Package Research Articles

Reshaping Interface Interactions of P. litoralis Acyltransferase for Efficient Chemoenzymatic Epoxidation in Aqueous Phase.

Epoxides, a class of ethers with a three-membered ring structure, are widely used in the textile, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries. Chemoenzymatic epoxidation presents a promising method for synthesizing epoxides. However, its epoxidation efficiency is hindered by low chemoselective perhydrolysis, which is caused by the hydrolysis side reaction in the aqueous phase. In this study, a chemoenzymatic epoxidation process in the aqueous phase was developed by utilizing an acyltransferase from P. litoralis (PlAcT) for its chemoselective perhydrolysis. Crystal structure analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum mechanics calculations, along with site-specific mutagenesis, revealed that the selectivity of perhydrolysis is due to a lower energy barrier in the acyl transfer step compared to that in hydrolysis. Furthermore, the mutant PlAcTM3-2 exhibited a 7.6-fold improvement in solvent stability and a 1.3-fold increase in perhydrolysis activity compared to the wild type, achieved by reshaping interface interactions. As a result, the engineered strain Y07, harboring PlAcTM3-2, successfully synthesized compounds 3a-3n with conversions ranging from 11-99%, and the titers of compounds α-pinene oxide(3i), β-pinene oxide(3j), 3-carene oxide(3k), and limonene dioxide(3l-3) reached 55.8, 16.7, 75.2, and 21.4 g/L, respectively. These results demonstrate a sustainable method for chemoenzymatic epoxidation in the aqueous phase.

Clearing the air: Assessing inhaler usage and associated greenhouse gas emissions in a health system.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. The transition from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) has significantly reduced the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). However, HFAs still have a high global warming potential (GWP) compared to other alternatives such as dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers (SMIs). This transition has significantly impacted GHG emissions, underscoring a need to evaluate the environmental impact of medication delivery via MDIs. This study quantifies the GHG emissions, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq), from the use of HFAs in MDIs within our health system. The healthcare system includes 13 hospitals with over 2,000 staffed beds and approximately 100,000 annual patient admissions. It also examines the broader environmental impacts of the packaging materials associated with these inhalers. A retrospective analysis of the use of albuterol and inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA) MDIs over a 1-year period, assessing their CO2e emissions and the environmental impact of their packaging. The total weight of propellant was determined by calculating the difference in canister weight before use and after all contents were expelled. A total of 17,589 albuterol and 20,563 ICS/LABA MDIs were dispensed during the study. The total propellant weight led to CO2e emissions of 116 metric tons (MT) for albuterol MDIs and 506 MT for ICS/LABA MDIs. Including resource use and emissions from inhaler components led to an environmental impact that totaled 117 MT of CO2e for albuterol MDIs and 512.5 MT for ICS/LABA MDIs. Our study emphasizes the necessity of integrating environmental stewardship into healthcare practices. By fostering awareness and initiating discussions on sustainable practices, particularly in the context of pharmacy operations, we can contribute to a more environmentally responsible healthcare system while continuing to meet the clinical needs of our patients.

Chemical Migration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Other Compounds from Plastic Food Packaging: Assessment of Food Safety Risks and Health Impacts

The potential migration of chemical compounds from plastic food packaging poses significant health risks, necessitating continuous monitoring and enhanced safety protocols. This study aimed to investigate the migration of nine chemical groups, including alanine, acetic acid, cyano derivatives, urea, amines, amides, benzene derivatives, nitrites, and non-specified compounds, across different food categories. A total of 195 packaged food samples from eleven food categories were analyzed using Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and quantify chemical migrants. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in migration levels among food categories (p < 0.05). Cheese, candies, and chips exhibited the highest concentrations of alanine (65.95 ± 0.6384 mg/kg), acetic acid (57.80 ± 0.6383 mg/kg), and benzene derivatives (59.96 ± 1.844 mg/kg), respectively, while frozen raw meat and seafood showed the lowest levels for most compounds. High benzene and nitrite concentrations in certain samples raised particular concern due to their carcinogenic and toxicological effects. Regression analysis confirmed that food matrix type is a strong predictor of migration levels for several compounds. The findings emphasize the urgent need for stricter regulation, improved analytical techniques, and the development of safer packaging materials to reduce chemical migration risks and protect public health.

