Waste Package Research Articles

Requirements for the Transformation towards Returnable Transport Item-Enabled Circular Economies in the Austrian Parcel Industry

The European Green Deal sets the ambitious targets of establishing the first climate neutral continent by 2050 and reducing emissions by a minimum of 55% by 2030. In order to move the involved stakeholders to action, the European Commission has formulated proposals for regulations. One such proposal defines a legal framework to force industries to reduce the environmental burden caused by packaging waste. A major waste producer is the parcel service industry (CEP; courier, express, and parcel) and the industries it serves. Once put into place by the EU member states, the new laws will force all players in these sectors to increase business innovations in circular economies, which are based on the principles of recycling and reuse. Circular economies can be achieved by the implementation of returnable transport items (RTI) integrated with Industry 4.0 technologies. The ongoing research project ReKEP, which is largely funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, investigates potential impacts of RTI-based circular economies in the Austrian parcel service industry. The project’s particular interest is to identify the requirements of the most relevant stakeholder groups in the CEP industry for the successful transformation towards RTI-enabled circular economies. For this purpose, we conducted interviews with leaders and decision-makers of 10 stakeholder organizations, including producers, retailers, CEP contractors and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. This paper summarizes the interview results, which indicate that, despite recognizing the high potential of RTIs for reaching ecological sustainability goals, the contemporary awareness of the EU Green Deal and the concomitant responsibility to take action seems too low for successful implementation. The study outcome suggests that research and development in RTI should focus on operational requirements of workers and line managers from CEP industries for successful transformations to circular economies.

Feasibility study on the production of low melt flow rate recycled polypropylene from postconsumer waste

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) recyclates face limitations in their use due to lower qualities compared with virgin PP, resulting from contaminations and the mixing of different PP grades. In particular, their high melt flow rate (MFR) hinders their suitability for applications requiring low MFR, such as pipes. This study investigates the feasibility of producing low MFR PP recyclates from packaging waste. For this purpose, recyclates were produced exclusively from manually sorted extrusion blow molding grades and compared with a recyclate derived from a conventional PP waste stream. Different washing temperatures and recyclate production processes were used to study their effects on the properties of the recyclates. The main objective was to determine the lowest achievable MFR and the rheological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the recyclates from improved sorting. The results are intended to serve as reference points for the evaluation of future automatic sorting trials. The enhanced sorting resulted in an 80% reduction in the MFR and improved ductility, thereby extending the potential applications of the recyclate. The different washing and production processes did not have a significant effect on the investigated properties, except for a slight decrease in the MFR with hot washing and the omission of the pelletizing step.

Volatile organic contaminants in HDPE milk bottles along the mechanical recycling value chain, revealing origins and contamination pathways

To progress towards closed-loop recycling of plastic packages it is vital to understand the origin of contaminants and to develop effective mitigation strategies. High density polyethylene (HDPE) milk bottles were sampled at nine different locations along the recycling value chain and analysed with two gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy methods to study the presence of volatile organic compounds. The total approximated concentration of volatiles reduced over time from the production of the bottles up to the cross-docking facility for the separately collected lightweight packaging waste (from about 250 to 100 ppm), as alkanes and alkenes evaporate from the bottle. A clear maximum was observed in the number of identified of volatiles and in the total approximated concentration in milk bottles at the sorted HDPE product. Here contaminants peaked that originate from the milk, from other packaging components (labels, caps, inlays), from other packages and from the surrounding atmosphere. When only the milk bottles were manually separated out from this sorted product and these were mechanically recycled, flakes were obtained that contain the least amount of volatile compounds, much less than the freshly produced bottles (about 25–50 ppm). The type of volatiles present was, however, markedly different. In the freshly produced bottles alkanes, alkenes and intentionally added anti-oxidant were found, whereas in the recycled flakes mostly contaminants were found that originated from: the milk, the other packaging components, other packages and the surrounding atmosphere. Seven different contamination pathways were discerned. The gathered knowledge facilitates the future development of food-grade recycled HDPE.

Use of Honey Bees and Hive Products as Bioindicators to Assess Environmental Contamination in Targeted Areas of the Campania Region (Italy).

