Package Research Articles

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (Endo DCR) is a standard treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction, though outcomes may be compromised by intraoperative bleeding and postoperative inflammation. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of Novacol Fibrillar®, a collagen-based absorbable hemostatic agent, in Endo DCR. A retrospective review was conducted on 357 patients who underwent Endo DCR from January 2018 to September 2024. The Novacol group (n = 168) received Novacol packing, while the Nasopore group (n = 189) received Nasopore. Primary outcomes included anatomical and functional success, operative time, and intraoperative bleeding. Secondary outcomes included granulation, infection, epistaxis, postnasal drip, and revision surgery within 3 months. The Novacol group showed higher anatomical (94.6% vs 85.2%, P = .039) and functional (93.5% vs 84.1%, P = .023) success. Intraoperative bleeding was lower (9.5 vs 12.4 gauzes, P = .022), as were rates of granulation (9.5% vs 24.3%, P = .009), epistaxis (5.4% vs 21.7%, P = .028), postnasal drip (6.5% vs 23.3%, P = .032), and revision surgery (2.4% vs 16.4%, P = .041). Infection rates were not significantly different (P = .083). Novacol Fibrillar improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications in Endo DCR, supporting its use as an effective hemostatic packing material.

Washington state's adult use cannabis market operates under regulations by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to restrict access and promotion among young people. Cannabis edibles sold in the state are required to contain specific labels that inform consumers that the product contains cannabis and provide contact information for Poison Control. However, it is unclear how teens perceive such labels. Ten focus groups were conducted with a diverse sample of 28 teens (M = 15.93, SD = 1.25) in Washington state, United States. After viewing images of cannabis edible products available in Washington state, participants shared their thoughts and opinions about the packaging, warning labels and nutrition information. Through a thematic analysis, we noted that teens may be misinterpreting warning labels, and they think warninglabels are hidden or unnoticeable. Most teens paid little attention to nutrition labels and often found serving size informationconfusing. Teens said if an edible product looked similar to snack products they know, they might perceive them as lessrisky and more enticing. Knowledge of cannabis products also impacted teens' understanding of edible product packaging. Labels alert teens to the fact that products contain cannabis. However, teens often feel such labels apply to younger children and would not keep teens from using a product. Youth might benefit from additional guidance around interpreting cannabis packaging and labels.

Product packaging serves as a powerful multisensory cue that shapes consumer expectations, emotional responses, and purchasing behavior-often before the product is even consumed. This study investigated how color, texture, scent, and unboxing interaction jointly influence the perceived quality, taste experience, emotional engagement, and economic valuation of a chocolate product. Thirty-six participants were assigned to one of six groups defined by between-subjects factors (scent: present vs. absent; texture: smooth, raised dots, embossed pattern) and evaluated six boxes that varied within-subjects in color (white, purple) and unboxing interaction (lift-off, snail-fold, slide-and-tilt). Each box contained the same chocolate, and participants completed questionnaires on sensory perception, product-package congruency, emotional response, and willingness to pay. Results revealed that unboxing interaction significantly shaped perceived attractiveness and semantic impressions, with more complex openings rated more positively. Texture and scent jointly influenced perceived flavor intensity, taste persistence, and emotional valence. Scent enhanced perceived luxury and purchase intention but reduced overall liking, smoothness, and willingness to taste again, potentially due to hedonic overload, in which the added chocolate scent increased sensory stimulation beyond an optimal level. Color-texture combinations further modulated emotional responses and congruency judgments. While these findings underscore the importance of multisensory coherence in packaging, interpretation is limited by the small sample, reliance on self-report measures, and the absence of physiological indices.

Sustainable food packaging materials have gained significant attention due to environmental concerns and the necessity for functional packaging solutions. This study explores the development of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based films incorporating deep eutectic solvents (DES) and bioactive mango peel extract (MPE). The addition of DES enhances the mechanical and physicochemical properties of PVA films, while MPE provides antioxidant activity. The films were characterized for optical properties, barrier behavior, swelling capacity, and biological functionality. Incorporation of DES and MPE modified the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 23.5 for pure PVA to over 1000g/m²/day, while swelling values ranged between 161 and 282%. Mechanical testing showed tensile strength values of 20-107MPa with elongation at break between 10 and 417%, depending on film composition. Films containing MPE demonstrated effective UV-blocking ability and significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, with radical scavenging increasing from 17% in pure PVA to ~ 95%.