Harnessing the multifaceted benefits of probiotics: A sustainable strategy to combat the post-harvest diseases inciting perishable products

Post-harvest management plays a vital role in agricultural food chains, especially in developing countries, as it focuses on maintaining the quality and shelf life of the produce while minimizing losses. Post-harvest loss (PHL) refers to reducing food quantity and quality from harvest until it reaches consumers. Among the various factors contributing to PHL, the losses due to disease are detrimental. They lead to spoilage through symp- toms such as rotting and the production of harmful toxins. Due to its perishable nature, fruit and vegetables are most vulnerable to various post- harvest pathogens. Chemical fungicides are commonly used to manage post-harvest diseases, but they pose risks of environmental pollution, consumer health concerns and pesticide resistance by pathogens. To overcome the negative impact resulting from the use of chemical compounds, there is an urgent need to develop alternate control measures for protecting perish- able produce and human health. Recently, beneficial organisms have gained a significant role in managing these diseases, with probiotic bacteria and yeast as key organisms. They help to maintain the quality of fresh produce by protecting it from harmful pathogens through rapid colonization, competition for space and nutrients, creation of an acidic environment, activation of defence mechanisms and production of antimicrobial compounds such as cell wall-degrading enzymes, bacteriocins and volatile organic compounds. Probiotic-based treatments were applied through edible coatings, sprays, or incorporated into packaging materials as natural and safe ways to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. This review prioritized compiling research findings employing the mechanism of probiotics in disease management and its utilization for managing post-harvest diseases.

Preparation and Improved Properties of Vanillin-Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan Active Packaging Films

Using chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as substrates, active packaging composite (VPC) films based on vanillin-crosslinked PVA/chitosan with different concentrations of added vanillin were prepared and characterized. The results show that the VPC films exhibited higher tightness and hydrophobicity, lower water content and water vapor permeability, as well as better UV resistance. The potential interactions between the film groups were analyzed by SEM, FTIR, and XRD, and the results showed that the formation of Schiff base and hydrogen bond interactions affected the properties of the films. The VPC films also showed excellent antioxidant activity. Therefore, vanillin-crosslinked PVA/chitosan active films have broader application prospects as packaging materials for food preservation.

Impact of Packaging Materials on Banana Shelf Life and Quality in Subtropical Nepal

Impact of Packaging Materials on Banana Shelf Life and Quality in Subtropical Nepal

Meningkatkan Inklusi Sosial dan Keberlanjutan UMK di Kabupaten Tanggamus, Provinsi Lampung melalui Pelatihan Sertifikasi Halal

The development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) is a key strategy for enhancing social inclusion and economic sustainability at the local level. Capacity building and the obligation for halal certification among MSEs require support from various stakeholders, including the academia. This community service activity aims to improve social inclusion and business sustainability of MSEs in Talang Padang District, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province, through halal certification training. Community service was conducted in three main stages: coordination and socialization, halal certification training, and monitoring and evaluation, along with participant mentoring. A total of 18 participants attended the training, with 83.33% showing an increase in knowledge about the halal concept and the process for obtaining halal certification. The evaluation results showed that 61.11% of the participants successfully obtained halal certification and incorporated the halal logo on their product packaging. The implementation of this halal certification training is expected to make a significant contribution to improving the social inclusion and business sustainability of MSEs in the region.

