Package Research Articles

The Emergence of a Novel Synthetic Nicotine Analog 6-Methyl Nicotine (6-MN) in Proclaimed Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Pouches Available in Europe.

A new nicotine delivery system in the form of tobacco-free nicotine pouches was introduced in Europe in 2019. These nicotine bags did not fall under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) II, which brought forward regulatory requirements for both cigarettes, related products, and e-liquids. As these pouches did not fall under the scope of the TPD, it was up to the member states to decide which action to be taken if any. Some EU member states banned these nicotine pouches, while others put restrictions on the amount of nicotine, warning messages, and presentation and packaging of the product, and some member states did not take any action. Likely as a result of the ban or restrictions, soon after also, tobacco and nicotine-free pouches became available in the European Union (EU). Early 2024, "NoNIC" pouches, claiming to be tobacco- and nicotine-free, became available on the European market. These pouches are promoted online and clearly target a younger population with a youth-appealing package design and enticing flavors. Upon analysis of different samples utilizing gas chromatography coupled to MS (GC-MS), liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRAM LC-MS2), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), it was demonstrated that these pouches were indeed devoid of nicotine but contained the synthetic nicotine homolog 6-methyl nicotine (6-MN) and this up to 20 mg per pouch. Nonetheless, a part of a likely unaware/misled young adult subpopulation has easy access to these products, containing a novel molecule for which limited to no clinical effects are known.

The Political Economy of Priority Setting and Resource Allocation in European Oral Health Policy.

Pressing oral health care challenges pose prioritization dilemmas for governments. This study aimed to identify key determinants of prioritization in oral health policy in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, as part of a series of the DELIVER project. A literature review based on a search of PubMed and Google Scholar articles related to these countries from January 1, 2000, to October 17, 2023, and key informant interviews with policy makers were conducted to identify key trends in oral health policy choices and determinants of priority setting and resource allocation processes. A total of 249 articles were included, and 6 key informants were interviewed. The overarching focus identified was the accessibility of dental care, primarily characterized by incremental and localized programs for vulnerable groups. Supply-side arrangements consisted of adaptations to population needs, including financial incentives for providers and adjusted service delivery models such as task shifting. Several interventions of quality management were found, particularly in Germany. A funnel was produced to illustrate 3 stages driving oral health policy choices. These were political accountability to address population demand, stakeholder influence through negotiations and lobbying, and bureaucratic justification of policy innovations. While findings highlighted political attention on oral health care through public outcry, complex negotiations and limited data formed bottlenecks of prioritization. Prioritization in oral health policy seems to be dominated by fragmented investments in incremental services of delivery rather than synergized reforms such as granular package designs. While some contexts showed political traction for oral health policy, complex negotiations strained by interests of private professionals and challenges of limited evidence result in difficulties in constraining oral health care within public spending targets. This has placed oral health policy in a state of inertia, where insufficient public resources meet the force of content exerted by the private sector. This study can inform policy makers and researchers to understand the various stakeholder roles in maintaining the status quo of oral health policy and the processes creating the bottlenecks preventing progression in improving oral health care systems. This understanding could lead to novel approaches to oral health policy making and the appropriate data acquisition and analysis to aid oral health policy.

Production of Starch-Based Flexible Food Packaging in Developing Countries: Analysis of the Processes, Challenges, and Requirements

Biodegradable packaging offers an affordable and sustainable solution to global pollution, particularly in developing countries with limited recycling infrastructure. Starch is well suited to develop biodegradable packages for foods due to its wide availability and simple, low-tech production process. Although the development of starch-based packaging is well documented, most studies focus on the laboratory stages of formulation and plasticization, leaving gaps in understanding key phases such as raw material conditioning, industrial-scale molding, post-production processes, and storage. This work evaluates the value chain of starch-based packaging in developing countries. It addresses the challenges, equipment, and process conditions at each stage, highlighting the critical role of moisture resistance in the final product’s functionality. A particular focus is placed on replacing single-use plastic packaging, which dominates food industries in regions with agricultural economies and rich biodiversity. A comprehensive analysis of starch-based packaging production, with a detailed understanding of each stage and the overall process, should contribute to the development of more sustainable and scalable solutions, particularly for the replacement of single-use packages, helping to protect vulnerable biodiverse regions from the growing impact of plastic waste.

