Packaging Recycling Research Articles

Sustainable Packaging Practices in Warehousing in Bulgarian Trade and Manufacturing Companies

Warehouse systems are an important part of the supply chain. They perform many activities that add value to the products. The purpose of this article is to show that sustainable logistics practices can be applied in packaging to reduce the harmful effects of this logistics activity on the environment. For this purpose, a survey was conducted among the Bulgarian trade and manufacturing companies. The results show the degree of application of sustainable logistics practices in packaging such as the degree of recycling of packaging, reusability and others. The conclusions made show the need to develop innovations in the field and a wider use of biodegradable and recyclable materials in packaging.

Design and Innovation of Green Recycling System for Express Packaging Based on New Development Concept

The implementation of green recycling of express packaging is an inevitable requirement of sustainable economic development. Green recycling of express packaging conforms to the trend of social development and helps to alleviate the current problems such as waste of express packaging and high environmental pressure. Based on the background of implementing the new development concept, this paper analyzes the development status, problems and reasons of express packaging recycling at home and abroad. The questionnaire is designed for the green recycling system of express packaging and its development, the questionnaire results are counted and analyzed by SPSS 20.0, and the logistics systems and system design architectures of express packaging are put forward, hoping to simplify the recycling process, improve the recycling rate, promote the recycling process of express packaging and reduce environmental pollution to improve the ability of sustainable development.

Recycling of a multilayer barrier food packaging through the use of a nanofiller: Effect of post-consumer plastic bag conditions

Barrier food packaging films result very difficult to recycle since they are multilayer films composed by at least two different materials. In this context, aim of this study was to assess the use of a nanofiller for the mechanical recycling of multilayer barrier plastic bags used for food vacuum packaging. In particular, graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) were used as nanofiller studying the effect of their concentration on the properties of the nanocomposites obtained by using polyamide (PA)/polyethylene (PE) bags as polymeric matrix. Moreover, the effect of plastic bags life conditions on the nanocomposite properties were evaluated by exposing the multilayer films to accelerated weathering or to contact with a fatty food simulant (olive oil). The results indicated that the incorporation of GnPs led to an enhancement of the morphology of the polymer blends, consequently resulting in nanocomposites with increased stiffness without a drastic reduction in ductility. The nanocomposites produced using post-consumer bags exhibited lower properties compared to materials produced using pre-consumer bags. However, even in this case, the addition of GnPs contributed to an improvement in the properties demonstrating that the use of this nanofiller can be a viable method to recycle multilayer packaging.

Stretchable, Strong, Recyclable Helicide Elastomer Based on Dynamic Covalent Interactions.

Current methods for making and disposing synthetic polymers have been widely pursued and are largely unsustainable. As a part of the solution, the reversible nature of dynamic covalent bonds emerges as an extraordinarily diverse and valuable feature in the development of exotic molecules and extended structures. With these bonds, it should be possible to construct recyclable and mechanically interlocked molecular structures using relatively simple precursors with preorganized geometries. A new helicide-based elastomer network is developed here with self-healing, recycling, and degradation features using a similar concept. The best self-healing performance (100%) was noted over 10-20 min, with various H2O, HCl, and NaOH solutions that delivered mechanical properties in the 1-1.4 MPa range. For hydrolytic degradation, the parameters are defined based on the type of binding, the pH of the solutions, and the copolymer network, which endowed a degradation time of approximately 4-11 h for each prepared sample. However, due to the reversible nature of the dynamic bonds, the material showed good recyclable mechanical properties compared to the pristine samples after five consecutive cycles, which meet the requirements of recyclable materials and recyclable packaging.