Production of Biocomposite Films Using Gum Arabic and Chitosan from Luffa Gourd for Food Packaging Applications

Most common food packaging are from nonbiodegradable and nonrenewable sources making them to be toxic to human, animals and their environment. It becomes paramount to search for alternate sources of food packaging materials. This study attended to reveal chitosan extracted from renewable agricultural waste (luffa sponge) chitosan was produced via three stages; proteinization, demineralization and deacetylation. The Produced chitosan was characterized for yield of 41.07%, which was a very high value from plant. The pH of 6.7 and degree of deacetylation of 33.2%. The FTIR result of the produced chitosan indicated the presence of –OH and –NH2 groups which are the main groups that constitute the active sites of the biopolymer. The TGA indicated that the chitosan is thermally stable while the morphological study of the chitosan derivative has shown it has a non-porous structure. The effect of chitosan reinforcement on the Gum Arabic (GA) matrix on mechanical and barrier properties has been studied for food packaging applications. Four different mixtures at chitosan (C) % were used to prepare the composite film with Gum Arabic: C-GA (5-95%), C-GA (10-90%), C-GA (15-85%) and C-GA (25-75%), respectively. The prepared composite films were subjected to morphological, mechanical strength, film thickness, water vapour permeability (WVP), and water uptake analysis. It has been observed that C-GA (15-85%) is well dispersed in the matrix (Image analysis via. SEM). Mechanical properties of the C-GA (15-85%) composite film evaluated indicated an increase in the strength. A film with more matrix showed less absorption of water as well as less water vapour permeability. The WVP test analysis revealed that film C-GA (15-85%) possesses the best barrier properties.

Pigment removal from reverse-printed laminated flexible films by solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation.

The solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP) process separates and recovers the constituent resins in multilayer plastic packaging films by selective polymer dissolution. In this work, the cause of coloring in the STRAP-recycled polyethylene (PE) resins from postindustrial printed films was identified as decomposed diarylide pigments. Two different approaches are needed to completely remove the dissolved colorants during the STRAP process including (i) adding an activated carbon (AC) adsorbent to the solvent after polymer dissolution and (ii) proper mechanical filtration of the polymer-solvent cake to remove as much solvent from the cake as possible. Colorless recycled PE can be produced by a combination of the proposed approaches (choosing the proper solvent, adding an AC adsorbent, and doing proper mechanical filtration) with minimal accumulation of colorants in the recycled STRAP solvents. This study demonstrated that high-quality STRAP low-density PE can be obtained from printed plastic films, enhancing the potential circularity of these packaging materials.

Natural Macromolecules Used as Bioplasticizer in Polymer Materials for Food Contact Applications

ABSTRACTSynthetic plasticizers are essential additives widely used in polymer‐based products such as food packaging, toys and medical devices. Despite their functional properties, they present significant environmental and human health risks due to their toxicity and migration behaviour. Growing awareness of these adverse effects has driven interest in the development of bio‐based plasticizers derived from natural resources. In recent years, natural plasticizers have emerged as promising alternatives, offering advantages such as low toxicity, biodegradability and reduced migration. Their application is particularly relevant in the food packaging industry, where the transition towards sustainable materials has gained great interest, with the growing use of biopolymers such as starch, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), chitosan and gelatin. Most of these biopolymers exhibit limitations in barrier, mechanical and processing properties, requiring the addition of plasticizers to improve their performance. Natural plasticizers provide a synergistic solution by enhancing the properties of biopolymers while maintaining the sustainability and low toxicity of the resulting materials. Furthermore, their compatibility with biopolymers and reduced migration makes them highly suitable for industrial applications. This review explores the advancements in natural plasticizers, their integration into biopolymer systems and the challenges associated with their industrial‐scale adoption for food packaging applications.

Green Cosmetics—The Effects of Package Design on Consumers’ Willingness-to-Pay and Sustainability Perceptions

Green Cosmetics—The Effects of Package Design on Consumers’ Willingness-to-Pay and Sustainability Perceptions

Functional modification of edible film based on egg white protein and its application in food preservation: A review.

Functional modification of edible film based on egg white protein and its application in food preservation: A review.