In recent years, biomonitoring has gained more attention, particularly when assessing the environmental health of significant areas, such as those near waste-to-energy facilities. These requirements coincide with the chance to detect environmental pollutants using sensitive organisms. Bees were shown to be quite effective in evaluating the presence of certain compounds by analyzing their associated matrices, such as pollen, honey, or wax. In our study, we employed the honey bee (Apis mellifera) as an indicator to initially monitor the vicinity of the waste-to-energy plant in Acerra, which is situated in the Campania region of Italy. The primary aim was to determine whether the facility was accountable for any environmental releases of dioxins or dioxin-like compounds. Then, we assessed the presence of additional pollutants in the same area, including trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides, released by human activities. To obtain further information about environmental quality, a second biomonitoring station was installed near the Caivano S.T.I.R. (Waste Shredding, Sifting, and Packaging Plant). The results showed the dioxin levels did not exceed predetermined limitations at the Acerra site, thus demonstrating the efficacy of the waste-to-energy facility and the bees' ability to detect the presence of other pollutants. Additionally, this biomonitoring system exhibited sensitivity to environmental variations, thereby enabling the evaluation of xenobiotic flux between two proximate zones and across temporal scales. This pioneering study suggests the advantages of utilizing bees to detect a wide range of contaminants, thereby providing valuable insights into environmental quality and potential health risks for both ecosystems and human populations.

Prevalence of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in food contact materials from China and their implications for human dietary exposure through take-away food

The application of disposable tableware has increased substantially in recent times due to the rapidly growing food delivery business in China. Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used in food contact materials (FCMs) to delay the process of oxidation; however, their compositions, concentrations, and potential health hazards remain unclear. Therefore, FCMs comprised of five materials obtained from 19 categories (n = 118) in China were analyzed for SPAs concentrations. FCMs have been found to contain a variety of SPAs, with ∑SPAs concentrations ranging from 44.18 to 69,485.12 μg/kg (median: 2615.63 μg/kg). The predominant congeners identified in the sample include 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6-DTBP), and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (BHT-Q) with a median concentration of 885.75, 555.45 and of 217.44 μg/kg, respectively. Milky tea paper cups, instant noodle buckets, milky teacups, and disposable cups showed high levels of SPAs. 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) (AO 2246) was predominantly detected in polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate-based products. The migration test identified disposable plastic cups and bowls as the predominant FCMs and 2,4-DTBP as the dominant SPA. The exposure risk of SPAs decreased with age. In children, the estimated daily intake of ∑SPAs from FCMs was determined to be 17.56 ng/kg body weight/day, which was 8.3 times higher than that of phthalic acid esters. The current findings indicate the potential ingestion risk of SPAs during the daily life application of multiple FCM categories.

Bone cement in total hip arthroplasty – Is it really green?

BackgroundTotal hip replacement (THR)is typically cemented, cementless or hybrid depending on patient factors and surgeon preference. To date no studies have evaluated waste generated with each of these procedures in relation to implant choice, and particularly waste related to consumables. We aimed to quantify the volume; type and ability to recycle this waste and suggest potential strategies for reducing the overall waste related to consumables in THR. MethodThis was a prospective review of all waste related to consumables in THR. The waste was weighed using a Salter 1066 BKDR15 scale, accurate to the nearest 1 ​g. The primary outcome was the amount of waste generated per case depending on implant choice (cemented vs. uncemented). Secondary outcomes included: proportion of clinical waste and proportion of recyclable waste. ResultsCemented THR generated a total of 1.89 ​kg of waste compared to 775 ​g for an uncemented THR. Cemented THR generated significantly more sterile (hazardous) waste than uncemented THR both as overall volume and as a proportion 763 ​g (40%) vs 76 ​g (10%). Significantly more of the waste related to uncemented THR was amenable to being recycled through conventional waste streams with simple changes in theatre 672 ​g (86%) compared to 989 ​g (52%) with cemented THR. Between 20 and 30% of waste packaging for both types of surgery compromised information booklets. ConclusionCemented hip replacement generates significantly more waste from consumables than uncemented and a greater amount of this waste is hazardous requiring intensive processing. For both implants a significant proportion of waste can be recycled with simple process changes in theatre. Industry partners have a responsibility to minimise unnecessary packaging and work with surgeons to improve sustainability.

