Food Packaging Industry Research Articles

Investigating sustainability tensions and resolution strategies in the plastic food packaging industry—A paradox theory approach

AbstractIncreasing food waste, natural resource depletion, and climate change issues have forced plastic food packaging (PFP) companies to align their business strategies with sustainability aspects. At the same time, however, companies operating in the food packaging industry continue to face tensions while pursuing divergent sustainability goals simultaneously. Drawing on paradox theory, this study aims to examine paradoxical sustainability tensions in the PFP industry and propose potential resolution strategies to resolve diverse tensions arising from addressing competing social, economic, and environmental concerns simultaneously. To this end, we employed a qualitative research methodology and interviewed 15 senior corporate managers and consultants in the PFP industry. Based on the empirical data, we develop categories of sustainability tensions related to operations and supply chain, recycling, and external stakeholders associated with performing, organizing, learning, and belonging paradoxes. Further, we propose resolution strategies including multi‐stakeholder collaboration, research and innovation, circular economy, and use of integrated business strategies which are aligned with the acceptance, spatial separation, temporal separation, and synthesis approaches of the paradox theory. To the best of our knowledge, it is one of the early studies that embrace a paradox lens to investigate the sustainability tensions and resolution strategies in the PFP industry. Further, the study results could guide practitioners and policymakers in the PFP industry to comprehend underlying paradoxical sustainability tensions and promote resolution strategies to address divergent yet desirable economic, social, and environmental considerations simultaneously.

Increasing shelf life of millets by developing bio-nanocomposite films (bioplastic) as an alternative to conventional plastic

Millets are considered as most nutritional grain among all. Hence it becomes immense important to prevent and protect such grains from being deteriorated. Spoilage is mostly observed due to bacterial, fungal, or due to some climatic changes. Such spoilage cannot be stopped completely but can be minimized by increasing its shelf life. Development of metal-oxide based bio-nanocomposite film has revolutionized various sectors from food packaging to agriculture. Zinc oxide nanoparticles is considered as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) among all metal-oxides, and hence introduced in various applications. These ZnO NPs can be combined with natural polymer forming bio-nanocomposite films (bioplastic) and therefore used in mulching and food packaging industry. Mulching improves crop yield, requires less water, makes less usage of pesticide, and promote proper growth of plants. Till date, conventional plastic made of polyethylene units are used which causes hazardous effect on environment, hence it become immense important to replace it with a biodegradable and affordable bioplastic. This study involves biosynthesis of ZnO NPs using plant (Cassia fistula) extract and combining it with the natural biopolymer, giving rise to bio-nanocomposite film. These films would show antibacterial activity against pathogen causing spoilage in millets and thus increasing their shelf-life extension. Also, the minimum amount of ZnO NPs required to show antibacterial activity would be determined.

Transformation of banana peel into biodegradable film added with starch and carboxymethyl cellulose and its characterization

Synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable in nature and lead to serious environmental as well as health problems. A biodegradable material can be a good replacer for commercial Synthetic plastics. The development of banana peel-based biodegradable film is a good source to utilize food processing waste. The biodegradable film was prepared using banana peel paste (BPP), corn starch (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% w/w of BPP), carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (15% of corn starch) and glycerol as a plasticizer. The films were developed by casting the suspension on petri dishes fallowed by drying. The mechanical, thermal, and barrier characteristics of dried films were characterized. The films moisture content, thickness, WVP, solubility, tensile strength, elongation, and biodegradability were in the range of 31.807–33.241%, 0.211–0.318 mm, 1.668–2.948 g mm/d/m2/kPa, 31.269–36.105 %, 0.825–1.158 MPa, 18.976–25.516 %, 65.034–70.002 % respectively. The film with 0.5 % of starch has been found to enhance the tensile strength (1.158 MPa). With an increase in starch content, the film becomes more permeable to water vapor and more soluble. The film was successfully developed and has good biodegradability and acceptable properties. Banana peel-based films might become a significant player in the food packaging industry in the future, helping to reduce the usage of paper and plastic bags.