Recent Research Progress of Polysaccharide Polymer Coatings for Improving Properties of Paper-Based Packaging Materials

With the increasing attention paid to environmental pollution, paper-based packaging materials have gradually gained favor among people. Paper-based materials are very environmentally friendly and renewable packaging materials. However, the mechanical properties and hydrophobicity of paper-based packaging materials are relatively poor, and they have high requirements for the usage environment and occasions. Therefore, the application of paper-based materials as packaging materials is greatly limited. Polysaccharide polymers, as coatings, have good biocompatibility and are environmentally friendly. They have certain potential in improving the hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of packaging materials. This review article introduces the four kinds of most used polysaccharide polymers, elaborates on their characteristics, and discusses their advantages in enhancing the performance of paper-based packaging materials. It also explores methods such as chemical modification to improve the hydrophobicity of polysaccharide polymers as coatings. Finally, this review discusses the combination of polysaccharide polymer coatings with paper-based packaging materials and provides prospects for the future.

Determinants of Bottled Water Prices in Saudi Arabia: An Application of the Hedonic Price Model

This study investigates the determinants of bottled water prices in Saudi Arabia using a hedonic price model, analyzing data collected from nine retail stores in Al-Ahsa Governorate. The analysis of 499 observations reveals that physical attributes, such as bottle size, packaging material (glass and aluminum), non-standard caps, and packaging type (multipack and box), significantly influence the price. Specifically, larger bottles, multipacks, and boxes are associated with lower per-liter prices, while glass and aluminum packaging and non-standard caps command higher prices. Chemical characteristics of bottled water, including total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium, and pH, have a minimal impact, and in some cases, they exhibit a negative influence on prices. Crucially, market dynamics, including the source of origin (imported vs. domestic) and the type of retail store, impact prices significantly. Imported bottled water is priced higher than domestically produced varieties, while products sold in hypermarkets are cheaper than those in other retail stores. Moreover, when analyzing domestic and imported bottled water separately, physical characteristics lose their statistical significance for imported products, and chemical characteristics become irrelevant for domestically produced bottled water. The study highlights the complex interplay of product characteristics and market factors shaping bottled water prices, providing insights for both the bottled water industry and policymakers.

Adaptive Redistribution Layer Routing for Chiplet-Package Co-Design in 2.5D System

2.5D packaging has become a popular alternative to integrate advanced logic and memory chiplets for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence systems. In the conventional design flow, chiplets and packages are independently designed and then integrated at the assembly stage. To bridge the gap between chiplet designs and package designs, existing chiplet-package co-design methods iteratively optimize chiplet layouts to improve the performance of the entire system. However, Redistribution Layer (RDL) routing, which finishes the interconnections between chiplets at the package level and significantly affects the system performance, is neglected in the existing co-design flows. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective chiplet-package co-design flow focusing on the RDL routing to optimize the package system performance dynamically. The proposed co-design flow can fill in the missing link, package-level co-optimization, of previous design flows. In the proposed co-design flow, we propose an efficient RDL routing algorithm to iteratively optimize the substrate layout based on the cross-boundary timing context extracted from both chiplets and the package. The proposed RDL routing algorithm has two critical techniques, including 1) a Maximal Independent Set-based (MIS-based) pin assignment method to dynamically optimize the pin positions of nets and 2) a network-flow-based router to generate routing layouts. Experimental results show that the proposed design flow can gradually improve the maximum frequency of a real design to the target performance, 400 MHz.

OCCURRENCE OF SHRINKFLATION IN THE POLISH FOOD MARKET FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CONSUMERS

. The aim of the study was to identify the occurrence of shrinkflation in the Polish food market and its perception by consumers. Data collected from 300 consumers using a diagnostic survey method were subjected to simple statistical analysis. It was confirmed that especially during periods of high inflation, during crises, producers reduced product packaging, while maintaining the price at the same or higher level. The results of consumer preference studies indicated similar observations to those presented in foreign literature. It was noted that this phenomenon is most often noticeable in the case of sweets, juices and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as dairy products. When shopping for food, respondents pay more attention to the price of products, which means that they notice an increase in the price of food goods more quickly than a reduction in weight. The impact of reducing the packaging of food products on further consumer decisions about their purchase depends on many factors, such as: their price, the price of substitutes and the type of a given good. However, regardless of place of residence and gender, respondents prefer that producers increase the price of goods without reducing their weight. In order not to mislead consumers, it is recommended that actions described as shrinkflation be accompanied by clear labeling of the product that has been shrunk.

