Packaging Recycling Research Articles

Research on Online Shopping Packaging Recycling Strategy under Big Data Environment

Online shopping has greatly facilitated people’s lives, but not properly recycled express packaging, not only cause waste of resources, but also destroy the environment, and “reduce, reuse, resource” as the principle of circular economy. Based on the data of 309 questionnaires, this paper analyzes the present situation of online shopping packaging recovery in China. It is expected to play a certain role in realizing the efficient and recycling utilization of resources, protecting the environment and promoting the green and sustainable development of the express industry.

Household plastic waste habits and attitudes: A pilot study in the city of Valencia.

Bearing in mind that only 42% of plastic packaging post-consumer waste is recycled in Europe, the European Directive 2018/852 established the key target of a 55% plastic packaging waste recycling rate by 2030. For this reason, PlastiCircle, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project, aims to foster the recycling of packaging, improve all stages of the waste collection, and promote responsible consumption. Three European cities have been selected as locations for pilot implementation: Valencia (Spain), Utrecht (The Netherlands) and Alba Iulia (Romania). The main objective of the present study has been to evaluate the participants’ opinion and attitudes on plastic recycling. This paper presents the results from the district of San Marcelino in the city of Valencia, the first PlastiCircle pilot to face the challenges of encouraging households to participate more in plastic waste sorting and recycling.

Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystal from Multilayer Packaging Residues Composed of a Mixture of Eucalyptus and Pine Fibers

This study takes advantage of a residue from the multilayer packaging recycling process as a raw material for the extraction of cellulose nanocrystals in just three purification steps: pulping with acetic acid, bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, and acid hydrolysis with sulfuric acid. The nanocrystals obtained from the multilayer packaging showed high crystallinity (77%), and transmission electron microscopy revealed 71% of the nanocrystals with an aspect ratio between 24 and 64. XRD revealed that pulping treatments with acetic acid removed carbonate calcium from the paperboard, and bleaching, together with acid hydrolysis, contributed to the gradual reduction of kaolin, components present in the multilayered paperboard manufacture. Therefore, without the use of additional purification steps, these components were gradually reduced until their detection by XRD is not possible. The thermogravimetric analysis showed good stability of the cellulose nanocrystals (Tonset = 190 °C and Tmax = 245 °C), allowing their future application in nanocomposites.

An Overview of Plastic Waste Generation and Management in Food Packaging Industries

Over the years, the world was not paying strict attention to the impact of rapid growth in plastic use. This has led to unprecedented amounts of mixed types of plastic waste entering the environment unmanaged. Packaging plastics account for half of the global total plastic waste. This paper seeks to give an overview of the use, disposal, and regulation of food packaging plastics. Demand for food packaging is on the rise as a result of increasing global demand for food due to population growth. Most of the food packaging are used on-the-go and are single use plastics that are disposed of within a short space of time. The bulk of this plastic waste has found its way into the environment contaminating land, water and the food chain. The food industry is encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging materials. A wholistic approach to waste management will need to involve all stakeholders working to achieve a circular economy. A robust approach to prevent pollution today rather than handling the waste in the future should be adopted especially in Africa where there is high population growth.

Research on the Evolution of the Express Packaging Recycling Strategy, Considering Government Subsidies and Synergy Benefits.

With the year-on-year growth of e-commerce transactions and the increasing popularity of the concept of ecological civilization, the waste and recycling of express packages have aroused widespread discussion and attention. On the issue of express package recycling, how consumers, e-commerce enterprises, and e-commerce platforms choose their own strategies, how to better promote the recycling of express packages, and what is the effect mechanism of government subsidies on different players. These are the questions that this article wants to answer. Since this article involves many stakeholders, in order to better identify the strategic choice and evolution of different entities and to better study the influence of government subsidies on the strategic choice of game players, this article uses two triparty evolutionary game models. The results show that without subsidies, changes in the rate of return and the initial probability will affect the evolution of the equilibrium strategy, while the synergistic benefits will have a corrective effect in some cases; when government subsidies are included and the probability of the three parties choosing “green strategies” is relatively low, subsidies should be paid to e-commerce companies mainly; lower subsidies can only provide incentives for e-commerce platforms. This article can provide certain references and value for government policymakers.