The role of iGeneration and Silver generation in shaping sustainable food markets: a cross-generational analysis in Slovakia

The rising global phenomenon of sustainable consumption in the food market is progressively influencing a significant number of consumers on a worldwide scale. The main goal of this study was to analyze consumer attitudes toward selected sustainability issues (organic aspects, animal welfare, waste management, etc.) as well as marketing communication in the food market among two generations. Primary data were acquired by implementing an online questionnaire. In total, 950 respondents participated in the survey. The results showed that the iGeneration (iGen; 18–25 years) has a higher tendency than the Silver generation (58–76 years) to support sustainability issues such as recyclable packaging, organic production, and animal welfare, as well as to read the information regarding the product nutrition and composition. The Silver generation is more inclined toward Slovak origin and traditional Slovak dishes, and they consider television and the press as the main source of information. The results provide valuable insights for agrifood companies in developing consumer-driven marketing strategies. The main limitation is related to the application of self-reported measures. Future research may include cross-cultural studies and could be extended by incorporating other sustainable and environmental aspects.

Ultra-thin parylene-aluminium hybrid coatings on nanocellulose films to resist water sensitivity

Non-sustainable single-use plastics used for food packaging needs to be phased out. Films made from cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are suitable candidates for biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials as they exhibit good mechanical properties, excellent oxygen barrier properties and high transparency. Yet, their poor water vapour barrier properties have been a major hindrance in their commercialisation. Here, we describe the preparation of 25 μm thick CNF films with significantly improved water vapour barrier properties after deposition of ultrathin polymeric and metallic coatings, parylene C and aluminium, respectively. When first adding a 40 nm aluminium layer followed by an 80 nm parylene layer, i.e. with a combined thickness of less than one percent of the CNF film, a water vapour transmission rate of 2.8 g m−2 d−1 was achieved at 38 °C and 90 % RH, surpassing a 25 μm polypropylene film (4–12 g m−2 d−1). This is an improvement of more than 700 times compared to uncoated CNF films, under some of the harshest possible conditions a packaging material will need to endure in commercial use. The layers showed a good and even coverage, as assessed by atomic force microscopy, and the parylene-coated surfaces were hydrophobic with a contact angle of 110°, providing good water repellency.

How to achieve ambitious recycling targets for plastic packaging waste? The environmental impact of increased waste separation and sorting in Norway

Driven by European legislation, counties must improve their plastic packaging recycling system to meet ambitious recycling targets. This study analyses the current plastic packaging recycling system in Norway, together with three alternative systems and evaluates their performance on environmental impact and achievement of policy indicators. The alternative systems include measures to increase separation of plastic packaging waste and to increase plastic sorting capacity in Norway. A lower impact on climate change (between 531 kg and 874 kg CO2 eq. compared to the current system) was obtained for scenarios with high separation of plastic packaging waste. Without better waste separation, increased sorting in Norway resulted in a higher impact on climate change (between 46 kg and 123 kg CO2 eq.) compared to the current system. Mixed-waste MRFs can help to obtain high recycling rates, but their implementation should be coordinated centrally to avoid potential adverse effects. Furthermore, none of the proposed systems reached the recycling rate targets, showing that improvements are necessary across the entire value chain.

