Package Research Articles

Competing narratives inhibit a circular economy for bio‐based plastic packaging: Insights from a social innovation lab study in Brazil, Canada, Poland and the UK

AbstractBusinesses are turning to bio‐based, compostable plastic packaging as a circular economy solution to global plastic pollution. However, there is a lack of proper waste management systems for collection and processing. Through an international research initiative, a social innovation lab was undertaken in Brazil, Canada, Poland and the United Kingdom to understand and address key barriers in closing the bio‐based plastic packaging loop. Based upon a qualitative data set of 100 stakeholder interviews and three phases of workshop activities in each country, a grounded model was generated to illustrate how competing views and actions are inhibiting a circular system for bio‐based plastic packaging. Key issues were the lack of end‐of‐life processing infrastructure, contamination in processing facilities and absent or ineffective regulation. A systemic approach that includes shared responsibility for infrastructure, simplified packaging design and materials and equitable regulation to reduce susceptibility to greenwashing can improve collaboration to meet circular goals.

Improving Hydrophobicity and Water Vapor Barrier Properties in Paper Using Cellulose Nanofiber-Stabilized Cocoa Butter and PLA Emulsions

This study explores the use of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-stabilized Pickering emulsions for paper coatings, focusing on their rheological properties and effects on hydrophilicity and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Two types of Pickering emulsions, oil-in-water (O/W), were stabilized with 1 wt% CNF extracted from fique by-products. The oily phases of the emulsions were composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and cocoa butter (CB). The physical stability, viscosity, and viscoelasticity of the emulsions were characterized. The emulsions were applied to the surfaces of Bond and Kraft papers using the rod-coating method. The coating process involved first applying a layer of the PLA emulsion followed by a layer of the CB emulsion. The coated papers were then evaluated by FE-SEM, contact angle, adhesion work, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The results indicated that the coatings effectively produced a slightly hydrophobic surface on the papers, with contact angles approaching 90°. Initially, Kraft paper exhibited a WVTR value of 29.20 ± 1.13 g/m2·h, which significantly decreased to 7.06 ± 2.80 g/m2·h after coating, representing a reduction of 75.82%. Similarly, natural Bond paper showed a WVTR value of 30.56 ± 0.34 g/m2·h, which decreased to 14.37 ± 5.91 g/m2·h after coating, indicating a reduction of 47.02%. These findings demonstrate the potential of CNF-stabilized Pickering emulsions for enhancing the performance of paper coatings in terms of hydrophobicity and moisture barrier properties. The approach of this study aligns with global sustainability goals in packaging materials combining the use of PLA and CB to develop a waterborne coating to enhance the moisture barrier properties, demonstrated by a substantial reduction in water vapor transmission rates, and an improved hydrophobicity of coated papers.

Advancements in metal oxide bio‐nanocomposites for sustainable food packaging: Fabrication, applications, and future prospectives

AbstractThe research on metal oxide bio‐nanocomposites for sustainable food packaging has witnessed significant advancements, offering a promising alternative to traditional food packaging materials. This review briefly describes their fabrication techniques, applications, superiority over conventional packaging, challenges, limitations, and potential trends. These new materials are derived by incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles into the biopolymers and show better properties, such as better antimicrobial properties, which are vital in food packaging. The advantages of using metal oxide bio‐nanocomposites over typical food packaging films include enhanced mechanical properties, better moisture and oxygen resistance, bacterial resistance, and light protection. These versatile materials not only serve the purpose of properly preserving the quality and possibly even the wholesomeness of packed food products, but they are also environmentally friendly. Moreover, the review presents current developments and areas of use of metal oxide bio‐nanocomposites in food packaging and it also proposes future developments to meet the modern challenge of the food industry in the development of advanced packaging technologies.