One of the current and serious environmental problems is the pollution due to microplastics. There is an urgent need for biodegradable and bio-based materials for numerous applications, including food packaging. In this work we examine the bio-based polyester cutin for its potential to be used as food packaging material, in terms of migration, based on the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP). Cutin is a cross-linked polymer that is swelled by various solvents. We use the degree of swelling of cutin in carefully selected solvents of various polarities in order to estimate the HSP of cutin. Some solvents can induce alteration of the chemical structure of cutin, as proven by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements. This interferes with the process of estimation of the HSP and is discussed in depth. The distance Ra and the Relative Energy Difference (RED) between the HSP of cutin and various food components are calculated and used to predict the existence of favorable interactions between cutin and the food components, which is translated to a high probability for the existence of migration and permeation. Experimental confirmation of one prediction based on HSP is provided by UV-VIS photometry. Similar calculations were performed for other polyesters (poly(lactic acid) and poly(hydroxy butyrate)). Cutin exhibits compatibility with substances of low polarity, such as fats and lipids and non-polar compounds found in essential oils. Thus, migration into fatty foods is expected as well as sorption and permeation of some (volatile) compounds into cutin. Nevertheless, we conclude that the overall migration risk for cutin is lower than the one of other bio-based polyesters. HSP can be used for initial screening of potential migration risks; however, further research is necessary in order to assess the occurrence, extent, and significance of the actual migration.

Faster lifestyle, long travel for employment, different time schedule of work, nature of life partners employability, changes in work culture all drives the Consumers to prefer ready to cook food category of products. Many Consumers prefer to eat instant and semi-cooked food products too. Food products like readily made Parotta and chappathi, Rava Dosa mix, Upma mix, Vada batter, Idly and Dosa batter, Instant Noodles along with readily available masala mix powders and paste assists the Consumers in preferring ready to cook and eat categories of products. Among these products comes the readymade idly and dosa batter, preferred by different age category and both Genders. This product helps people to save time, in preparing the batter and the time in preparing it. This article highlights the influence of Age and Income on select study variables like Product Perception, Brand Perception, Pricing, Convenience, Promotion and Packaging among the batter users in Chennai city. This survey was conducted at Chennai among the Batter Consumers with the total of 433 Respondents.

Introduction The valorization of agrifood residues into phenolic-rich extracts represents a promising approach to reduce residues and recover resources within a circular economy framework. Methods In this study, a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of three extraction processes from agrifood by-products was conducted, namely date pits powder, citrus by-products, and cherry press-cake, producing phenolic-rich extracts to be applied in packaging, food, and cosmetic products. Using the ReCiPe 2016 method and a functional unit of 1 kg of total phenolic compounds (TPC), environmental impacts across 18 categories were assessed from a gate-to-gate perspective. Results and discussion The extracts from date pits powder, citrus by-products, and cherry press-cake showed TPC of 243 ± 5.6 mg GAE/g extract, 33.57 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g extract, and 445 ± 5 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. Results identified electrical energy consumption as the dominant contributor to environmental burdens in all scenarios, due to the energy-intensive steps of freeze-drying and chemical treatments. The citrus by-products scenario exhibited the lowest environmental impacts due to simplified processing and effective ethanol recovery, despite the total biomass valorization not being considered. In contrast, the cherry press-cake upcycling pathway showed the highest environmental footprint, primarily due to the cascade extraction method implemented. Date pits powder valorization presented an intermediate trend, where the high resource usage was balanced with the total valorization of the biomass to obtain cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The findings highlight a critical trade-off between environmental performance and resource efficient use, emphasizing the need for the individuation of alternative unit operations, focusing particularly on the reduction of energy usage, to enhance the sustainability of biomass valorization processes in view of their industrial application.