Literature review on waste management of online food delivery industry in China

Meituan Waimai, which was officially launched in November 2013, has created a huge market for food delivery in China. After years of development, China’s online food delivery market reached RMB 664.62 billion in 2020. In 2022, Meituan Waimai and Ele.me, two food delivery platforms, have created a duopoly in China’s food delivery industry. Due to the success of the food delivery industry, a significant amount of food delivery packaging waste has caused far-reaching harm. This literature review primarily organizes the research on the impact of online food delivery packaging from the perspective of environmental protection. It uses the criterion layer index of online food delivery waste management ecosystem to analyze the impact of the government, environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), garbage recycling processors, consumers, online food delivery platforms, takeaway merchants, and takeaway packaging manufacturers. The review shows that scholars generally believe that takeaway waste management is a complex process involving multiple factors. The implementation of policies at the government level is inadequate, and studies at the environmental NGO level are scant. At the consumer level, more environmental awareness education is required. Online food delivery platforms and takeaway merchants should assume greater corporate social responsibility, and manufacturers of takeaway packaging need prioritize the substitution of environmentally friendly materials. There is a consensus that paper-made and recyclable packaging boxes are more environmentally friendly than degradable packaging, which is not as environmentally friendly as is commonly believed. The academia and the industry have conducted various studies and pilot projects on recyclable packaging. If all levels cooperate well, this will be an effective way to manage takeaway packaging garbage. At last, we propose the following assumptions for future research: Besides environmental hazards, takeaway garbage has caused direct or indirect physical harm to humans and animals. Increasing consumer awareness may increase their propensity to participate in governance. Additionally, existing food delivery platforms may need to improve their corporate social responsibility awareness to provide environmentally conscious consumers with sufficient and effective plastic reduction guidance measures during the ordering process. Moreover, will biodegradable plastic products face the same ironic situation as biofuels? That is, the initial intention of technology development is to improve the environment, but the actual process of production or processing may controversially aggravate the environment.

553 Healing Patient, Harming Planet? Review of Waste Production and Recyclability of Surgical Instrument Packaging

Abstract Aim In November 2022, the three UK Surgical Royal Colleges had issued an Intercollegiate Climate Emergency Declaration acknowledging that “climate change and anthropogenic environmental degradation pose a major threat to both human health and planetary health”. We reviewed the waste production and recyclability of surgical instrument packaging used in a common ENT procedure (thyroidectomy) and suggest strategies to improve surgical waste and make surgery more sustainable. Method We prospectively audited packaging waste from 20 thyroidectomies performed at the Royal Marsden Hospital, UK between July and December 2022. All the packaging was weighted, categorised, and analysed after the operation. Recycling labels were recorded if present. Results On average, each thyroidectomy produced packaging waste of 183 g (34%) of plain paper / cardboard, 167 g (31%) of soft plastic film, 142 g (26%) of laminated paper, 37 g (7%) of hard plastic and 11 g (2%) of metal foil. Of all packaging items we have collected, only one item had a recycling label. Conclusions Despite only one item of packaging having a recycling label, in its current form, 41% of the packaging we collected is easily recyclable. Product manufacturers should place clear labels on packing that can be recycled, switch to recyclable materials where possible and remove unnecessary information booklets that can be easily accessed digitally. Local waste audit and analysis can be the simple steps to make surgery more sustainable and reduce the environmental impact whilst treating patients.

Recent advances in the production of bionanomaterials for development of sustainable food packaging: A comprehensive review

Polymers originating from natural macromolecule based polymeric materials have gained popularity due to the demand for green resources to develop unique, eco-friendly, and high-quality biopolymers. The objective of this review is to address the utilization of bionanomaterials to improve food quality, safety, security, and shelf life. Bionanomaterials are synthesized by integrating biological molecules with synthetic materials at the nanoscale. Nanostructured materials derived from biopolymers such as cellulose, chitin, or collagen can be employed for the development of sustainable food packaging. Green materials are cost-effective, biocompatible, biodegradable, and renewable. The interaction of nanoparticles with biological macromolecules must be analyzed to determine the properties of the packaging film. The nanoparticles control the growth of bacteria that cause food spoiling by releasing distinctive chemicals. Bio-nanocomposites and nanoencapsulation systems have been used in antimicrobial bio-based packaging solutions to improve the efficiency of synergism. Nanomaterials can regulate gas and moisture permeability, screen UV radiation, and limit microbial contamination, keeping the freshness and flavor of the food. Food packaging based on nanoparticles embedded biopolymers can alleviate environmental concerns by lowering the amount of packaging materials required and enhancing packaging recyclability. This results in less waste and a more eco-sustainable approach to food packaging. The study on current advances in the production of bionanomaterials for development of sustainable food packaging involves a detailed investigation of the available data from existing literature, as well as the compilation and analysis of relevant research results using statistical approaches.