PET pyrolysis: Kinetics of a‐graphite

AbstractOne of the primary issues nowadays is plastic waste management, where the low recycling rates and accumulation of waste plastic show an exponentially increasing trend with urbanization. Especially, the concern is high with the PET waste generated from food packaging industries. Thus, new technologies are required for waste refining. Pyrolysis is one such technique that will restrict the emission possibilities obvious with the incineration and convert plastic into some value‐added end products. However, large scale implementation of pyrolysis technology for plastic waste management requires a thorough understanding of its degradation kinetics along with pyrolysis index (PI) calculation. Here a thorough analysis of the degradation kinetics of PET waste was done with established models to evaluate the activation energy for the reactions. Among all the conventional models discussed, Coats‐Redfern shows a 0.95–0.98 R2 value during model fitting. The activation energies were varied from 133.6 to 241.8 kJ/mol. PI value was evaluated at different temperatures to assess lower energy utilization during designing and scaling up the process. The value was found to be maximum at 500°C indicating the scalability of the process at this temperature with lower energy utilization. Qualitative predictions on the production of amorphous graphite oxide (a‐graphite) were validated through FTIR, FESEM, Raman, XRD, and UV spectroscopy analyses.

An emerging sustainable approach for development and characterization of gluten-based nanocomposite films reinforced with starch nanocrystals in conjugation with chitosan

The present study aimed to access the influence of starch nanocrystals (SNCs) with chitosan on functionality of gluten-based bionanocomposite films. Films were reinforced with SNCs (1, 2, and 3 %) along with chitosan (1.5 % and 2.5 %) and characterized for their functional, barrier, morphological, biodegradable, and antimicrobial properties. Results showed that water absorption capacity, solubility, and water vapour transmission rate were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with the incorporation of SNCs and chitosan, however, highest tensile strength (40.82 MPa) and elongation at break (31.09 %) were observed in 2 % of SNCs and 2.5 % of chitosan. The multifunctional films have high opacity (lightness value >90) confirming with higher thickness (0.17–0.22 mm) of films. X-ray diffraction studies interpret no significant change in A-type crystallinity of the base biopolymer. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed that bionanocomposite films have fewer surface cracks, less configuration, and crystallinity changes in the composite structure of biopolymer. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed no differences in the bands, suggesting a positive molecular association confirming the synergistic effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and SNCs on gluten in comparison to control film. However, chitosan in films enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, showing 13.05 mm and 16.66 mm of a zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Furthermore, all films showed noticeable degradation >95 % within 55 days under soil conditions. In summary, the addition of SNCs and chitosan produced a stronger/antibacterial film comparable to plastic films for commercialized food packaging industries.

A systematical review on antimicrobial peptides and their food applications

Food safety issues are a major concern in food processing and packaging industries. Food spoilage is caused by microbial contamination, where antimicrobial peptides (APs) provide solutions by eliminating microorganisms. APs such as nisin have been successfully and commonly used in food processing and preservation. Here, we discuss all aspects of the functionalization of APs in food applications. We briefly review the natural sources of APs and their native functions. Recombinant expression of APs in microorganisms and their yields are described. The molecular mechanisms of AP antibacterial action are explained, and this knowledge can further benefit the design of functional APs. We highlight current utilities and challenges for the application of APs in the food industry, and address rational methods for AP design that may overcome current limitations.

Effects of ZnO nanoparticles, polyethylene glycol 400, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester Tween 80 on PLA films properties

Abstract Polylactic acid has the potential to be an alternative to petroleum-based materials in the food packaging industry. In this study, the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles, polyethylene glycol 400, and Tween 80 as plasticizers on the properties of polylactic acid films was investigated. In order to study the mechanical properties more accurately, the tests were repeated for four months. An experimental design method was used to investigate the effects of additives on the measurement factors and finally to choose the optimal combination with the help of the TOPSIS technique. The results showed that the addition of different materials increased the opacity, most of which being related to P400/ZnO (6.82 ± 0.07 mm−1). The presence of plasticizers increases the hydrophilicity of the film and the water vapor permeability. The highest contact angle (85.33° ± 4.00) and the lowest water vapor permeability (0.074 ± 0.002 g mm/kPa h m2) were related to neat PLA film. The lowest modulus of elasticity, the highest tensile strength and elongation at break were related to P400/T80/ZnO (1.18 ± 0.17 GPa, first month), PLA/ZnO (96.28 ± 3.17 MPa, fourth month), and P400/ZnO (76.82 ± 27.22 %, first month), respectively. The effect of plasticizers was significant in most of the measurement factors, but the effect of nanoparticles was significant in some cases such as opacity and contact angle. The results of an ANOVA analysis showed that the effect of film type on the mechanical properties was significant, and the effect of storage time was only significant on the elongation at break. According to the results obtained from the TOPSIS technique, P400/ZnO was chosen as the combination with the best features among the produced films.