Eco-Friendly Design for Sustainable Gift Packaging

Modern packaging must be efficient, safe, and attractively designed, while also minimizing unnecessary waste. Eco-design principles, such as material reduction, reusability, and minimal environmental impact, were central to this study. We applied these principles to the development of innovative, multipurpose gift packaging and labels, optimizing material use, eliminating unnecessary printing, and integrating sustainable features such as a structural design which requires no gluing. Alongside choosing eco-friendly materials, namely corrugated cardboard and a biodegradable paper label, eco-design guidelines in packaging and label creation were followed. Packaging of unconventional shape without printing and different versions of labels for bottles and packaging were designed. Graphic elements included on the labels are the logo, illustration, 18th Century font, and lines of varying thicknesses. To provide additional information and enhance product appeal while reducing printing, an interactive element was incorporated. In the conducted study, the respondents of a survey and focus groups evaluated the quality, price range, and visual appeal of packaging and labels. For the augmented reality application, a label with a QR code was created. A scenario and a visual story board were created, and an animation activated via the QR code was produced. The usage experience was tested by the focus groups, who provided feedback on the animation and the overall experience. This iterative process ensured that the packaging and labels met both functional and experiential expectations.

Implementation of Industry 4.0 RFID Technology for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The adoption of Industry 4.0 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology in packaging has revolutionized supply chain operations by enabling real-time marking, tracking, and tracing of materials. This paper explores the role of RFID technology in enhancing packaging sustainability through the reusability of pallets, boxes, bins, and containers, significantly reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions. By providing unique digital identities to packaging materials, RFID technology ensures seamless monitoring, improves inventory management, prevents counterfeiting, and enhances security measures. This paper discusses the different types of RFID tags—passive, active, semi-passive, and Near Field Communication (NFC) tags—and their specific applications in packaging [1]. It also examines the role of RFID readers in supply chain visibility, enabling automated data collection and reducing operational inefficiencies. The benefits of RFID technology, including enhanced supply chain collaboration, improved customer service, and cost savings, are analyzed alongside challenges such as implementation costs, system integration, and data privacy concerns. Despite these challenges, RFID technology presents a transformative opportunity for industries to optimize packaging processes, promote sustainability, and achieve operational excellence. By leveraging RFID-driven automation, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and drive long-term value in supply chain management [5].

Shelf life prediction of gluten-free bread formulated with quinoa flour: comparison of packaging materials using mathematical modeling and survival analysis

Shelf life prediction of gluten-free bread formulated with quinoa flour: comparison of packaging materials using mathematical modeling and survival analysis

Machine learning-assisted wearable sensing systems for speech recognition and interaction

The human voice stands out for its rich information transmission capabilities. However, voice communication is susceptible to interference from noisy environments and obstacles. Here, we propose a wearable wireless flexible skin-attached acoustic sensor (SAAS) capable of capturing the vibrations of vocal organs and skin movements, thereby enabling voice recognition and human-machine interaction (HMI) in harsh acoustic environments. This system utilizes a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUT), which feature high sensitivity (-198 dB), wide bandwidth (10 Hz-20 kHz), and excellent flatness (±0.5 dB). Flexible packaging enhances comfort and adaptability during wear, while integration with the Residual Network (ResNet) architecture significantly improves the classification of laryngeal speech features, achieving an accuracy exceeding 96%. Furthermore, we also demonstrated SAAS’s data collection and intelligent classification capabilities in multiple HMI scenarios. Finally, the speech recognition system was able to recognize everyday sentences spoken by participants with an accuracy of 99.8% through a deep learning model. With advantages including a simple fabrication process, stable performance, easy integration, and low cost, SAAS presents a compelling solution for applications in voice control, HMI, and wearable electronics.