Tribological Investigation of Polymer Composite Dynamic Shaft Seals in Extraterrestrial Applications

Polymer seals are utilized in various engineering applications to prevent leakage and contamination. The study investigates the wear and friction behavior of PTFE-based dynamic rotary seals, targeting their usage in space applications. Pin-on-disc dry sliding wear tests were performed with 0.5 MPa contact pressure and 0.2 m/s sliding velocity combining different lip seal (PTFE, PTFE+GF+MoS2), packing (PTFE, PTFE+Aramid fiber+solid lubricant) and shaft materials (34CrNiMo6, PEEK) involving third-body lunar (LHS-1) and Martian regolith (MGS-1) simulants. To understand the different influences of extraterrestrial regolith simulants compared to commonly encountered abrasives on Earth, quartz sand was selected as a reference. Quartz soil resulted in lower wear rates but a similar coefficient of friction to other regoliths. In the case of lip seals, testing with LHS-1 on PEEK and testing with MGS-1 on steel resulted in the most severe wear. Post-mortem surface analysis revealed the effect of external abrasive particles on the wear process and the transfer layer formation. The surface analysis confirmed that both lunar and Martian regolith simulants resulted in significant embedded particles. Based on the wear performance results, the lip seals performed better, but installation with an external packing could further aid the tribosystem.

Enhancing Employee Retention in Small Businesses through an Innovative Methodology

The study aims to examine the labor market challenges and motivational factors for employee retention through the example of a small machinery company in Hungary. In recent years, Hungary’s labor market has faced significant difficulties, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in temporary unemployment followed by labor shortages. The research aims to identify the motivational, welfare, and financial factors that contribute to employee retention. Due to the small sample size, we did not investigate the relationships concerning loyalty, commitment, and performance. The research methods included comprehensive data collection at a machinery company employing 24 people located near the Austrian-Hungarian border. During the data collection, we conducted a questionnaire survey that included questions related to benefits, performance, commitment, and loyalty. The collected data were processed by calculating weighted averages and differences. The results indicate that flexible working hours and easy accessibility to the workplace are of utmost importance to employees. There is also a significant demand for performance-based pay and diverse, flexible benefit packages. Employees require both formal and informal professional recognition, such as praise and awards. The research has practical significance for both organizational management and employee well-being. Understanding employee opinions and implementing measures based on these can have four primary effects: improvement in employee performance, reduction in turnover, increase in organizational commitment, and enhancement of the company’s positive perception.

Preparation and Characterization of New Biodegradable Packaging Materials Based on Gelatin Extracted from Tenualosa ilisha Fish Scales with Cellulose Nanocrystals

Preparation and Characterization of New Biodegradable Packaging Materials Based on Gelatin Extracted from <i>Tenualosa ilisha</i> Fish Scales with Cellulose Nanocrystals

Poly (Lactic Acid) Fibrous Film with Betalains from Pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) by Electrospinning for Potential Use as Smart Food Packaging

The incorporation of biopolymers and natural colorants in smart packaging has garnered significant attention in the food packaging industry. This study investigates the design and characterization of novel fibrous films incorporating betalain extract (BE) from Stenocereus thurberi in poly (lactic acid) (PLA). An electrospinning technique was developed with varying PLA concentrations (2%–12% w/v) and BE concentrations (8%–12% w/v) to create a colorimetric freshness indicator. BE was characterized by quantifying its phytochemical content and assessing its antioxidant capacity. Morphological and structural analyses included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), polydispersity index (PI), mechanical properties, and functional characteristics such as ammonia sensitivity and total antioxidant activity. The results indicated that the incorporation of BE significantly influenced the average diameter of the nanofibers, ranging from 313 ± 74 nm to 657 ± 99 nm. SEM micrographs showed that PLA12-BE12 films exhibited smooth surfaces without bead formation. The FTIR analysis confirmed effective BE incorporation, revealing intermolecular interactions between the betalain molecules and the PLA matrix, which contributed to enhanced structural and functional stability. The mechanical properties analysis revealed that moderate BE additions (8%–10% w/v) enhanced the Young’s modulus and tensile strength, while higher BE concentrations (12% w/v) disrupted the polymer network, reducing these properties. Additionally, the strain at break decreased significantly with BE incorporation, reflecting limited molecular chain mobility. Increasing BE concentration notably improved antioxidant activity, with the BE concentration of 12% (w/v), the ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP radical scavenging activities at the highest values of 84.28 ± 1.59%, 29.95 ± 0.34%, and 710.57 ± 28.90 µM ET/g, respectively. Ammonia sensitivity tests demonstrated a significant halochromic transition from reddish-pink to yellow, indicating high sensitivity to low ammonia concentrations. The possible mechanism is alkaline pH induces aldimine bond hydrolysis and generates betalamic acid (yellow) and cyclo-DOPA-5-O-ß-glucoside (colorless) The fibrous films also exhibited reversible color changes and maintained good color stability over 30 days, emphasizing their potential for use in smart packaging applications for real-time freshness monitoring and food quality assessment.