Green Energy Strategies for Cross-Border E-Commerce: A Sustainable Approach

Cross-border e-commerce has become a significant force in the global economy, with the continuous growth of online retail giants such as Amazon and Alibaba. the rapid expansion of this industry has also brought significant environmental impacts, especially in terms of energy consumption and carbon emissions. In response, a number of green energy initiatives have been put out and put into practice to support a sustainable strategy in international e-commerce. Using renewable energy sources is one of the main tactics. An increasing number of international e-commerce businesses are relying on clean energy sources like solar and wind power to run their businesses as a result of the advancement of renewable energy technologies. It not only reduces their carbon footprint but also helps to lower energy costs in the long run. Another strategy is the implementation of energy-efficient practices. It includes adopting energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, using efficient transportation methods for logistics, and optimizing the route planning to reduce fuel consumption. These measures not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also help companies save on energy costs. In addition, cross-border e-commerce companies are also exploring green packaging solutions. It involves using sustainable materials for packaging, such as biodegradable or recyclable materials, to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. Some companies are also implementing innovative green packaging designs, such as reusable containers and packaging made from recycled materials. There are efforts to promote sustainable supply chain management in cross-border e-commerce. It includes incentivizing suppliers to adopt green energy and sustainable practices, as well as implementing strict sustainability criteria for selecting and monitoring suppliers. By promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain, cross-border e-commerce companies can reduce their overall environmental impact.

Enhanced radioactive waste drum monitoring: A sensorized LoRa-based network for identification and integrity assessment

A reliable monitoring and oversight system is essential to guarantee the safe operation and eventual closure of radioactive waste disposal facilities. With recent technological advancements, there is now the capability to deploy distributed wireless sensor networks that are cost-effective and low in power consumption. Such networks are versatile, finding applications in several civil, environmental, and industrial sectors. This work presents a novel system and method for identifying and continuously monitoring the integrity of stored radioactive waste packages. The proposed approach, developed by the University of Pisa in the context of the H2020 European Project PREDIS, employs a network of wireless node devices, provided with solid-state micro-power radiation detectors tasked with the measurement of gamma-rays and thermal neutrons coming from within cemented waste drums. Collected data are automatically transmitted across the storage site via Long Range radio technology and forwarded to cloud-based or offline platforms, allowing for further visualization, data processing, and safe storage. The system highlights the feasibility of autonomously and passively gathering data from radioactive waste drums over extended distances (more than 250 m in non-line-of-sight conditions), decreasing the reliance on portable or automated scanning mechanisms. In line with its capability for autonomous, long-range data collection, the system satisfies the requirement for structural integrity, containment, and confinement of packaging throughout both interim and long-term disposal of radioactive wastes, thereby playing a key role in reinforcing the safe management of radioactive waste.

Design strategies for consumers’ continued usage of reusable packaging systems (RPSS)

AbstractReusable packaging systems are emerging as a promising solution to combat the growing issue of packaging waste. While consumers generally recognise the environmental advantages of reuse, their actual reuse behaviours may result in insufficient reuse and an unintentional undermining of sustainability efforts. We conducted two creative workshops, created a large number of potential design interventions and further developed them into 16 design strategies for consumers' continued usage of RPSs through thematic analysis. These findings can inspire future research and the development of RPSs.