Assessing the recycling performance of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs: A case study of the steel can packaging recycling system in South Korea

ABSTRACT Research on the extended producer responsibility (EPR) program in South Korea has been expanding since the program was first implemented in 2003, but no study has yet assessed the performance of the steel can packaging EPR program. The current study thus evaluates the performance indicators for steel can packaging EPR and assesses those factors that may affect its performance over a 13 year period. The findings indicate that the recycling performance of this EPR program must be re-evaluated because metal can steel plate manufacturers are not subject to EPR although they are also recycling steel can waste. The findings also suggest that the Ministry of Environment (MOE) formula for calculating the mandatory steel can recycling target rate fails to account for fluctuations in the market price of steel can waste, demonstrating the need to increase the contribution fee of producers obligated to recycle (POR) under the EPR system. Implications: This study has examined the various factors that affect the performance of the steel can packaging EPR program in Korea. This study shows that, future research and practice need to re-assess the performance indicators of the EPR program and revise the standards for the contribution fee of producers obligated to recycle (POR) depending on the market price of steel can waste.

Research on Compressive Strength of High Strength Corrugated Box Based on Finite Element Analysis

Corrugated boxes are a recyclable, recyclable green packaging product that is an essential tool for packaging. Corrugated boxes are used as transport packaging products, which play a very important role in the protective properties of the packaged goods. Corrugated boxes in the flow application, impact, vibration, static pressure, dynamic pressure, climatic conditions, etc., have become an important factor in the damage to the carton, so the physical properties of corrugated boxes determine whether the package can be intact the arrival of the land in the hands of consumers has become a major factor affecting the consumer experience. One of the most fundamental items in testing the physical properties of corrugated boxes is compressive strength, which is an important indicator for measuring the compressive strength of corrugated boxes. In this paper, several factors such as environmental humidity, structural size and structure are selected for research. Corrugated boxes with different humidity, different sizes and different structures were studied, and their compressive strength was gained, and the variation law was studied. By comparing the effects, the environmental humidity of the corrugated box and the influence of the structural size on the compressive properties are gained, and a more effective finite element model is gained. The results of this study have important guiding significance for the structural design of corrugated boxes in different geographical environments.

CONSUMER PACKAGING IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL AND ETHICAL MARKETING

The aim of the article is to study the impact of packaging on decision-making regarding the purchase of goods by consumers depending on its characteristics within the concept of socio-ethical marketing. This article examines the theoretical aspects and compositional elements of consumer-oriented packaging. Consideration is given to ways in which social and ethical marketing differ from and/or are superior to classical marketing patterns. The influence on consumer purchasing patterns exerted by product packaging material, design, ergonomics, exclusivity, and informational content is investigated. Top-priority areas for developing consumer-oriented packaging in terms of social and ethical marketing are suggested, as well as measures utilizing it. It was pointed out that domestic manufacturers need to be legally obligated to allocate funds for the utilization and recycling of packaging, and that a system of incentives and compensations should be offered to companies which have production patterns that avoid wastage. It is advisable to set up institutional support for the collection and recycling of product packaging at both the national and local levels. The distinction between the concepts of social and ethical marketing and social responsibility is shown. An overview is created with respect to the whole category of social and ethical marketing. It is seen as a systematic and focused activity aimed at increasing sales volumes and improving the business image of a company by meeting the general needs of consumers, incorporating the costs of these initiatives into the price of the goods. Prospects for further research can be seen in the analysis of the shares of social and ethical marketing organisations and the development of a methodology for making them socially and economically effective.

Innovation projects of packaging recycling to a circular economy

The aim of this article is to examine the application of an innovation project in packaging recycling cooperatives toward a circular economy model. Our study is in line with a body of literature that perceives garbage as a resource and innovation projects are a way to overcome the barrier to circular economy implementation. Through qualitative research with document analysis and interviews, we analyzed the results of the implementation of an innovative project in the process of collecting and recycling the waste in the context of external pressures. As a result, we were able to present how the CircularPack® model was articulated and the perception of three actors involved in recycling processes. By re-reading production processes aiming at a circular economy model, these innovation project contributions could help to reduce the emission of waste in the environment, promote social insertion of people in situation of social vulnerability and accomplish a competitive advantage gain to the companies involved.