Effect of Glycerol on Physical, Mechanical and Color Properties of Chicken Intestine Gelatin Films

Background: The vast majority of the polymers for plastic food packaging used today are synthetic. The increasing use of synthetic plastic packaging films causes severe ecological problems. Hence, there is a thin layer of ecologically beneficial and consumable packaging material found to replace plastic called as edible film. The main ingredient to make edible film is gelatin. Edible film made from chicken intestines gelatin has not been carried out. Gelatin films offer a strong defense against light, air and scent transfer, but they can be too fragile as packaging material. Glycerol can be used as a plasticizer to solve these weak. This work aims to establish the best glycerol concentration on the physical, mechanical and color properties of edible films. Methods: This research applied a completely randomized design, involving five glycerol concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%) and three replications. The data collected were further analyzed using the variance test and the Tukey test was used to find out the differences between the treatments provided. Result: According to the findings, glycerol concentration treatments had a significant effect (P less than 0.05) on moisture content, thickness, water vapor permeability, solubility, tensile strength, elongation, Young’s modulus, L* and transparency. While a*, b*, DE and WI had no significant effect (P greater than 0.05). In this case, the best chicken intestine gelatin edible film was made of 10% glycerol concentration.

Impact of the proportion between virgin and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) on induced microstructure and mechanical stiffness

AbstractThe extensive use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the food packaging industry, particularly for bottle production, has led to significant visible pollution, negatively impacting the perception of plastic packaging. To address this issue, our study focuses on the potential of recycled PET (rPET) in the blow molding industry. The recycling process affects the mechanical stiffness of PET compared to its virgin form. Digital image correlation (DIC) and biaxial tensile tests are used to identify the mechanical stiffness of bottles produced with different rPET ratios. Additionally, thanks to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small‐angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS) measurements, the microstructural changes are investigated. Relations between mechanical properties and the induced microstructures of rPET are examined. The impact of the mass fraction of rPET on the rigidity of the bottles is discussed. The results highlight the potential for integrating rPET into industrial applications.Highlights The paper studies the relationship between recycling rate of PET and induced properties DSC and SAXS measures are used to model final PET microstructure Two‐step homogenization method ensures accurate modulus prediction Biaxial tensile tests conducted on bottles to evaluate elasticity Recycled PET MOPET improves rigidity compared to virgin PET

Self-Reinforced Biocomposites Made from Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV): An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Packaging Production through Melt Processing

Self-Reinforced Biocomposites Made from Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-<i>co</i>-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV): An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Packaging Production through Melt Processing

Biodegradable Films: Sustainable Solutions for Food Packaging Applications

The increasing environmental implications of conventional plastic packaging has led to a raising interest in bio-degradable packaging materials as sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable materials, derived from sustainable resources such as plant-based biopolymers and natural fibers, offer significant environmental benefits, including reduced reliance on fossil fuels and decreased pollution. Various techniques can be employed for forming bio-degradable packaging films, including extrusion, solvent casting, compression molding and electrospinning. To address the limitations of biodegradable materials compared to traditional plastics, modification techniques such as esterification, etherification, and grafting can be employed. Innovative advancements like active and intelligent packaging technologies can enhance the functionality and consumer engagement. This review explores the key properties, advancements, applications and challenges associated with biodegradable packaging materials, focusing on their effectiveness and sustainability in the food packaging industry.

Pelatihan Pemanfaatan Limbah Plastik Menjadi Produk Kerajinan Tangan Bernilai Ekonomis di Tim PKK RT 001 RW 008 Dusun Pulau Sialang Kampar

This training activity on the use of plastic waste into economically valuable handicraft products is a community service program which aims to provide solutions to the problem of managing plastic waste in the community. The main problem faced is the low level of utilization of plastic waste which has the potential to pollute the environment. This training was carried out with the aim that members of the PKK Team RT 001 RW 008 Dusun Pulau Sialang, Kampar, could understand and practice processing plastic waste into handicraft products such as bags, flower vases and home decorations. These products not only have aesthetic value but also economic value, so they can increase people's productivity and financial independence. In addition, this activity is expected to contribute to reducing the volume of plastic waste that ends up in final disposal sites (TPA). Through this training, participants also gain additional knowledge and skills in managing plastic waste, especially used packaging waste such as plastic bags, drink bottles and detergent packaging, into creative and innovative products. Thus, this activity is able to have a positive impact both economically and environmentally for the people of Sialang Island Hamlet.

