible films: its physicochemical properties and application

Purpose This study aims to investigate the application of red cabbage extract in biodegradable composite-based edible film and evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and ability to be used in steamed chicken packaging. Design/methodology/approach Cassava starch, gelatin and glycerol were used as basic materials for edible film. Red cabbage extract was infused, and eggshell powder was also incorporated. The smart edible film formulation consists of six treatments which are C (control: cassava starch + gelatin + glycerol), CE (control + 0.1% eggshell powder), CRA (control + red cabbage A ratio), CERA (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage A ratio), CERB (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage B ratio) and CERC (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage C ratio). Findings The different ratios of red cabbage extract in the formulation of the edible film affected its physicochemical properties (p &lt; 0.05). The range of anthocyanin content were 0.39–11.53 mg cy-3-glu-eq/100 g and phenolic content were 19.87–369.68 mg GAE/100 g. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity was 12.35%–51.09%. The tensile strength in all treatments was lower than control and adding red cabbage extract decreased the tensile strength. On the other hand, the elongation increased. The water vapor transmission rate was ranged from 158.09 to 191.19 g/m2/24 h. Morphological changes can be observed from scanning electron microscopy and optical data. Furthermore, using steamed chicken as a model, the edible film can show a response through the changes in edible film color, as confirmed by the pH value, total plate count and sensory quality of the stored steamed chicken. Originality/value There is no report available on the infusion of red cabbage extract on the bio composite edible film materials. The result shows a promising packaging material that can be used as an alternative to plastic packaging.

Exploration of the plastic packaging product industry towards green manufacturing, efforts to consolidate environmental impact versus productivity issues

Exploration of the plastic packaging product industry towards green manufacturing, efforts to consolidate environmental impact versus productivity issues

Active Packaging System—An Overview of Recent Advances for Enhanced Food Quality and Safety

ABSTRACTActive packaging has emerged as a transformative solution in the realm of food packaging, introducing functionalities that extend beyond traditional passive containment. Active packaging technology intends to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of food products via the incorporation of functional components into the packaging material. This review paper explores the current state of active packaging technologies and their applications in preserving and enhancing the quality and safety of food products. The paper delves into various active ingredients involved in active packaging including oxygen scavengers and moisture absorbers, antimicrobial agents, ethylene absorbers and flavour/odour absorbers to enhance the shelf life. Furthermore, the study reviews the fundamental principles behind active packaging, elucidating the mechanisms by which these technologies interact with the food environment. In conclusion, the potentiality of active packaging to revolutionize the food industry by augmenting food quality, safety and overall consumer satisfaction is analysed providing a foundation for future research directions.

Release of Volatile Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Plant Fiber-Based Food Packaging and Municipal Solid Waste to Gas under Simulated Landfill Conditions.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in plant fiber-based food packaging and most such packaging is disposed in landfills. The objective of this research was to evaluate the release of volatile PFAS to the gas-phase from PFAS-containing, single-use food packaging materials and from municipal solid waste (MSW) during anaerobic decomposition under simulated landfill conditions. After screening 46 materials for total F and 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH), packaging materials were classified as high or low F. High F materials included microwavable popcorn bags, natural plates, compostable bowls, biodegradable boxes, bagasse containers and eco-friendly plates, while the low F materials tested were paper plates, eco-friendly food trays and poly coated freezer paper. Summed PFAS release from the high F materials was 62-800 ng PFAS/g sample and 6:2 FTOH comprised 96.8-99.9% of the summed PFAS. The low F materials and MSW released 0.1-0.4 ng summed PFAS/g sample and 7:2-secondary (s) FTOH was the dominant volatile PFAS. PFAS were generally released early in the 123-285-day decomposition cycle, suggesting that some PFAS will be released prior to the installation of landfill gas collection systems. Nonetheless, PFAS have been reported in collected landfill gas, indicating that release occurs over many years.