Plastic Waste Coalition Commits to Changes in Packaging Design and Recycling

Plastic Waste Coalition Commits to Changes in Packaging Design and Recycling

Razgradivi ambalažni materijali - izvori, primena i načini razgradnje

There are many biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials available, alternatives for plastics: paper and cardboard; biodegradable polyethene (degradable due to additives incorporated during production, whose role is to lead to the polyethylene breakdown into CO2, H2O, biomass and minerals when in landfill) and biodegradable plastic (made from renewable biomass-biopolymers in a relatively energy-efficient process). The decomposition routes of degradable materials are reflected in the degradation for which realization a physico-chemical stimulus is required and biodegradation for which microorganisms are responsible. The global biodegradable plastic market was valued at $1.6 billion in 2019 and it is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2027. The largest segment by application of biodegradable materials is in packaging with a market share of more than 60%. Some examples of degradable packaging existing on the market will be presented in the paper.

The impact and effectiveness of the general public wearing masks to reduce the spread of pandemics in the UK: a multidisciplinary comparison of single-use masks versus reusable face masks.

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the UK government mandated the use of face masks in various public settings and recommended the use of reusable masks to combat shortages of medically graded single-use masks in healthcare. To assist decision-making on the choice of masks for future pandemics, where shortages may not be a contributing factor, the University College London (UCL) Plastic Waste Innovation Hub has carried out a multidisciplinary comparison between single-use and reusable masks based on their anatomy, standalone effectiveness, behavioural considerations, environmental impact and costs. Although current single-use masks have a higher standalone effectiveness against bacteria and viruses, studies show that reusable masks have adequate performance in slowing infection rates of respiratory viruses. Material flow analysis (MFA), life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost comparison show that reusable masks have a lower environmental and economic impact than single-use masks. If every person in the UK uses one single-use mask each day for a year, it will create a total of 124,000 tonnes of waste, 66,000 tonnes of which would be unrecyclable contaminated plastic waste (the masks), with the rest being the recyclable packaging typically used for transportation and distribution of masks. Using reusable masks creates >85% less waste, generates 3.5 times lower impact on climate change and incurs 3.7 times lower costs. Further behavioural research is necessary to understand the extent and current practices of mask use; and how these practices affect mask effectiveness in reducing infection rates. Wearing single-use masks may be preferred over reusable masks due to perceptions of increased hygiene and convenience. Understanding behaviour towards the regular machine-washing of reusable masks for their effective reuse is key to maximise their public health benefits and minimise environmental and economic costs.

Introduction to Competition Law, Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

Should competition law prohibit competitors from agreeing to produce more energy-efficient goods, where this means higher prices for consumers? Is a dominant undertaking that switches to using only pricier recyclable packaging abusing its dominant position? Can the fact that a merger may lead to lower carbon emissions from production in the long-term be taken into account by competition authorities? Should state aid to coal-fired power plants be permitted? Such questions typify the vigorous ongoing debate on the proper role of environmental considerations in contemporary competition law and policy within Europe. It is a pleasure to introduce this important book which makes a significant contribution to this debate. Its publication could hardly be more timely.

Green-Lean Operations Evaluation Framework: A case from Iranian Automotive Industry

Companies have been forced to find alternatives to balance productivity and the environment in their operations and products as they move to greener operations and products. The result of this action is the balancing of continuous or simultaneous exploration using pure and green designs. The purpose of this paper is to identify green-lean evaluation model in Automotive Industry. In this study, important criteria of green lean production system were identified from studies conducted in this field. The effects of the proposed criteria and their relationships are examined using a questionnaire. Furthermore, the Best-Worst Method (BWM) has been used for ranking a weight matrix. Also, the causal relationships among each criterion and sub-criteria are obtained by utilizing the Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique . The results showed that the use of environmental-friendly and recyclable packaging materials and the increase in the useful life of packaged materials ranked as top two in the Green-Lean in this realm. In operational management, the green lean techniques will be implemented to reduce both waste and pollution. Also, this strategy allows the company to enhance its operational and environmental efficiency.

Study on Improving the Processability and Properties of Mixed Polyolefin Post-Consumer Plastics for Piping Applications.