A Study on Customer Awareness Towards Sustainable Packaging and Its Utilization

Abstract: "Sustainable packaging is a comprehensive approach to packaging design and production that seeks to minimize environmental impact while still meeting the functional needs of packaging." This includes the use of renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials to minimize overall packaging waste. The use of recycled paper, cardboard, bioplastics, and compostable materials can be utilized to achieve this goal, along with innovative design methods like lightweighting and right-sizing to minimize packaging. The circular economy is a fundamental principle of sustainable packaging, where materials are recycled or composted after their lifetime. The process involves collaborating from raw material suppliers to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Consumers have increasingly called for sustainable packaging in recent years due to growing awareness of the harmful effects of packaging waste. Businesses have increasingly adopted sustainable packaging as a strategy to decrease their environmental impact and enhance brand image, which has also been observed. Nonetheless, the application of sustainable packaging solutions can be problematic due to the high cost associated with research and development initiatives, as well as changes in infrastructure and processes. Sustainability may require balancing other factors like cost, performance, and shelf life. Despite these obstacles, the advantages of sustainable packaging are evident. This method not only reduces waste that goes to landfill and conserves resources, but also results in reduced material and transportation expenses for businesses. Ultimately, it is imperative to make packaging more sustainable and contribute to the environment and social responsibility. Businesses can reduce their environmental impact and meet consumer demands for more sustainable products by adopting sustainable practices.

ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENCES IN STRENGTH OF BRICKS MADE FROM PAMPERS WASTE AND PACKAGING PLASTICS THROUGH A CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONCEPT APPROACH

Waste management in Indonesia is still very undirected and we are still looking for the right solution regarding alternative solutions. One alternative solution for waste management is to manage the waste by turning it into useful items that have selling value. The alternative solution offered is to make brick products made from diapers and plastic packaging waste. This research aims to make 2 products with different compositions, then carry out composition test specimens and test the two brick products through compressive strength tests in the laboratory. After carrying out the process of making bricks with different compositions, a comparative study can be carried out using the One Way ANOVA method and the F count or Critical F result is 4.00687, so F count ≥ F table means that H1 is accepted (Composition A has a significant difference between Composition B). Composition A has a compressive strength test result for concrete bricks that is in accordance with SNI-15-2094-2000, namely 50 Kg/Cm2.

Pembuatan Hidroponik Sistem Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) dengan Memanfaatkan Limbah Botol Plastik untuk Tanaman Pakcoy di Dusun Nunggal II Desa Dakung Kabupaten Lombok Tengah

Packaging waste for products or goods that are no longer used can still be recycled into goods that are useful and economically valuable. In general, inorganic waste is very difficult to decompose naturally. The problem of increasing waste volumes needs to be handled wisely so that environmental pollution can be avoided, especially inorganic waste in the form of plastic bottles. The state of society in handling waste, especially plastic bottles, is still very low. One way that can be done is by providing education and direct assistance to the public regarding techniques for managing inorganic waste, especially used bottles or other plastic containers into more useful products. Utilizing used bottles as a medium for hydroponic plants is an effective way to raise public interest and awareness about the importance of managing plastic bottle waste. This activity is also a means of learning and motivating the community about hydroponic business opportunities using plastic bottles. Apart from that, this can be a very productive alternative activity for society.

Developing a prediction model in a lightweight packaging waste sorting plant using sensor-based sorting data combined with data of external near-infrared and LiDAR sensors.

Sensor-based material flow monitoring allows for continuously high output qualities, through quality management and process control. The implementation in the waste management sector, however, is inhibited by the heterogeneity of waste and throughput fluctuations. In this study, challenges and possibilities of using different types of sensors in a lightweight packaging waste sorting plant are investigated. Three external sensors have been mounted on different positions in an Austrian sorting plant: one Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor for monitoring the volume flow and two near-infrared (NIR) sensors for measuring the pixel-based material composition and occupation density. Additionally, the data of an existing sensor-based sorter (SBS) were evaluated. To predict the newly introduced parameter material-specific occupation density (MSOD) of multi-coloured polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preconcentrate, different machine learning models were evaluated. The results indicate that using SBS data for both monitoring of throughput fluctuations caused by different bag opener settings as well as monitoring the material composition is feasible, if the pre-set teach-in is suitable. The ridge regression model based on SBS was comparable (RMSE = 3.59 px%, R² = 0.57) to the one based on NIR and LiDAR (RMSE = 3.1 px%, R² = 0.68). The demonstrated feasibility of the implementation at plant scale highlights the opportunities of sensor-based material flow monitoring for the waste management sector and paves the way towards a more circular plastics economy.

