Paper Packaging Materials Research Articles

Determination of fluorescent whitening agents in paper and board packaging materials by capillary electrophoresis

Fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) are large, conjugated, anionic substances added to paper and board during manufacture to impart “whiteness” and “brightness.” A method has been developed to determine disulfo-, tetrasulfo-, and hexasulfo-FWAs in paper and board using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Fluorescent whitening agents are extracted from paper samples using a standard hot-water extraction. The extracts are analyzed by free-flow CE using ammonium acetate (100 mM, pH 9.0) as the run buffer. Fluorescent whitening agents are detected by through-column ultraviolet (UV) scanning between 195 and 365 nm. Limits of detection (mg/kg paper) ranged between 2 and 12 mg/kg with recoveries between 84 and 92%. Analysis of three samples of commercial “take-out” food packaging found concentrations of tetrasulfo-FWA ranging between 200 and 223 mg/kg with no interferences. This is similar to concentrations found in a previous study using liquid chromatography. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 11: 259–262, 1999. Published 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Determination of fluorescent whitening agents in paper and board packaging materials by capillary electrophoresis

Determination of fluorescent whitening agents in paper and board packaging materials by capillary electrophoresis

Life-cycle assessment as a decision-support tool—the case of recycling versus incineration of paper

Abstract Recently published life-cycle assessments (LCAs) on recycling and incineration with energy recovery of paper packaging materials are used as examples in order to discuss the usefulness of LCAs. The type of information that can typically be produced by an LCA is described. The reproducibility of LCAs is evaluated and reasons for possible discrepancies between LCAs are discussed. An attempt is also made to make conclusions on advantages to the environment of recycling versus incineration of paper packaging materials, and discuss lessons learned that can be applied to other materials. In all seven studies, including 12 cases and 27 scenarios, total energy use is consistently lower when paper packaging materials are recycled rather than incinerated. Other, differing results can be explained by the assumptions made concerning the energy source used instead of the energy from incineration when paper is recycled instead of incinerated (called `the alternative energy source'). If fossil fuels are the alternative energy source, incinerated paper replaces fossil fuels, and emissions of CO2 can be decreased. If, on the other hand solid waste (which in other cases would have been landfilled), or biofuels are the alternative energy source, fossil fuels will not be replaced. In these cases, increased recycling will in general lead to decreased emissions of greenhouse gases. It is suggested that the alternative energy source for the near future is usually solid waste. In the longer term this depends on political decisions on waste management in general. Studies which address the issue of transportation consistently conclude that as long as it is reasonably efficient, transportation will not have any effect on the conclusions. It is noted that not all relevant environmental impacts are considered in the studies reviewed. This is one reason why none of the discussed LCAs can alone be used to determine the environmental preference of the alternatives studied. Another reason is that the question is too narrow. The ranking order by environmental impact of the alternatives may depend on other policy decisions. Some of the LCAs can however be used to identify key issues, i.e. critical aspects which need further study or should be considered when choosing between recycling and incineration. Equally important, some of the LCAs can be used to identify aspects which are of limited importance for the decision. It is suggested that this is typical for current LCAs and presumably also for future ones.

Migration studies from paper and board food packaging materials. Part 2. Survey for residues of dialkylamino benzophenone UV‐cure ink photoinitiators

A survey of retail samples was conducted in two phases with 50 general paper and board food contact materials and articles analysed in 1992, and 121 samples, specifically of printed cartonboard, analysed in 1995. Packaging samples were extracted with ethanol containing 0.4% triethylamine. The extracts were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the presence of 4,4'‐bis(dimethylamino) benzophenone (Michler's ketone, MK) and 4,4'‐bis(diethylamino)‐benzophenone (DEAB) confirmed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS). The limits of detection for MK and DEAB in packaging were 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1–0.2 mg/kg respectively. In the first phase, MK was detected in 24% of the 50 samples at concentrations of 0.06–3.9 mg/kg paper. DEAB was detected in 12% of samples (0.1–0.2 mg/kg). In the second phase, 26% of the 121 cartonboard samples contained detectable MK (0.1–1.6 mg/kg) and 4% contained DEAB (0.2–0.7 mg/kg). Residues of the monoamine 4‐(dimethylamino)benzophenone (DMAB) were found in 10% of the 1992 samples (0.1–0.6 mg/ kg). DMAB was not surveyed in 1995. These levels are too low to indicate the use of these cure agents for printing the packages. Rather, the most likely origin is from the use of recycled fibres. For three samples where the highest concentration of MK was detected, the food was analysed by GC‐MS after extraction and clean‐up. There was no measurable migration of MK at a detection limit of 2 μg/kg food. It is concluded, therefore, that the concentrations of MK present in the packaging samples analysed are unlikely to pose a risk to human health.