Cellulose-Based Metallogels-Part 3: Multifunctional Materials.

The incorporation of the metal phase into cellulose hydrogels, resulting in the formation of metallogels, greatly expands their application potential by introducing new functionalities and improving their performance in various fields. The unique antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Cu, CuxOy, ZnO, Al2O3, TiO2, etc.), coupled with the biocompatibility of cellulose, allow the development of composite hydrogels with multifunctional therapeutic potential. These materials can serve as efficient carriers for controlled drug delivery, targeting specific cells or pathogens, as well as for the design of artificial tissues or wound and burn dressings. Cellulose-based metallogels can be used in the food packaging industry to provide biodegradable and biocidal materials to extend the shelf life of the goods. Metal and bimetallic nanoparticles (Au, Cu, Ni, AuAg, and AuPt) can catalyze chemical reactions, enabling composite cellulose hydrogels to be used as efficient catalysts in organic synthesis. In addition, metal-loaded hydrogels (with ZnO, TiO2, Ag, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles) can exhibit enhanced adsorption capacities for pollutants, such as dyes, heavy metal ions, and pharmaceuticals, making them valuable materials for water purification and environmental remediation. Magnetic properties imparted to metallogels by iron oxides (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) simplify the wastewater treatment process, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The conductivity of metallogels due to Ag, TiO2, ZnO, and Al2O3 is useful for the design of various sensors. The integration of metal nanoparticles also allows the development of responsive materials, where changes in metal properties can be exploited for stimuli-responsive applications, such as controlled release systems. Overall, the introduction of metal phases augments the functionality of cellulose hydrogels, expanding their versatility for diverse applications across a broad spectrum of industries not envisaged during the initial research stages.

Biodegradable Packaging Based on Poly(vinyl Alcohol) and Carboxymethyl Cellulose Films Incorporated with Ascorbic Acid for Food Packaging Applications.

Petroleum-based plastics are used as packaging materials because of their low cost and high availability; however, continuous use of these nondegradable materials especially in the food industry has led to environmental pollution. The present study aimed to synthesize antibacterial and biodegradable films based on natural biopolymers carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and ascorbic acid (AA) cross-linked in the presence of glutaraldehyde (GA). The films were synthesized in two different concentrations, 60PVA:40CMC:AA and 70PVA:30CMC:AA with a fixed amount of AA. Films with smooth texture and overall uniform thickness were obtained. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the cross-linking between the aldehyde group of GA and hydroxyl of PVA through detection of acetal and ether bridges. The synthesized films were thermally stable in the temperature range of 180-300 °C; however, 70PVA:30CMC:AA showed higher weight loss in this range as compared to the 60PVA:40CMC:AA film. Soil burial test demonstrated that the 60PVA:40CMC:AA film was more degradable (71% at day 15) as compared to the 70PVA:30CMC:AA film (65% at day 15). The films exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive staphylococcus aureus(inhibition zone of 21 mm) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (inhibition zone of 15 mm). In comparison, the 60PVA:40CMC:AA film showed better results in terms of high mechanical strength, uniform morphology, higher soil burial degradation, and lower water vapor transmission rate. Therefore, the prepared film could be used as a promising candidate in the food packaging industry.

Food packaging Bio-based plastics: Properties, Renewable Biomass resources, Synthesis, and Applications

The current trend in food packaging technology necessitates the development of novel packaging materials in order to extend the shelf life of food and reduce spoliation. To preserve the food product, the construction material of the packaging played a key role.In the emerging field of food packaging technology, using biobased plastics for food packaging shown a comparative advantage.At this moment, bioplastics have shown measurable benefits and are receiving more and more attention from business organizations, political figures, scientific communities, and in the whole public. This was as a result of looking for new plastic profiles brands. Besides, the environmental impact(ecological concerns) of convective materials, the depletion of natural resources specifically the petrochemical, and consumer concerns have necessitated alternative bio-based food packaging items. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the properties of food packaging materials such as thermal, mechanical, barrier, surface, antimicrobial, optical, and environmental, as well as their synthesis type and applications. The cellulose and starch components of the common agricultural wastes for the synthesis of biopolymers were elaborated. In addition to that, different microalgae species were justified in the manufacturing of bio-based plastics.This review article also included examples of sustainable filler and reinforcement materials used in the food packaging industry. Therefore, this review work contributes to opening up the entire body of scientific knowledge on bio-based plastics used for food packaging and helps to develop important results for further investigation.