Moulded-Pulp Packaging: A Straightforward Method for Quickly Designing, Manufacturing and Testing Complex Shapes for Crash Protection Pads

Moulded-pulp packaging stands poised to replace traditional polystyrene packaging due to its eco-friendly nature and recyclability. However, optimizing the protective pins within moulded-pulp packaging has been a challenge, hindering its widespread adoption. This paper presents an innovative approach to swiftly and cost-effectively optimize pin shapes, which is crucial for enhancing impact resistance. We hereby propose a simple try and error pin optimization methodology by utilizing an hand-moulded pulp recipe and PLA 3D-printed moulds to rapidly craft tailored cardboard pins. The validation of the material fabrication was carried out with static characterization and the classification of the homemade moulded-pulp pins with impact testing analysis. This exploratory project demonstrates the feasibility of this approach, laying the foundation for future advancements in moulded-pulp packaging design.

Advances in Valorization of Biomass-Derived Glycolic Acid Toward Polyglycolic Acid Production

Glycolic acid (GA) is a versatile two-carbon organic chemical with multiple applications in industry and daily life. Currently, GA production depends heavily on the coal chemical industry. In this context, the sustainable production of GA from renewable resources has garnered significant attention. With the design and development of various catalytic systems, the yield of GA from biomass-based feedstocks has been improved observably. Poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) is an aliphatic polyester that exhibits a unique crystalline structure, excellent gas barrier properties, high mechanical strength, superior biocompatibility, and biodegradability. It has a wide range of applications in various fields, such as medical devices, oil extraction, bottle materials, film materials, and textile materials. This article comprehensively elaborates on the methods for the biomass-based synthesis of glycolic acid, the precursor of polyglycolic acid (PGA), as well as the preparation process of PGA. It fills the research gap regarding the sources of biomass raw materials for polyglycolic acid. Additionally, it delves into various modification strategies for PGA and provides an overview of its current applications in multiple fields, including biomedicine, food packaging materials, oil and gas resource development, and agricultural cultivation. The purpose of this article is to provide comprehensive reference information on the synthesis techniques, modification methods, and practical applications of PGA. Furthermore, it offers guidance for research on biodegradable plastics and the biomass-based synthesis of glycolic acid.

Marketing Strategy in The Development of Rira Dishwashing Soap and Clothes Washing Soap UMKM

The importance of MSMEs for the progress of a region, therefore the Sumber Kembar village apparatus agreed to provide direction to residents to be optimistic in running a business and not give up easily if they fail. The purpose of implementing this community service is to create a marketing strategy to improve MSMEs in the community environment. This activity was carried out at the Rira Liquid Soap and Laundry Dishwashing Soap community business, located in Junrejo sub-district, with several stages of activities including initial identification, analysis and planning, mentoring and implementation, and evaluation. The results of this study indicate that Community Service Activities at the "RIRA Dishwashing Soap and Laundry Soap" Business resulted in a NIB Certificate for logo development, a new, more attractive packaging design. Marketing through social media can expand product recognition and marketing reach so that it can increase income from the "RIRA Dishwashing Soap and Laundry Soap" Business which will have an impact on increasing people's purchasing power for household needs, namely dishwashing soap and laundry soap in the Batu city area and its surroundings, especially RIRA Business Owners ". In the future, this business to increase marketing must also be active in using social media

Desain Kemasan Online: Solusi Kreatif dan Terjangkau untuk UMKM melalui Brand PackDe

Product packaging is an important element in creating the identity and attractiveness of a product, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This research aims to develop an online-based packaging design service through the PackDe platform that offers easy access, transparent pricing, and a variety of customizable design options. The methods used include literature study, competitor observation, and social media analysis to understand market needs and current design trends. The results show that PackDe is able to provide functional and aesthetic packaging design solutions, supporting SME product branding effectively. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited human resources and marketing need to be overcome to reach a wider market. The implications of this research show that digital-based packaging design innovation can improve the competitiveness of SME products in national and global markets. PackDe is expected to be a strategic partner for SMEs in creating packaging that is not only visually appealing but also has added value to the packaged product.