Source, Extraction, Properties, and Multifunctional Applications of Pectin: A Short Review

Pectin, a heteropolysaccharide derived from plant cell walls, is essential in the food, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries. Currently, citrus and apple peels are the primary sources for commercial pectin production. The yield and quality of pectin extracted from various plant sources significantly differ based on the extraction methods employed, which include physical, chemical, and biological processes. The complex structures of pectin, composed of polygalacturonic acid and rhamnogalacturonan, influence its physicochemical properties and, consequently, its functionality. As a common polysaccharide, pectin finds applications across multiple sectors. In the food industry, it acts as a gelling agent and a packaging material; in pharmaceuticals, it is utilized for drug delivery and wound healing. Environmentally, pectin contributes to wastewater treatment by adsorbing pollutants. Current research focuses on alternative sources, sustainable extraction methods, and multifunctional applications of pectin. Ongoing studies aim to enhance extraction technologies and broaden the applications of pectin, thereby supporting sustainable development goals.

The preparation of polyaniline/graphene/polypropylene nanocomposite and its novel antibacterial activity

AbstractThe demand for polymers with antibacterial properties is increasing in food packaging industry and medical supplies. Antibacterial additives without toxic metal ion release are crucial for health and safety but still have challenges. Herein, polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite was prepared with polyaniline/graphene nanocomposite (PANI/GNP) as a green antibacterial additive due to its electrostatic, free radical, and nanoknife effect synergistic antibacterial mechanisms. To improve the dispersibility of PANI/GNP, nanosilica coating on PANI/GNP was constructed successfully with in situ condensation polymerization of epoxy functionalized ethyl orthosilicate to obtain EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP. EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP with a thin nanosilica coating has a significantly improved thermal stability as compared with that of PANI/GNP characterized by TGA. The EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP presents a nanoscale disperse state in PP nanocomposite and thus enhances the melt viscosity and storage modulus accordingly characterized by TEM and Rheology. The EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP/PP filled with 0.5 wt% of EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP demonstrates antibacterial activity of 100% against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Highlights In situ condensation polymerization to prepare EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP. EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP has enhanced dispersion stability. EP‐nSiO2‐PANI/GNP with a thin nanosilica coating has a good thermal stability. PP nanocomposite with 0.5 wt% filler has excellent antibacterial activity. The electrostatic, free radical, and nanoknife effect antibacterial mechanism.

Legal Responsibility of Businesses Who Distribute Food Products that are not Fit for Consumption or Expired

In food products, it is very important to include information about the expiration date to protect consumers from the dangers of poisoning from expired products. The expiration date must be written on the product packaging or on the packaging box only. Usually, products that include information about the expiration date are products that come from factories or industries that produce in large quantities and have been widely distributed. However, sometimes there are some manufacturers who deliberately do not include the expiration date on their product packaging for profit alone. The act of selling products that are no longer fit for consumption is an act that is detrimental to consumers and violates the Consumer Protection Act with quite severe sanctions for the community or entrepreneurs who trade them. The formulation of the problem discussed is: 1) What are the legal consequences for business actors who deliberately distribute food products that are not fit for consumption or expired? and 2) What is the legal responsibility of business actors who deliberately distribute food products that are not fit for consumption or expired? The research method used is the normative juridical method, namely analyzing the relationship between applicable laws and regulations with legal theories and the practice of implementing positive law concerning the problems discussed. Keywords: legal responsibility, business actors, distribution of food products, expired

Impacts of Photooxidation on Commercially Available Homo and Copolymers of Polypropylene on Their Microstructure and Mechanics: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis

ABSTRACTPolyolefin degradation is widely studied to assess the lifetime of packaging materials. In this work, a combination of bulk (DSC, GPC, 13C‐NMR, XRD), surface (FTIR) and cross‐sectional characterization (Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation) was used to examine changes in the mechanical properties and microstructure of two different commercially‐available polyolefins, with similar crystallinities, produced by injection molding—a polypropylene homopolymer (PPH) and a polypropylene random copolymer (PPRC)—aged under accelerated UV‐A conditions. The aim was to characterize the variations in the crystallinity and microstructure across the cross‐section of these materials. Our results suggest that the presence of ethylene comonomer units in PPRC results, on average, in smaller crystal dimensions, leads to improved packing, and a more homogeneous microstructure and hardness across the cross‐section of the sample. The ethylene monomers stabilize PPRC from oxidation during the first 14 days of accelerated aging, but eventually the rate of degradation matches the PPH at 28 days of aging, probably because of the higher surface area to volume ratio of the smaller crystals. The work emphasizes the importance of incorporating ethylene comonomers into polyolefins to limit variation of the microstructure across the core to the skin layer, for improved future design of packaging that degrades fully.