Marine plants are emerging as versatile resources for bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Beyond their therapeutic potential, marine extracts offer agronomic and industrial value as biostimulants, natural pigments, biodegradable packaging materials, and green corrosion inhibitors, and serve as reducing agents in the synthesis of biomedical nanoparticles. This review integrates evidence from 256 studies (2011–2025), revealing rapid growth in the field over the past two years. The findings highlight the capacity of marine extracts to enhance crop and livestock productivity, yield stable natural dyes, create smart polysaccharide-based films, and protect metals via phenolic and sulfated polysaccharide fractions. Nanoparticles synthesized from these extracts exhibit improved biological performance. By linking agricultural, industrial, and biomedical perspectives, this work underscores the multifaceted potential of marine plant extracts and outlines future priorities in molecular characterization, strain development, and scalable green processing.

Structural elucidation of citric acid cross-linked pectin and its impact on the properties of nanocellulose-reinforced packaging films.

This community service activity aims to empower the Malilu Sipakainga Forest Farmers Group (KTH) in Alu Village, Alu District, Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi Province, through the development of candlenut businesses as a local potential from the forestry sector. The activity is based on capacity building in packaging, logo design, and digital marketing. The implementation method was carried out through participatory training with members, including material delivery, hands-on practice, and intensive mentoring. The results of the activity show that participants are able to produce more attractive packaging designs for peeled candlenut and powder products, design logos as product identities, and create social media accounts to market products more widely. The impact of this activity not only increases knowledge and technical skills but also fosters self-confidence, entrepreneurial spirit, and cooperation in business. From an economic perspective, the activity has proven to increase the added value of products through the implementation of several innovations ranging from packaging, logos, and digital marketing. The conclusion of this activity is that strengthening the capacity of KTH Malilu Sipakainga members through the innovations implemented can contribute to increasing the competitiveness and welfare of the local community. Furthermore, intensive mentoring and support for business facilities from the local government, as well as multi-stakeholder collaboration, are needed to ensure that this community-based candlenut business can continue to grow.

Under the backdrop of the rapid development of new media technologies, intelligent packaging has emerged, driving packaging to evolve from its traditional static form into an intelligent medium that integrates information transmission, emotional interaction, and technological realization. Particularly in the cosmetics industry, renowned brands such as L'Oral,Gucci Beauty, and Watsons have incorporated technologies like NFC, RFID, AR interaction, and thermochromic color-changing into their packaging designs, which have been well-received by the public. This study takes the cosmetics industry as a core case and employs qualitative research methods, combining text analysis and case studies, to explore the visual communication mechanism of intelligent packaging in the context of new media. The research finds that intelligent packaging mainly reshapes consumers' perception and experience through the reconfiguration of the symbol system, the strengthening of narrative strategies, and the expansion of interactive design, significantly enhancing brand communication effectiveness and user emotional connection. However, it also faces challenges such as high technical costs, content homogenization, and audience stratification. In the future, it is imperative to seek a balance between technological functionality and aesthetic value.

The synthesis of an azo molecule from phenol and dapsone was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and infrared spectroscopy. The electronic structure and molecular interactions of the 4-((4-((4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl)phenyl)diazenyl) phenol (AZO) compound were analyzed at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. Pharmacokinetic properties were predicted using Swiss ADME, and molecular docking revealed π-alkyl and hydrophobic interactions with the 3H7O protein. Structural analysis via XRD and TEM confirmed the successful intercalation of AZO into Na-BNT, contributing to improved dispersion within the PCL/cornstarch matrix. The resulting nanocomposite demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and mechanical performance, highlighting its potential for biodegradable packaging and advanced material applications.

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is highly perishable postharvest. Even under refrigerated storage conditions, its shelf life typically lasts only about one week. This study developed a novel antibacterial food packaging membrane to extend its shelf life and explored the underlying preservation mechanisms. A composite fiber membrane was fabricated via solution blow spinning (SBS) using polyethylene oxide (PEO) and oxidized sesbania gum (OSG) incorporated with ε-polylysine (ε-PL). The composite membrane demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus by disrupting cell wall and membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased protein leakage, alkaline phosphatase activity, and electrical conductivity. Morphological observations through scanning electron microscopy confirmed extensive cellular damage and bactericidal effects. During nine days of ambient storage, the PEO/OSG/PL membrane significantly maintained the postharvest quality of wax apples. This was evidenced by a lower decay index (2.22 ± 0.19) and weight loss rate (5.32 ± 0.16%) compared to the control group, alongside better preservation of firmness (4.11 ± 0.08 N) and color stability. The treatment suppressed respiratory rate and delayed the degradation of soluble solids and titratable acidity. Furthermore, it enhanced antioxidant capacity through higher peroxidase activity and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation, indicating attenuated oxidative stress. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the membrane treatment modulated critical metabolic pathways, particularly phenylalanine metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. These metabolic adjustments contributed to enhanced defense responses and delayed senescence. The results show that the PEO/OSG/ε-PL fiber membrane acts as an effective active packaging material by inhibiting microbial growth and regulating metabolism. This provides a potential method to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits.