Continuous packed bed column removal of Cr6+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions from synthetic wastewater using polymeric ultra‐permeable and biodegradable ferromagnetic nanocomposite membrane

AbstractWater purification techniques, including membrane technologies, ion exchange and adsorption, chemical/biochemical reduction, and electrochemical processes, have been developed to remove/recover metal ions species from polluted wastewater. This work assessed the efficiency of polymeric, biodegradable, ultra‐permeable and magnetic nanocomposite membrane (CNCs/N6@Fe3O4‐CT) in a continuous packed bed column for the removal of Cd(II), Cr(VI), and Pb(II) metal ions from synthetic wastewaters. The eco‐compatibility of CNCs/N6@Fe3O4‐CT was increased using chitosan biopolymer. Fe3O4 nanoparticles increased the surface area and improved the separation process. CNCs and N6 polymeric materials enhanced their strength, porosity, and additional binding sites. The CNCs/N6@Fe3O4‐CT nanocomposite membrane was employed as packing material in a fixed‐bed lab‐scale column (height 30 cm, diameter 1.5 cm) to constantly remove Cd(II), Cr(VI), and Pb(II) metal ions from synthetic wastewaters and actual hexavalent chromium tannery effluent. The studies were carried out with different initial metal ion concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mg/L), input flow rates (2, 4, and 6 mL/min), and solution pH values (2.0, 5.0, and 8.0). The obtained experimental data from the breakthrough curves was fitted to the traditional dynamic Thomas model, Yoon‐Nelson, and Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) model.

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan‐Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharide Edible Films for Meat Preservation

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to develop and analyse a chitosan‐Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (CS‐TFP) edible film using chitosan (CS) and Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFP) as the primary raw materials. The findings revealed significant improvements in the thickness, solubility, opacity, mechanical properties and barrier properties (water vapour and oxygen permeability) of the chitosan film upon the addition of TFP, but water content and hydrophobicity were reduced. Moreover, TFP addition markedly enhanced the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the chitosan films. Structural analysis of the CS films and CS‐TFP edible films indicated that the formation of hydrogen bonds and high compatibility between CS and TFP. Specifically, TFP increased crystallinity, reduced roughness and improved the compactness of the edible film. This increase in compactness was directly linked to enhanced physical properties, whereas increased crystallinity contributed to better thermal stability. Furthermore, the application of CS‐TFP‐3 edible films in chicken preservation proved that they could significantly delay the deterioration of chicken. Findings in this study suggested that CS‐TFP edible film as a bioactive packaging material showed great potential to preserve chicken meat and extend the shelf life.

Calligraphy Art in Contemporary Packaging Design

Traditional culture plays a vital role in packaging design. This article explores how to incorporate the elements of small seal characters into the packaging design of stationery products to show its unique cultural heritage and artistic charm. Based on the importance of traditional culture and the cultural value of stationery brands, this article analyzes the artistic interpretation of small seal characters and their historical application in packaging design to explore the cultural connotations of existing stationery packaging design. By analyzing the problems existing in the packaging design of stationery products and finding solutions to the problems, this article explores how to combine the small seal characters with modernization in the packaging of stationery products through innovative design techniques, and finally completes the practice of stationery packaging design that meets the aesthetic needs of young people. It is hoped that this example will be used to try to achieve the purpose of enhancing the market competitiveness, economic value and aesthetic value of stationery products.

Scaling up Trickle Bed Reactor for Gas Fermentation Technology: The Effect of Temperature and Reactor Characteristics on Mass Transfer

The increasing demand for efficient and sustainable industrial processes has accelerated research into green alternatives. Gas fermentation in a trickle bed reactor is a promising technology; however, optimal scaling up is still challenging. A mass transfer model is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and suggesting design improvements to optimize the scale-up of TBR for gas fermentation. This study explores the effects of temperature, reactor dimensions, and packing material size on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) in a commercial-scale trickle bed reactor (TBR). Using dynamic mass transfer modeling, the research results highlight that thermophilic conditions (60 °C) significantly enhance kLa and mass transfer rates for H2, CO, and CO2, despite reduced gas solubility at higher temperatures. Additionally, packing material of smaller particles improves kLa by increasing the surface for gas–liquid interaction, while reactor dimensions, particularly volume and diameter, are shown to critically influence kLa. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing TBR design and scale-up, emphasizing the importance of thermophilic conditions, proper packing material selection, and reactor geometry for efficient gas–liquid mass transfer in syngas (a mixture of H2, CO, and CO2) biological conversion. Overall, the findings offer practical guidelines for enhancing the performance of industrial-scale TBR systems.