Impact of ceramic packaging on the quality and safety of Armenian fermented dairy product Matsoun

Background: Packaging is essential for food safety, as it acts as a barrier against contaminants that can cause spoilage and affect human health. The Armenian fermented dairy product, matsoun, is packaged not only in plastic and glass but also in clay pots. However, the impact of traditional packaging on the quality and safety of matsoun, especially heavy metal migration, remains under-researched. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of ceramic packaging material on the quality and safety of matsoun during storage. Specifically, it compared the physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations, and metal migration during storage. Methods: Six samples of matsoun were prepared and packaged in sterilized glass and ceramic containers. The samples were stored at 4 °C and analyzed on days 1, 7, and 15 of storage. The parameters measured included pH, titratable acidity, and LAB counts (coccus and bacillus). Heavy metal migration (Cd, Pb, Hg, As) was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The pH of samples packaged in ceramic and glass containers decreased over 15 days of storage, from 4.61 to 4.24 and 4.6 to 4.27, respectively. Titratable acidity increased in both groups, reaching 1.2 % lactic acid. A decrease in bacilli was observed in ceramic-packaged matsoun. The lead concentration remained constant at 0.0045 ppm across all samples. In ceramic containers, cadmium concentration increased from 0.0015 ppm to 0.0029 ppm by day 15. Conclusion: This study observed a decrease in pH, an increase in titratable acidity, and a relatively constant number of lactic acid bacteria indicating ongoing fermentation. The results showed nondetectable concentrations of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). The lead (Pb) concentration in all samples remained within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) allowed limit of 0.02 ppm. However, the concentration of cadmium (Cd) concentration in ceramic-packed increased, exceeding the WHO limit of 0.002 ppm. Further research is necessary to identify the sources of cadmium contamination. Keywords: food packaging, ceramic, matsou​​n​, heavy metal migration, food safety

Core-shell MIL-53(Al)–NH2@UiO-66 coated solid-phase microextraction Arrow for the selective enrichment of nine alkylphenols in milk

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hold significant potential for sample preparation, but single-MOF materials often face limitations in selectivity and extraction efficiency. To overcome these, a mesoporous MIL-53(Al)–NH2@UiO-66 composites with a core–shell structure was synthesized using an epitaxial growth strategy. This composite leverages the complementary properties of both MOFs, offering enhanced active sites and interaction forces for analytes. The structure and integration of the composite were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, confirming their successful integration. To address the challenge of detecting alkylphenols (APs) in food matrices, known for their endocrine-disrupting properties and low concentrations, a new solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow was fabricated using the MIL-53(Al)–NH2@UiO-66 composite combined with polyacrylonitrile as a binder. APs were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-ToF/MS). The developed SPME Arrow-UPLC-ESI-Q-ToF/MS method exhibits good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9958), wide linear range (0.01–1000 μg L–1), and high sensitivity (limits of detection ranging from 0.005 to 0.01 μg L–1) for APs determination. This method was validated for determining nine APs in milk samples from various packing materials, with spiked recoveries ranging from 85.2 % to 115 % and relative standard deviations from 3.4 % to 13.6 %. This study demonstrates the potential of MOF-on-MOF composites in enhancing the performance of adsorbents for SPME pretreatment, offering a promising approach for improving analytical methodologies in food safety.

Extremely Low Thermal Resistance of β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs by Co-integrated Design of Substrate Engineering and Device Packaging.