A simultaneous facility location and vehicle routing problem with recyclable express packaging consideration for sustainable city logistics

Environmental pollution from express packaging waste is a crucial issue for the development of sustainable city logistics. The use of recyclable express packaging can reduce resource consumption and pollution, but it also leads to additional recycling time and costs. To manage this problem, this paper considers the joint optimization of express parcel delivery and recyclable express packaging recycling. The optimization problem is defined as a simultaneous location and vehicle routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery. To exploit better potential to balance vehicle working time and operating costs, a bi-objective mixed integer linear programming model is developed. Numerical experiments show that the proposed method provides a more feasible allocation for facility location and route planning. The cost savings from REP recycling account for 45.36% of the operating costs, which means that the packaging costs are saved and the burden of express packaging waste on the urban environment is correspondingly alleviated. The joint optimization of delivery and recycling is helpful to promote the forward and backward connection of the industrial chain and supply chain, which can provide a reference for recycling network planning in the large-scale application of recyclable express packaging and contribute to sustainable city logistics.

Design of Reverse Network for Recyclable Packaging Boxes under Uncertainties

The increasing number of disposable packaging boxes has caused a huge waste of resources and environmental problems. In order to promote the effective use of sustainable express packaging, this study builds a reverse network of recyclable express packaging boxes for e-commerce businesses with self-established logistics. Considering the uncertainties of demand, return rate, retention rate and recovery rate, a stochastic programming model is proposed to determine the location of collection points and recovery centers in the supply chain network, as well as the flow of recycling boxes, with the objective of minimizing the total cost. Furthermore, an improved priority-based tabu search algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The feasibility and operability of the model are verified via a benchmark function experiment and numerical experiment. This study provides important support for the sustainable development of the express delivery industry and helps to protect the environment.

Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis of Real Plastic Solid Waste as a Sustainable Strategy for Circular Economy

ABSTRACT The management of plastic waste is a serious environmental problem, therefore numerous strategies have been explored to reuse/recover these materials, avoiding their disposal in landfills. In particular, research has focused on thermochemical conversion processes and especially on pyrolysis processes. Therefore, in this study, a real Plastic Solid Waste (PSW) from COREPLA (Italian national consortium for collection, recycling, and recovery of plastic packaging), deprived of PET, PVC, and PTFE was used as feedstock for batch thermal and catalytic pyrolysis tests. The experiments were performed in a micro-reactor under nitrogen flow, using ɣ-alumina as catalyst. The effects of a variation in pyrolysis temperature (450–650°C) on the gaseous, condensable, and solid products were assessed. The thermal and catalytic pyrolysis tests of LDPE at 550°C were also investigated, as a representative surrogate of the plastics materials found in PSW. Preliminary results highlight that gas and condensate yields increase with pyrolysis temperature (with or without γ–alumina). The condensate products of all experiments were an oily wax made up mainly of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (mostly diesel-like fraction, C12-C20). The qualitative composition of gaseous and condensable products differs between thermal and catalytic tests. However, the alumina leads to a higher formation of aromatic hydrocarbons.

Packaging effects on highly nutritional value beverage obtained by a mix of typical sicilian fruits in accelerated storage

Consumers' knowledge has been improved and now they are aware of the importance of consuming healthy food. They know how food and beverages are linked with the proper functioning of their body, so are always more drawn towards consuming healthy products with high nutritional value. The new challenge for soft drink producers is the increasing interest in high nutritive quality products. Therefore such high-quality fruit juice is required to meet consumer needs, but also to ensure safety aspects in order to prolong shelf life. The aim of this research was to understand the most suitable packaging through experimental research to preserve over time the chemical-physical characteristics of a beverage with a high nutritional value obtained by mixing blood orange, pomegranate, and prickly pear juices. The three types of stand-up pouches tested were respectively transparent packaging (PT) (PET/OPA/PE), metalized packaging (PM) (PET/ALU/PET/PE), and totally recyclable packaging (PR) (OPP/OPP/PP). On stand-up pouches, weight loss (%), color intensity, browning index (BI), anthocyanin content (mg/L), total phenols, antioxidant activity (%), and flavonoids were monitored during storage at +45 °C, 65 % RH for accelerated ageing. Results have shown that PR performances were good, it kept high qualitative characteristics among the packaging tested it is the advisable best packaging solution because it certainly offers a valid alternative in terms of performance and a lower environmental impact compared to PM or to traditional packaging (glass), thus representing a more sustainable, effective and innovative choice.