This study focuses on the upgrading strategies to make Fil-s (acronym for film-small), a polyolefin-based material coming from the mechanical recycling of post-consumer flexible packaging, fit for re-use in the piping sector. The effects of washing treatments (at cold and hot conditions) and the addition of an experimental compatibilizer on the chemical-physical properties of Fil-s were first assessed. The measurements of some key properties (density, melt flow index, flexural modulus, yield strength), for both Fil-s as such and the different developed Fil-s based systems, was also conducted in order to evaluate the suitability of this complex and challenging waste stream to replace virgin PE-based pipe and fitting products, in compliance to ASTM D3350 standard. The outcomes of the present work contributed to define a code, for each Fil-s system investigated, useful for identifying the level of their performance in piping applications. All the recyclates were extruded as pipes by using a pilot scale plant, but the process resulted more stable and continuous with the compatibilized Fil-s, as it was deducible from its flow properties. Moreover, the best mechanical performances were exhibited by the hot-washed Fil-s pipes, with an increase in pipe stiffness equal to 65% respect to the unwashed sample.

Recyclable Multilayer Packaging by Means of Thermoreversibly Crosslinking Adhesive in the Context of Food Law.

Lacking recyclability of multilayer packaging can be overcome by using a thermoreversible crosslinking adhesive consisting of maleimide- and furan-functionalized polyurethane-(PU-)prepolymers, reacting in a Diels–Alder-reaction. Here, the furan-functionalized PU-prepolymer carries furan-side-chains to avoid the usage of an additional crosslinking agent. Thus, N‑(2‑hydroxyethyl)maleimide and furfurylamine are the only two chemicals contained in the adhesive that are not listed in the appendix of EU Regulation 10/2011. Using migration modelling, it could be shown that, at 23 °C, both chemicals have lag-times of only a few minutes if 45 µm PE is used as a barrier. However, if the residual content is below 30 mg/kg, the legally specified maximum amount of 0.01 mg/kg food is not reached. After determining the diffusion coefficients and the activation energy of diffusion through ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), it could be determined that the lag-time of the migrants can be extended to at least 9 years by the use of 3 µm EVOH. From a food law point of view, the use of the described adhesive is possible if the above‑mentioned measures are complied.

Electromagnetic absorption efficiency of aluminum doped composite materials recycled from waste Tetra Pak packages in the frequency range 1.8 GHz to 5 GHz

Electromagnetic interference produced by high-speed electrical and electronic systems (i.e., base stations, mobile phones, radar, television and radio transmitters) that facilitate daily life also caused a pollution to be dealtwith as a part of daily life. Increasing use of electronic devices arising from the rapid developments in science and technology increased electromagnetic interference in electronic devices well besides the electromagnetic pollution in the environment. Therefore, there is a tremendous need to develop effective protection against the negative effects of electromagnetic interference. The objective of this paper is to make the composite boards from the recycling of Tetra Pak packages and to investigate the effect of aluminum additive on absorption efficiency of electromagnetic interference at various frequencies. Experimental results showed that as the ratio of aluminum additive rate in the composite material increased, the attenuation ratio increased.

Editorial and News

Editorial and News

Technical Limits in Circularity for Plastic Packages

The current Dutch recycling value chain for plastic packaging waste (PPW) has not reached its full circularity potential, as is apparent from two Circular Performance Indicators (CPIs): net packaging recycling rate and average polymer purity of the recycled plastics. The performance of the recycling value chain can be optimised at four stages: packaging design, collection, sorting, and recycling. This study explores the maximally achievable performance of a circular PPW recycling value chain, in case all stakeholders would implement the required radical improvement measures in a concerted action. The effects of the measures were modelled with material flow analysis. For such a utopic scenario, a net plastic packaging recycling rate of 72% can be attained and the produced recycled plastics will have an average polymeric purity of 97%. This is substantially more than the net packaging recycling rate of 37% for 2017 and will exceed the EU target of 50% for 2025. In such an ideal circular value chain more recycled plastics are produced for more demanding applications, such as food packaging, compared to the current recycling value chain. However, all stakeholders would need to implement drastic and coordinated changes, signifying unprecedented investments, to achieve this optimal circular PPW recycling value chain.

プラスチック資源循環戦略：容器包装・製品のリサイクルに関する考察

プラスチック資源循環戦略：容器包装・製品のリサイクルに関する考察