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) emerges as a promising ultrawide bandgap semiconductor, which is expected to surpass the performance of current wide bandgap materials, like GaN and SiC, in electronic devices. However, widespread application of Ga2O3 is hindered by its extremely low thermal conductivity and lack of effective device-level thermal management strategies. In this work, Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are fabricated by conducting co-integrated design of substrate engineering with layer transferring and device packaging. 3D Raman thermography is introduced as a novel method to analyze the temperature distribution within the device, which provides valuable insights into their thermal performances. A high-quality Ga2O3-SiC heterogeneous integrated material is successfully fabricated with an extremely low interface thermal resistance of 6.67 ± 2 m2·K/GW. Compared to the homoepitaxial Ga2O3 MOSFETs, the degradation of Ion/Ioff in Ga2O3-SiC MOSFETs is decreased by 1.5 orders of magnitude, and that of Ron is decreased by 31%, showing the great thermal stability of Ga2O3-SiC MOSFETs. With the additional device packaging, a significant one order-of-magnitude reduction in the thermal resistance of the Ga2O3-SiC MOSFET is achieved, reaching a record-low value of 4.45 K·mm/W in the reported Ga2O3 MOSFETs. This work demonstrates an efficient strategy for device-level thermal management in next-generation Ga2O3 power and RF applications.

Aesthetic Packaging and Purchase Intention

This research intends to investigate the elements of the aesthetic packaging of skincare products. The research proposed three independent variables namely colour, shape and visual weight, while purchase intention is adopted as a dependent variable. The respondents of this research are millennials who are the users of skincare and also have a purchasing power to choose the skincare products that are appealing to their eyes. The finding expects all the proposed hypotheses are supported and conclusion and recommendation are discussed at the end of the section.

Impact of polyethylene microplastics exposure on kallikrein-3 levels, steroidal-thyroidal hormones, and antioxidant status in murine model: protective potentials of naringin

The widespread presence of microplastics in the environment has raised significant concerns regarding their potential impact on human and animal health. Among various microplastic types, polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are particularly prevalent due to the extensive use in packaging and consumer products. Exploring the uncharted therapeutic potentials of naringin, this study delves into its mitigating effects on disruptions in kallikrein-3 levels, steroidal-thyroidal hormone balance, and antioxidant defense triggered by PE-MPs exposure, paving the way for novel interventions in environmental toxin-induced endocrine and oxidative stress disorders. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were randomly grouped into four: Control, PE-MPs (1.5 mg/kg), PE-MPs + NAR (1.5 mg/kg PE-MPs + 100 mg/kg NAR), and NAR (100 mg/kg). Hormonal and antioxidant parameters were assessed after 28 days of exposure. PE-MPs exposure caused a significant increase(p < 0.005) in the level of kallikrein-3 (KLK-3) while it significantly reduces the levels of testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Free-triiodothyronine (fT3) and Total cholesterol (TChol) concentration. PE-MPs exposure also disrupted significantly (p < 0.005) antioxidant profile by down-regulating the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing levels of glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) while concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased relative to control. However, the mitigating potentials of naringin on disruptions in hormonal and antioxidant profiles caused by PE-MPs exposure were demonstrated, as NAR normalized KLK-3, steroid, and thyroid hormone levels, cholesterol concentration, and enhanced antioxidant defense. This suggests that NAR is a promising protective agent against endocrine and oxidative damage induced by environmental contaminants such as microplastics.

Preparation and characterization of carvacrol/soybean protein isolate composite film with efficient antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and its application in grape preservation

There is an urgent need for a simple and effective method to enhance the freshness of fruits during transportation. In this study, we developed a composite antibacterial film (CAR film) using carvacrol and soy protein isolate (SPI). The mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant capacity of the film were characterized. The results demonstrated that, compared to the soy protein isolate film, the film with 2.5 % carvacrol content exhibited superior mechanical properties (tear strength decreased by approximately 37 %, elongation at break increased by about 108 %), hydrophobicity (water vapor permeability decreased by 38 %), antibacterial activity (inhibition zone diameters against E. coli and S. aureus were 14.21 mm and 11.83 mm, respectively), antioxidant capacity (increased by 5 to 6 times), and biocompatibility (cell survival rate exceeded 90 %). Grape preservation experiments further confirmed that the CAR film effectively prolongs shelf life. Therefore, CAR film is a promising packaging material for fruit preservation.