The Potential of Chitosan-Starch Blend Polymers as Edible Coatings for The Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables: A Mini-Review

Fruits and vegetables are essential for human life. Maintaining the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables are critical challenges for the food packaging industry in this decade. Chitosan and starch are most widely used for food packaging as they bring unique properties for packaging applications. Chitosan has good antimicrobial properties but weak water vapor permeability. Meanwhile, starch has a better water vapor barrier but has poor mechanical properties. This paper discusses the application of chitosan and starch blends in the field of films and coatings. Several characteristics, such as mechanical, thermal, antimicrobial properties, solubility, and water vapor permeability, are also discussed. This review also discussed several applications of chitosan-starch-based films and coatings for the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Market Orientation's Neglected Role in Marketing Exploitation and Exploration Tradeoffs

The goal of marketing exploitation methods, sometimes referred to as marketing exploration, can be to increase the company's knowledge and capabilities or to improve its current capabilities. According to a study on organisational strategy and learning, using both strategies can compromise each company's operational processes and harm its financial success. Market organisation, in our opinion, facilitates the flow of market information between the two strategy processes, integrates the two strategies by acting as a dynamic market, and aids businesses in integrating marketing exploitation and exploration strategies. Using complementary high-level marketing exploration and marketing exploitation strategies, companies with strong market orientation can improve the financial performance of new products, as measured at two different points in time, according to a study of the packaged food industry in Indonesia. However, as the trade-off foresees, businesses with a poor market orientation are unable to benefit from these techniques.

Market Orientation's Neglected Role in Marketing Exploitation and Exploration Tradeoffs

The goal of marketing exploitation methods, sometimes referred to as marketing exploration, can be to increase the company's knowledge and capabilities or to improve its current capabilities. According to a study on organisational strategy and learning, using both strategies can compromise each company's operational processes and harm its financial success. Market organisation, in our opinion, facilitates the flow of market information between the two strategy processes, integrates the two strategies by acting as a dynamic market, and aids businesses in integrating marketing exploitation and exploration strategies. Using complementary high-level marketing exploration and marketing exploitation strategies, companies with strong market orientation can improve the financial performance of new products, as measured at two different points in time, according to a study of the packaged food industry in Indonesia. However, as the trade-off foresees, businesses with a poor market orientation are unable to benefit from these techniques.

Contamination Detection Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network with Safe Machine—Environment Interaction

In the food and medical packaging industries, clean packaging is crucial to both customer satisfaction and hygiene. An operational Quality Assurance Department (QAD) is necessary for detecting contaminated packages. Manual examination becomes tedious and may lead to instances of contamination being missed along the production line. To address this issue, a system for contamination detection is proposed using an enhanced deep convolutional neural network (CNN) in a human–robot collaboration framework. The proposed system utilizes a CNN to identify and classify the presence of contaminants on product surfaces. A dataset is generated, and augmentation methods are applied to the dataset for nine classes such as coffee, spot, chocolate, tomato paste, jam, cream, conditioner, shaving cream, and toothpaste contaminants. The experiment was conducted using a mechatronic platform with a camera for contamination detection and a time-of-flight sensor for safe machine–environment interaction. The results of the experiment indicate that the reported system can accurately identify contamination with 99.74% mean average precision (mAP).

Antibacterial Food Packaging Nanomaterial Based on Atomic Layer Deposition for Long-Term Food Storage.

The aim of the present work is to use the latest achievements of nanotechnology (atomic layer deposition, ALD) in the field of food packaging to prevent biofilm formation by food-associated bacteria. Some potential applications of nanotechnology in the food packaging industry are studied in the manuscript, in the field of antibacterial materials for food packaging. The ALD technique was used to synthesize vanadium (V)-doped TiO2 thin nanofilm on commercially available polypropylene (PP) food container to enhance an antibacterial activity for potential use in food packaging, to reduce spoilage, thereby, prolonging the food shelf- life. To better understand the ability and effectiveness of the antimicrobial packaging material of V-doped TiO2, to prevent the biofilm formation by dairy-associated pathogenic bacteria, the coated and uncoated PP containers with a fresh raw cow's milk were tested. We have illustrated the effectiveness of ALD Al2O3 + TiVOx nanocoating against populations of milk-borne pathogenic bacteria.