Plastic Packaging Waste Management: A Case in Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility Policies in Minnesota

The plastic pollution crisis is a global challenge affecting governments, private citizens, and the environment. Plastic packaging, which makes up approximately 40% of all plastic material produced globally, accounts for less than 10% of recycled material. This discrepancy highlights the rapid growth of various plastic types and difficulty for local governments to implement needed waste management practices or meet required capacities. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a model for multiple waste streams that places the post-consumer responsibility of a product on the producer. As governments seek to develop legislation to better manage plastic waste, EPR is a policy tool that will promote circularity. This paper discusses the successes and challenges of EPR policies in the European Union (EU), and in states that have enacted them, particularly in California. Many states have introduced or are seeking to introduce legislation on EPR for plastic packaging in the next few years. The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, a bill for a product stewardship program for plastic and paper packaging materials was recently introduced in the Minnesota state legislature in 2024. This policy paper discusses several EPR policy options and recommendations to improve transparency and success of future EPR bills in states seeking to enact legislation, including Minnesota.

The effects of COVID-19 on agriculture supply chain, food security, and environment: a review.

COVID-19 has a deep impact on the economic, environmental, and social life of the global population. Particularly, it disturbed the entire agriculture supply chain due to a shortage of labor, travel restrictions, and changes in demand during lockdowns. Consequently, the world population faced food insecurity due to a reduction in food production and booming food prices. Low-income households face food security challenges because of limited income generation during the pandemic. Thus, there is a need to understand comprehensive strategies to meet the complex challenges faced by the food industry and marginalized people in developing countries. This research is intended to review the agricultural supply chain, global food security, and environmental dynamics of COVID-19 by exploring the most significant literature in this domain. Due to lockdowns and reduced industrial production, positive environmental effects are achieved through improved air and water quality and reduced noise pollution globally. However, negative environmental effects emerged due to increasing medical waste, packaging waste, and plastic pollution due to disruptions in recycling operations. There is extensive literature on the effects of COVID-19 on the environment and food security. This study is an effort to review the existing literature to understand the net effects of the pandemic on the environment and food security. The literature suggested adopting innovative policies and strategies to protect the global food supply chain and achieve economic recovery with environmental sustainability. For instance, food productivity should be increased by using modern agriculture technologies to ensure food security. The government should provide food to vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Trade restrictions should be removed for food trade to improve international collaboration for food security. On the environmental side, the government should increase recycling plants during the pandemic to control waste and plastic pollution.

Exploring the metabolic characteristic of express packaging waste to promote the synergy of pollution and carbon reduction

With the rapid and prosperous development of China's express delivery industry, the environmental issue of packaging waste has become increasingly pressing. Express packaging is diversified and complicated, with obstacles of excessive packaging and low recycling rate, which pose challenges to the low-carbon development of the express industry. At present, the amount and flow of express packaging waste are indistinct, and a systematic assessment of environmental emissions is lacking. In this study, the amount of express packaging waste generated is assessed, the measurement model is constructed through field research, and the overall material metabolism pattern is analyzed using material flow analysis (MFA). Further, life cycle assessment (LCA) is adopted to assess the environmental impact of treating 1 ton of express packaging waste and its potential for pollution and carbon reduction. The findings reveal that China generated 16.11 million tons of express packaging waste in 2023, predominantly paper and plastic. The comprehensive utilization rates of paper and plastic express packaging waste are 50.1% and 13.2%, respectively. Most plastic packaging is mixed in municipal waste to be landfilled or incinerated. Treatment of 1 ton of express packaging waste generates 796 kg CO2 eq. of greenhouse gas emissions. The reuse, recycling, and incineration result in avoided environmental burdens. By 2030, source reduction, increasing the proportion of incineration and recycling, and promoting recycled packaging could diminish most environmental impacts by 10% to 40% and synergistically reduce CO2 and pollutants such as PM2.5 and heavy metals. This study systematically explores the environmental problems of express packaging waste in China. It can provide data support and policy recommendations for the long-term green development of the express industry.