Innovative active bio-based food packaging material with Cannabis sativa L. seeds extract as an agent to reduce food waste

In the present study, ethanolic extracts from the extract of unshelled seeds of Cannabis sativa L. were used to produce films in order not to generate additional waste, taking into view a circular economy. Combinations of apple pectin and citrus pectin in a ratio of 80:20 were used. Film samples containing 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 [wt%] of the extract were extruded. Antimicrobial, mechanical and barrier properties of the obtained films were tested. Samples with 0.5 [wt%] showed a WVTR of 16.98 [g/m2d]. The water vapour barrier properties of the films decreased with an increase in the amount of extract used. As the amount of extract increased, the transparency of the films decreased linearly to 12.84 [%] (0.5 [wt%]), 4.90 [%] (1.0 [wt%]) and 4.99 [%] (2.5 [wt%]). It was observed that the brightness of the samples decreased with increasing concentration, due to the presence of higher levels of phenolic compounds. Tests carried out showed that the prepared films exhibited inhibitory activity against all micrograms tested. All prepared films had antibacterial activity against the Salmonella typhimurium strain. Similarly, in the case of L. monocytogenes.

Surface Molding Hydrogel Film Initiated by ZIF-8 with Ethylene Adsorption Performance for Preserving Perishable Fruits.

The quality deterioration of postharvest fruits is greatly influenced by ethylene, leading to food wastage worldwide. Therefore, it is urgent to develop an efficient packaging strategy to reduce ethylene concentration and prolong the shelf life of perishable fruits. In this work, a surface-molding hydrogel film was created using ZIF-8 in combination with carboxymethyl starch (CMS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). Specifically, ZIF-8 is first anchored on CMS and then rapidly cross-linked in situ with CMCS, forming ZIF-8@CC on the fruit surface (within 10 s). The perfect tight-fitting effects of ZIF-8@CC were observed on various fruit surfaces with different roughness (Ra: ranges from 102 to 308 nm). ZIF-8@CC could absorb 57.3% endogenous ethylene from bananas, and the interaction mechanism between ethylene and ZIF-8 was studied by molecular dynamics simulations, providing insights into the ethylene adsorption capacity of ZIF-8@CC. Moreover, ZIF-8@CC presented excellent antibacterial properties and achieved satisfactory ultralong preservation effects on both nonclimatic and climatic fruits (12 days for strawberries and 14 days for bananas) at room temperature. Importantly, ZIF-8@CC is easily removed, washed, and degradable. These findings offer an efficient and potential food packing material with multifunctional properties for preserving perishable fruits.

Basil essential oil-incorporated bacterial nanocellulose foam: Fabrication, characterization, and application in extending ground beef shelf life

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a sustainable antimicrobial material for food packaging. To enhance its antimicrobial properties, basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil (BEO) was incorporated into the BNC porous foam. A spray method was used with low BEO concentrations (1 and 2 μL/cm2) based on foam surface to optimize BEO usage while maintaining its antimicrobial effectiveness. BNC was synthesized using Komagataeibacter xylinus. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 128 and 64 μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes, respectively, demonstrating greater sensitivity of Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria. The use of BEO in spray form increased the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities (as measured by DPPH and ABTS methods) of foams. The absorption bands related to BEO in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the BNC-BEO foam confirmed the incorporation of BEO into the BNC foam. Impregnation with BEO at 1 and 2 μL/cm2 significantly increased the water contact angle to 31.62° and 33.19°, respectively, thereby enhancing the hydrophobicity of the foam, but reduced the mechanical strength of the BNC-BEO foams. Foams were used in active packaging of ground beef to improve shelf life by controlling microbial and oxidative processes. The BNC-BEO foam showed a slower microbial growth rate, with bacterial populations about 1–2 log₁₀ CFU/g lower than control. Meat samples packaged with BNC-BEO foams scored higher in terms of taste and odor. A significantly lower amount of BEO was used in the foam form of BNC, which is favorable for improving sensory parameters. Therefore, BNC-BEO can be applied to the active packaging of meat.