Barrier and Antimicrobial Properties of Coatings Based on Xylan Derivatives and Chitosan for Food Packaging Papers

This paper analyzes the potential of coatings based on xylan derivatives and chitosan to provide barrier properties and antimicrobial protection for paper food packaging and also to substitute the synthetic materials currently used in the food packaging industry. Colloidal dispersions of xylan derivatives (hydrophobized xylan with alkyl ketene dimers—XyAKD—and acetylated xylan—XyAc) and a chitosan biopolymer (Ch) were applied as coatings in single and two successive layers on a paper substrate using a laboratory automatic film applicator. The assessment of the water and fatty compound barrier properties of coated paper samples showed differences in effectiveness among xylan derivatives and their combination with chitosan. Generally, xylan derivative coatings improved the barrier and antimicrobial features of coated papers compared with native xylan. However, important improvements were obtained by adding to the coating formula a chitosan biopolymer. Thus, the best barrier properties for water, water vapors, oils and greases were obtained for paper coated with the acetylated xylan and chitosan formula in a single layer, where values of 30 g/m2.day for the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), a 92.8° contact angle (CA) and a KIT rating of 8 were achieved. All coated paper samples exhibited the total inhibition of Bacillus sp. both after 24 and 48 h. Based on the obtained results in this study, one can conclude that the area of application of xylan hemicelluloses could be extended. Their utilization in appropriate chemical structures and combinations as coatings for paper can be a sustainable alternative for the food packaging industry.

Fractographical Characterization of Jute Fibre Reinforced Paper Composite Subjected to Drop Test

Plastic bags are one of the most widely used packaging materials in industries. Lower production cost, lightweight and high strength envisage its use in food packaging, carrier, and transportation industries. However, these plastic bags are non-biodegradable and cause serious water and soil pollution. It is one of the most thrust areas of research to overcome this problem in the current world. In the present investigation, fabrication, and characterization of an environmentally friendly and biodegradable "jute fibre reinforced paper composite" and "reinforcement free paper laminate" subjected to drop test were done. The standard procedure of the "MIL-STD-810G 516.6" drop test was followed. The adhesion between the matrix (paper) and reinforcement (jute fibre) was produced by applying a chemical-free adhesive made of flour and water. There were four different types of samples: single paper (SP), reinforcement-free paper laminate (RFPL), single-layer jute fibre reinforced paper composite (SLJPC), and double-layer jute fibre reinforcement paper composite (DLJPC). The microstructural characterization of the fractured surface after the drop was done using a scanning electron microscope operated at a voltage of 20 kV. The DLJPC samples had the maximum density and envisage drop-strength of 7 times as compared to the SP samples having the lowest density. The drop-strength exhibited linear regression with density for all the samples. The microstructure of the as-received matrix showed a non-homogeneous distribution of fibres along with micro-voids which were susceptible sites for the fracture. Unlike as-received matrix fibres distribution, the reinforcement fibres were aligned in two mutually perpendicular directions which leads to its strengthening. Hence, it can be said that the non-uniform structural properties envisaged by the as-received matrix can be compensated by uniformly distributed structural properties of the as-received reinforcement when both come together as a composite. The primary fracture mechanism of SP samples exhibited fibre breaking along with a few fibres' delamination. However, in the case of the RFPL sample, the nature of adhesion applied was capable to hold both the interfaces and the primary fracture mechanism was fibre breaking. It is suggested that the adhesive applied transmitted load through the interfaces. Unlike SP sample, the RFPL sample exhibited some adhesive pull-off. The fractured surface of the SLJPC sample showed that the matrix did not subject to fracture, however, reinforcement did fracture hence the load was transferred from matrix to reinforcement followed by a rupture of the reinforcement. Therefore, the primary fracture mechanism for the SLJPC sample was reinforcement rupture. The DLJPC sample showed a delamination of matrix and reinforcement.