Purpose Most traditional packaging materials such as plastics are obtained from materials that are not environmentally friendly and could constitute health hazards. The ongoing battle against plastic pollution had pushed development of a number of new technologies that include edible films as modern alternatives, biodegradable coatings and active or intelligent packaging. This study aims to shed light based on developments in innovative biomaterials on the most recent advancements in food packaging technologies that potentially surpass traditional plastics in terms of cost, performance, safety and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis of a quantitative approach was used to analyze large volumes of scientific literature. A database of 236 papers was obtained by doing a thorough search using keywords like sustainable biopolymer applications in value-added and functional food packaging across major bibliometric information sources like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. The review criteria were satisfied by 28 publications. Findings A number of environmentally friendly packaging choices were found, including biopolymers like polylactic acid and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. Nonetheless, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, gelatin or protein-based films comprise the majority of effective packaging methods. Although the technology seems adequately developed for real-world application, a substantial research gap has been found with relation to the expansion of natural polymer-based packaging materials. Research has shown that adding nanoparticles can enhance the properties of natural polymer films. For instance, adding TiO2 nanoparticles to chitosan-cassava starch films improved tensile strength by over 15% and reduced UV transmittance by 97%. Incorporating TiO2 nanotubes into carrageenan films improved their UV-blocking, mechanical strength and antibacterial activity, which resulted in significantly better banana preservation over 12 days. Originality/value The introduction of biopolymer-based food packaging on a global scale and use it as a substitute for plastic packaging has not been fully studied. The information gathered will assist professionals and researchers in understanding the importance of biopolymers as sustainable materials in functional and value-added food packaging.

Typography is a visual language that appears in various forms, such as printed media, packaging, and digital screens. Typography designs vary in texture, x-height, posture, weight, width, colour etc depending on the intended tone of voice. This study focuses on the Peranakan heritage motifs in Melaka, exploring their potential use in branding the heritage through typography. Visual assessments of available items—such as packaging design and other promotion items —along with a search for typefaces on websites, reveal that the use of Peranakan motifs in typography is still quite limited. We argue that incorporating Peranakan identity into typography can enhance its aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for branding or other decorative design purposes. To reflect this identity in typography, the students are tasked in creating a custom typeface inspired by Peranakan heritage. The 5 keys of principle of designs (balance, harmony, contrast, rhythm and emphasis) has been used to analysing several Peranakan heritage items from Melaka, such as woodcarvings, tiles, clothing, beading and paintings. The selected motifs from these items are then extracted for application in typography. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the branding of Peranakan heritage, offering new opportunities for promoting the culture through typography.

Religious and cultural tourism is considered as a strategic tool for the development of destinations, combining the preservation of heritage with the growth of hospitality and creative services. Turkestan (Kazakhstan), with the Mausoleum of Khoja Akhmet Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents an illustrative case study of the impact of the sacred core on sustainable demand and the local economy of service. The article uses a mixed methodology: a quantitative analysis of official tourism and accommodation statistics, digital registers of visits, and monthly/quarterly series.; qualitative data from semi-structured interviews; analysis of management documentation. The spatial focus is the core and adjacent service clusters; the analysis period covers 2018-2025. The seasonal attendance profile is characterized by two peaks and “shoulder” months, in which the programming and packaging of tourist products increase the average length of stay and equalize the load. The pressure of visitors is concentrated in narrow areas and hours; the introduction of time slots, pre-booking and “quiet hours” contributes to a more even distribution of visits without reducing the daily total. The largest density of services is observed in the core; in excursions, crafts, gastronomy and small accommodation, SMEs predominate. Policy priorities include the institutionalization of flow management tools, the development of interpretation and multilingual content, support for SME capabilities in the “experience belt” and the integration of administrative data for ongoing monitoring. This configuration aligns the preservation of heritage integrity with the sustainable results of the Turkestan hospitality industry.