Seaweed as a Valuable and Sustainable Resource for Food Packaging Materials.

Plastic food packaging causes massive pollution in the environment via resource extraction, gas emissions, and the enduring plastic waste accumulation. Hence, it is of crucial importance to discover sustainable alternatives in order to protect ecosystems and conserve precious resources. Recently, seaweed has been emerging as a promising sustainable solution to plastic pollution. Seaweed is a fast-growing marine plant that is abundant in tropical coastlines and requires minimal resources to cultivate. In addition, seaweed is rich in valuable polysaccharides such as alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan, agar, and ulva, which can be extracted and processed into biodegradable films, coatings, and wraps. This ability allows the creation of an alternative to plastic food packages that are completely biodegradable, made from renewable resources, and do not linger in landfills or oceans for centuries. In this context, this review discusses the main classification of seaweed, their production and abundance in the world, and provides a summary of seaweed-based materials developed in the last 2-5 years for potential usage in the food packaging sector.

Biosafe Cu-MOF loaded chitosan/gelatin-based multifunctional packaging film for monitoring shrimp freshness

As living standards improve, the demand for food freshness has gradually increased. Multifunctional packaging materials that monitor food freshness in real-time, delay spoilage, and are environmentally friendly have emerged as ideal solutions. This study synthesized an ammonia-sensitive copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) and incorporated it into a matrix composed of chitosan (CS) and gelatin (Gel). The resulting film exhibits ammonia-sensitive color-changing properties, antibacterial activity, and excellent biodegradability. The effects of Cu-MOF incorporation on the structural, physical, and functional properties of the CS/Gel films were systematically evaluated. Results demonstrated that the Cu-MOF was uniformly distributed within the CS/Gel matrix, significantly enhancing the mechanical properties (tensile strength increased by 68.49%), oxygen/water vapor barrier properties, and UV-blocking capability of the films. Notably, the CS/Gel@Cu-MOF films exhibited excellent antibacterial performance, with sterilization rates of 94.2% against Escherichia coli and 99.6% against Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the films showed good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a sensitive color response to ammonia. The films were successfully used to monitor shrimp freshness through color change, transitioning from light green to brown as spoilage occurred. These findings indicate that CS/Gel@Cu-MOF films have significant potential for real-time visual freshness monitoring in food packaging, contributing to reduced food safety risks and waste.

Systematic Analysis of Packaging Production in the Electric Motors Industry: A Multi-Criteria Approach through the SAPEVO-M Method

Market competitiveness drives the electric motors industry, which in turn necessitates the selection of optimal production scenarios, particularly in the context of packaging. This is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and meeting the rigorous quality and logistical demands that are characteristic of this industry. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the packaging production chain for electric motors, employing the SAPEVO-M method as a decision aid tool. The study examines various strategic options, including outsourcing and internalizing processes, with a particular focus on their impacts on logistics, quality control, and overall supply-chain efficiency. The research conducts a comprehensive evaluation of these strategies to ascertain the most effective approach for managing the complexities of packaging production. The SAPEVO-M method facilitated a structured decision-making process, allowing for the aggregation and prioritization of diverse criteria such as cost, quality, flexibility, environmental impact, and supply risk. A sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the robustness of the decision-making outcomes under varying alternatives. The findings highlight the benefits of internalizing certain processes, particularly the assembly (with a score of 43.27%), to gain direct control over production variables, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and product competitiveness. This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating the application of MCDA in enhancing strategic decisions within the electric motors industry, providing insights for analyzing other manufacturing factors in the improvement of supply-chain processes.

Assessment of Ecological Safety of Packing Materials

The issues of assessing the environmental safety of packaging materials based on life cycle analysis are considered. The results of calculations of material environmental safety indices and product ecological risk indices are given. The ecological footprint at all stages of the life cycle of the investigated packaging materials is revealed and their comparative analysis is carried out. The obtained results allow to choose the packaging material with the smallest ecological footprint during its life cycle.