Degradable, Ultraviolet-Crosslinked Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Made from Thioester-Functional Acrylate Copolymers.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are made from soft, irreversibly lightly crosslinked polymers. Even after removal from surfaces, they retain insoluble networks which pose problems during the recycling of glass and cardboard. Herein, degradable PSAs are presented that provide the required performance in use but have networks that can be degraded after use. A series of copolymers was prepared through radical copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate, 4-acryloyloxy benzophenone (ABP) photo-crosslinker, and dibenzo[c,e]oxepin-5(7H)-thione (DOT) to provide degradable backbone thioesters. The optimum tack and peel strengths were found for molar contents of 0.05 mol% ABP and 0.25 mol% DOT. Degradation of the backbone thioesters through aminolysis or thiolysis led to the full dissolution of the networks, loss of adhesive properties of films (decreases in the measured tack and peel strengths), and the quick detachment of model labels from a substrate. Inclusion of DOT into PSAs offers a viable route toward degradable and recyclable packaging labels.

Degradable, Ultraviolet‐Crosslinked Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesives Made from Thioester‐Functional Acrylate Copolymers

AbstractPressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are made from soft, irreversibly lightly crosslinked polymers. Even after removal from surfaces, they retain insoluble networks which pose problems during the recycling of glass and cardboard. Herein, degradable PSAs are presented that provide the required performance in use but have networks that can be degraded after use. A series of copolymers was prepared through radical copolymerization of n‐butyl acrylate, 4‐acryloyloxy benzophenone (ABP) photo‐crosslinker, and dibenzo[c,e]oxepin‐5(7H)‐thione (DOT) to provide degradable backbone thioesters. The optimum tack and peel strengths were found for molar contents of 0.05 mol% ABP and 0.25 mol% DOT. Degradation of the backbone thioesters through aminolysis or thiolysis led to the full dissolution of the networks, loss of adhesive properties of films (decreases in the measured tack and peel strengths), and the quick detachment of model labels from a substrate. Inclusion of DOT into PSAs offers a viable route toward degradable and recyclable packaging labels.

Are Chinese residents willing to pay for green express packaging and to participate in express packaging recycling?

The rapid development of e-commerce has resulted in a significant increase in express packaging, causing serious environmental pollution and resource waste problems. To achieve green governance of express packaging, both government regulations and corporate participation must be implemented. However, the crucial role played by consumers who ultimately use express packaging should not be overlooked. This paper adopts a consumer-oriented perspective and utilizes first-hand survey data, along with principal component analysis, probit regression, and conditional value evaluation methods to explore whether residents are willing to pay for green express packaging and participate in express packaging recycling. The results show that consumers’ choice of green express packaging is mainly influenced by four factors, including packaging quality factors, political and environmental factors, other packaging factors, and commodity factors. Notably, 70% of residents surveyed are willing to pay a premium for green express packaging, with the average premium being CNY 2.46 or 15.8% of the total cost for green express packaging. Furthermore, residents are likely to participate in express packaging recycling if they are given an economic incentive of CNY 0.93 or 6.9% of the cost per packaging. Based on these findings, this paper provides targeted policy recommendations to address relevant issues.

Separation and Characterization of Plastic Waste Packaging Contaminated with Food Residues.