Migration studies from paper and board food packaging materials. 1. Compositional analysis

A survey of 32 paper and board materials intended for food contact has been undertaken. Sample composition was analysed to identify chemicals with a potential to migrate to foods. Representative materials covering a range of uses such as aqueous and fatty foods, and use at ambient and elevated temperatures, were obtained from industry. The samples were examined in their unfinished state, even where the final form would have included lamination to plastics, printing, or other treatments. A comprehensive and systematic analytical approach was applied which included determination of volatiles by headspace GC‐MS, extraction using water, ethanol and chloroform with subsequent analysis by GC—MS and HPLC, and multi‐element screening by ICP‐MS. The solvent extracts were also weighed to determine the total amount of material available for migration. A large number of volatile substances were identified with alkyl and aryl aldehydes predominating in the majority of samples. Substances identified in solvent extracts included 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxytoluene (BHT), di‐tert‐butylphenol, benzophenone, 4,4'‐bis(dimethyl amino) benzophenone (Michler's ketone), triphenyl methane, bicyclohexylphenylphenanthrene carboxylic acid (and its methyl ester) and abietic acid. Levels of these substances were however generally below 1 mg/kg paper. Of the inorganic elements, arsenic and mercury were not detected above the limits of determination of 1.8 and 0.4 mg/kg respectively in any of the 10 samples examined. Cadmium was detected in teabag tissue and in unbleached Kraft paper at 0.3 mg/kg. Chromium was present in seven samples at 1.1–7.8 mg/kg, whilst lead was present in nine of the 10 samples at levels ranging from 0.3 to 5.9 mg/kg.

Determination of Volatile Chemicals Released from Microwave-Heat-Susceptor Food Packaging

Microwave heat susceptors that convert electromagnetic energy to heat attain high temperatures that make it possible to cook some foods to golden crispness in a microwave oven. Susceptors are typically packaged with foods intended for microwave use, e.g., waffles, pizzas, and french fries. The high temperatures > 302 degrees F used to cook some foods release trace levels of volatile chemicals from metalized polyester film, adhesive, and paper packaging materials; these volatile chemicals may be absorbed by the food. We simulated microwave susceptor cooking conditions and developed protocols by using headspace concentration capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify volatile chemicals released from heated susceptors. We purchased a limited, cross-sectional sample of local retail microwave food products packaged with susceptors and used our protocol to analyze 10 different susceptor products. Although more than 140 unique chromatographic peaks were tabulated, only 44 volatile chemicals were identified, including 1,1,1-trichloroethane, benzene, and 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, which were derived primarily from the paper and adhesive susceptor components. No one susceptor contained all the identified substances. The standard additions technique was the preferred method for quantitation. Trichloroethane and 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol were present in several products at 75-122 micrograms/in.2 of susceptor surface area. Benzene was found in 3 susceptors at < or = 0.22 microgram/in.2 levels. Examination indicates that adhesives used in more recent susceptor products were reformulated to remove even this trace level of benzene.

Production of paper packaging material, for fresh foods — is coated with adsorbent to adsorb ethylene gas and agent to radiate far-i.r. rays : Tsuruizumi A JO 2106-335; 18 April 1990

Production of paper packaging material, for fresh foods — is coated with adsorbent to adsorb ethylene gas and agent to radiate far-i.r. rays : Tsuruizumi A JO 2106-335; 18 April 1990

Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate in Meat Paper Packaging Materials by Chemiluminescence Detection

Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate in Meat Paper Packaging Materials by Chemiluminescence Detection

Polychlorinated terphenyls in paperboard samples

As an analytical service for Industry and Gove~runent, dur laboratory has carried out a large number of PCB analyses on pulp, paper, paperboard�87 and food packaging materials. At an early stage in this PCB service work, gas chromatography (GC) column difficulties were encountered with some extracts due to the presence of components having high electron capture affinities, very lengthy retention times�87 and poor resolution under normal PCB operatin~ conditions. PCTs were suspected, and further examination confirmed their presence. We developed two GC systems for the estimation of PCTs, both being satisfactory.

A Sanitary Code. Containing Definitions and Interpretations for Guidance of Manufacturers of Paper Packaging Materials and Containers for Perishable Foods

A Sanitary Code. Containing Definitions and Interpretations for Guidance of Manufacturers of Paper Packaging Materials and Containers for Perishable Foods

Norelac — A proposed new synthetic coating material

A new protective coating material, Norelac, the ethylene diamine polyamide of polymeric fat acids has been described. A preliminary report on its properties indicates that it may prove to be a superior protective coating for wood, metal, and other materials, and an adhesive for heat-sealing and laminating of paper, cellophane, glassine, and other packaging materials. The solubility characteristics of Norelac show that solvation probably occurs in compounds containing electron-acceptor groups, such as alcohols, amines, acids, and chloroform.