Plastics significantly contribute to environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. This study assesses the biodegradation of bioplastics derived from cassava starch and glycerol as an alternative to conventional plastics. Cassava starch was extracted using wet milling, followed by the formulation of bioplastic films with glycerol as a plasticizer. The chemical composition was analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, confirming the presence of starch, glycerol, and cellulose derivatives. Biodegradability tests were conducted through soil burial and water degradation methods. Results showed that cassava starch-based bioplastics degraded completely within 10 days in soil, facilitated by microbial activity and moisture. In water, a 60% weight loss was observed over 14 days due to hydrolysis. The presence of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups contributed to the film’s hydrophilic nature, accelerating degradation. These findings suggest that cassava starch-based bioplastics offer a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. However, further optimization of mechanical properties and water resistance is recommended to enhance practical applications in packaging and other industries. Keywords: Cassava starch-based bioplastics; Biodegradability; ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; Soil and water degradation; Environmental pollution

Single-use plastic cups and packaging materials pose severe environmental challenges due to their persistent nature and harmful impact on ecosystems and wildlife. Simultaneously, the indiscriminate disposal and burning of agricultural and food processing biomass contribute significantly to pollution. Among this biomass, waste generated from corn and fruit processing is produced in substantial quantities and is rich in natural fibres, making it a potential source for developing biodegradable products. This study focuses on the development of biodegradable cups using corn cob powder, mango peel powder, and pineapple peel powder through hot-press compression and moulding technology. The formulation was optimized using response surface methodology, with independent variables, i.e., corn cob (20–40 g), mango peel (30–50 g), and pineapple peel (20–30 g). The responses evaluated including hardness, colour (L* value), and water-holding capacity. The model was fitted using a second-order polynomial equation. Optimum results were achieved with 34 g of corn cob, 40 g of mango peel, and 26 g of pineapple peel powder, yielding a maximum hardness of 2.41 kg, an L* value of 47.03, and a water-holding capacity of 18.25 min. The optimized samples further underwent characterization of physical properties, functional groups, lattice structure, surface morphology, and biodegradability. Colour parameters were recorded as L* = 47.03 ± 0.021, a* = 10.47 ± 0.041, and b* = 24.77 ± 0.032. Textural study revealed a hardness of 2.411 ± 0.063 and a fracturability of 2.635 ± 0.033. The developed biodegradable cup had a semicrystalline nature with a crystallinity index of 44.4%. Soil burial tests confirmed that the developed cups degraded completely within 30 days. These findings highlight the potential of corn and fruit processing waste for developing eco-friendly, biodegradable cups as sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Abstract A promising approach towards the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is the use of precursors that can be extracted from waste materials found in landfills. In this work, we explore a combination of two waste materials for Al-based MOF synthesis. Aluminium sulphate was successfully derived from Poly-Al pellets obtained from multi-layered packaging materials. Terephthalic acid (BDC) was obtained from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste bottles. Both precursors were employed as metal and organic linker sources, respectively to synthesise MIL-53(Al). The results are compared with those of corresponding MOFs synthesised from commercial precursors and partly waste precursors. The study revealed that the structural properties of MIL-53(Al) synthesised from the two waste materials are comparable to those obtained when the MOF is synthesised using commercial sources of precursors or partly waste precursors. The MOFs were highly crystalline and stable up to 500°C. An improvement was observed in the surface area of the MOF when synthesised from complete waste (1588 m 2 /g) as opposed to partly waste (1323 and 1197 m 2 /g) and commercial precursors (1468 m 2 /g). Although hydrogen adsorption capacity of the synthesised MOF materials was low at low pressures (< 0.5 wt% at 1 bar and 77 K), attributable to the narrow pore form of MIL-53(Al), this work demonstrates an approach to waste management while producing high-value materials for various applications.

Evaluating Readiness for OEE Aligned with Industry 4.0 in Pakistan’s Dates Packaging Industry: A Systematic Literature Review