In this paper, we present the development of a novel processing technology to tackle hard-to-recycle plastic packaging waste contaminated with food residues. The proof-of-concept (POC) technology can effectively separate food residual amounts from plastic waste materials to a level acceptable for further re-use or recycling of the plastic packaging. To assess this technology, we have conducted spectroscopic, thermal, and calorimetric characterizations of the obtained fractions, such as cleaned mixed plastics (CMP), food waste with mixed plastics (FWMP), and a mixture of microplastics (MP). The analyses were carried out with the aid of Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Microcone Combustion Calorimetry (MCC), and 'bomb' calorimetry. The highest ratio of CMP to FWMP and the lowest amount of MP were obtained utilizing 700 rpm blade rotational speed and 15 s residence time of contaminated plastics in a cutting mill chamber. The plastics were freed from food contamination by 93-97%, which highlights a strong potential of the POC as a solution for 'dry-cleaning' of similar wastes on a larger scale. The main components of the CMP fraction were low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are recyclable plastics. The knowledge and understanding of thermal degradation behaviours and calorimetric attributes of separated fractions, determined in this study, are essential in informing the industrial players using pyrolysis as a technique for recycling plastics.

WHAT MOTIVATES CUSTOMERS TO RECYCLE? SUSTAINABLE CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Pollution is a problem that humanity faces more and more frequently. Every day we generate increasing amounts of waste and consume more and more exhaustible resources. In this sense, recycling can be considered the response of consumers to the appearance of pollution, being a mediatized concept in the public space. Both through these sources and through the lens of companies, the concept of “recycling” is brought to the attention of consumers. Starting from these considerations, this research aims to identify the best ways to motivate people, as well as analyze recycling behaviour in case of offering a reward. Thus, the research questions are “Do rewards motivate consumers to recycle?” “Do consumers only recycle in the presence of incentives for recycling?” To provide answers to these questions, we started a research together with the retailer Profi Romania. Thus, as part of a pilot project, SGR machines were installed that allow the recycling of plastic packaging and aluminum cans, with customers receiving a reward in the form of a voucher for the recycled packaging. The data provided by the retailer include information on the number of recycled packaging, its type, and weight, as well as the number of vouchers issued and their value. In this case, it was possible to observe the recycling behaviour of consumers under the conditions of offering vouchers, respectively how this behaviour evolves in the absence of incentives for recycling. Most of the studies carried out and presented in the literature analyze aspects related to the importance of recycling, the pillars on which it is based, respectively the types of materials that we should recycle, and under what conditions. The element of novelty that this research brings to the specialized literature is represented by the consideration of motivations (intrinsic, but also extrinsic), considering the recycling behaviour of consumers as a consequence of the motivations that the customer experiences. The results obtained can be generalized for the Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) field, the information showing interest for the entire retail field.

MOTIVATIONS BEHIND ACTORS’ COOPERATION IN CIRCULAR ECOSYSTEMS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND A BRAZILIAN CASE STUDY

AbstractThe circular economy (CE) aims at the cycling of resources through restorative and regenerative strategies. To achieve circularity, coordination of several actors is necessary. The interaction among actors allows the connection between the CE and ecosystem research fields. Although fundamental, the relationships, mainly cooperation, among actors within an ecosystem to foster circularity is not deeply explored in the literature. The objective of this study was to identify the possibilities of cooperation within circular ecosystems, in particular, the motivations that make the actors interact to achieve a CE. A systematic literature review (SLR) and a case study of a Brazilian ecosystem specialized in the recycling of carton packages to manufacture ecological tiles were conducted. The goal was to identify the motivations through the SLR and the case study so the theoretical and the empirical results could be compared. As a result, 28 motivations for actors to engage in ecosystems driven by circularity were identified. In order to achieve a complete and circular solution, actors must be able to clearly understand their roles and relationships so that they can establish new partnerships or reframe those already established.