Sustainability of the Technology for Obtaining Thermoplastic Building Materials from Non-Recyclable Mixed Plastic–Paper Packaging Waste

This paper describes the process used to produce thermoplastic building materials from non-recyclable mixed plastic–paper packaging waste. A first step was dedicated to an innovative and sustainable sterilization technology for non-recyclable waste, based on exposure to microwave radiation in closed air-circulation ovens. Further, composites with different cellulose contents and with two polymer matrices, respectively, were obtained using an injection process, and the samples were subjected to mechanical and physical tests. Due to their superior features, the products based on mixed polypropylene–paper packaging waste may successfully replace the classic polyvinylchloride-based wood–plastic composites. The environmental impact of mixed plastic–paper packaging waste was analyzed, and the sustainability of the thermoplastic technology was demonstrated from an economic and environmental point of view.

Conversion of Polyethylene to Low-Molecular-Weight Oil Products at Moderate Temperatures Using Nickel/Zeolite Nanocatalysts.

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used plastic, known for its high mechanical strength and affordability, rendering it responsible for ~70% of packaging waste and contributing to microplastic pollution. The cleavage of the carbon chain can induce the conversion of PE wastes into low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, such as petroleum oils, waxes, and natural gases, but the thermal degradation of PE is challenging and requires high temperatures exceeding 400 °C due to its lack of specific chemical groups. Herein, we prepare metal/zeolite nanocatalysts by incorporating small-sized nickel nanoparticles into zeolite to lower the degradation temperature of PE. With the use of nanocatalysts, the degradation temperature can be lowered to 350 °C under hydrogen conditions, compared to the 400 °C required for non-catalytic pyrolysis. The metal components of the catalysts facilitate hydrogen adsorption, while the zeolite components stabilize the intermediate radicals or carbocations formed during the degradation process. The successful pyrolysis of PE at low temperatures yields valuable low-molecular-weight oil products, offering a promising pathway for the upcycling of PE into higher value-added products.

Inventory control for reusable express packaging with under sharing policy

AbstractOnline shopping and e‐commerce have contributed significantly to the environmental pollution caused by the generation of packaging waste. In response to this issue, reusable express packaging has emerged as a promising solution. However, the widespread adoption of reusable express packaging faces significant challenges, namely, the initial investment burden and the complexities associated with recycling. To address these challenges and enhance resource utilization efficiency while minimizing supply–demand discrepancies, inventory sharing has emerged as an effective measure. We first establish an inventory model for reusable express packaging, which takes into account stochastic loss rates and customer service level. We further extend our research to scenarios involving both inventory sharing and competition. We substantiate the value of inventory sharing and the impact of competition through comprehensive numerical analyses. Our findings demonstrate that inventory sharing contributes to enhancing the profits of express delivery companies, especially with a more pronounced effect in companies where competition exists.

DIMENSÕES ESTATÍSTICAS DA ECONOMIA CIRCULAR

Purpose: The aim of the research is to study the various aspects of the circular economy in Bulgaria and the countries of the European Union. Method: The article evaluates the circular economy by applying different statistical analysis approaches: multivariate statistical methods, convergence analysis and cross-correlation analysis. Results and conclusion: First, as a result of the conducted dynamic classification of EU countries, it was found that the transition to a circular economy is most advanced in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Luxembourg. Second, according to each of the indicators included in the analysis, the absence of a process of general convergence and the presence of club convergence between the EU-27 countries during the period 2012-2019 was established. Convergence among countries in four of the clubs formed is relative, while in the others there is a process of transitional divergence and phase reversal. Third, based on the cross-correlation analysis, we find no relationship between generated and recycled packaging waste in Bulgaria from 2005 to 2019. Between these indicators in the European Union for the same period, there is reason to argue that there is a relationship that occurs within the current year. Fourth, the values of the indicators of waste utilization and rendering waste harmless clearly show that in Bulgaria the waste from economic activities is mainly landfilled, and this is associated with additional costs and leads to environmental pollution. Fifth, the taxonomic analysis shows the existence of minimal differences between the Bulgarian districts in terms of municipal solid waste management.