Effect of Nano-Silica and Sorbitol on the Properties of Chitosan-Based Composite Films.

Chitosan and its derivatives are widely used in food packaging, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical, textile, paper, agriculture, and environmental industries. However, the flexibility of chitosan films is extremely poor, which limits its relevant applications to a large extent. In this paper, chitosan/sorbitol/nano-silica (CS/sorbitol/SiO2) composite films were prepared by the casting film method using chitosan, sorbitol, Tween-80 and nano-SiO2 as raw materials. The structure of the films was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, electron scanning microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The effects of sorbitol and nano-silica dosage on the mechanical properties, thermal properties and water vapor barrier properties of the composite film were investigated. The results show that with the gradual increase in sorbitol (≤75 wt %), the elongation at the break of chitosan/sorbitol films significantly increased. When the addition of sorbitol was 75 wt %, the elongation at break of the chitosan/sorbitol composite film was 13 times higher than that of the chitosan film. Moreover, nano-SiO2 can further improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the chitosan/sorbitol composite films. When the amount of nano-silica was 4.5 wt %, the composite film became more flexible, with a maximum elongation of 90.8% (which is 14 times that of chitosan film), and its toughness increased to 10.52 MJm-3 (which is 6 times that of chitosan film). This study balances the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite films by adding a plasticizer and nano-filler, providing a reference for the preparation of chitosan composites or their blending with other polymers, and has practical guiding significance for the industrial production of biomass plastics.

Preparation of toughened thermal insulating polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) microcellular foam using in situ fibrillation and multi-hydrazide nucleating agent self-assembly

Traditional foamed plastics can no longer meet the requirements of modern industries. High-performance biodegradable thermal-insulation materials are required for the food transportation and packaging industry. In this study, we introduced the synergistic self-assembly effect of nanoelastic (TPEE) fibers and TMC-300 (sebacic acid diphenyl hydrazide) through an in situ fibrosis to control the crystal morphology and phase structure. This effect improves the melt viscoelasticity of branched polylactic acid (CBPLA) and improves the foaming performance of PLA. The sea-island structure of PLA composites was transformed into an imperfect bi-continuous structure and its toughness was improved without the loss of PLA stiffness. Further, the toughness of the CBPLA/TMC/TPEE composite was improved by 76%, the thermal stability was significantly improved, and there was no effect on the tensile strength. CBPLA/TMC/TPEE microcellular foams were successfully prepared using supercritical CO2 in an intermittent high-pressure foaming autoclave with average cell diameter of 4 μm. The cell density of CBPLA foam was increased by 3 orders of magnitude compared to that of pure PLA foam, average cell diameter successfully reduce from 34 μm to 4 μm. The thermal conductivity of air in the micron-sized cells was reduced significantly, and therefore, the microcellular foam showed excellent thermal insulation performance with a thermal conductivity as low as 25.2 mW/mK. The TPEE/TMC elastic self-assembled fiber network dispersed on the cell wall cooperatively supported the PLA cell wall, which significantly improved the compressive resistance of PLA foams; the compression rebound rate of the foam was approximately 34%. The results indicate that CBPLA/TMC/TPEE microcellular foam materials are potential candidates for high-performance thermal applications because of their excellent thermal stability, toughness, and thermal insulation performance.

The creation of desirable futures: A call for supererogatory management to foster sustainability transitions

Accelerating the sustainability transition demands managers to more intensively and more frequently envisage in supererogatory acts. Supererogatory action is not legally or morally required but consist of praiseworthy acts beyond duty that have the capacity to build a better future. This perspective paper argues that strategic decision-making during sustainability transitions should be more supererogatory, and research should pay more explicit attention to the supererogatory acts of managers and business organizations. Supererogation is especially important in any transition, where the business environment is changing rapidly and fundamentally, where stakeholder preferences conflict and first-mover advantages are significant. Our argument is that perceived rightness and confidence are prerequisites for managers to envisage desirable futures and act in ways that transcend duty. We also critically reflect on the threats implied by supererogatory management. Our arguments are illustrated by interview data collected from Finnish managers with first-hand experience with supererogatory acts in the current sustainability transitions of the food packaging industry. We call for empirical research explaining the role of supererogatory management in driving sustainability transitions in different settings and hope that this perspective paper can spur the awareness of managers and policy makers regarding the power of supererogatory acts in management.