Economic Sustainability Research Articles

Effects of chemical environment on softwood kraft pulp: exploring beyond conventional washing methods

Abstract Brownstock washing, a critical process in cleansing kraft pulp, removes dissolved lignin residues from the pulp after it has passed through the cooking digester. It plays a significant role in kraft pulp mills by enhancing economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Improved washing efficiency leads to better pulp quality and more effective recovery of cooking chemicals. Our study aimed to better understand the impact of different chemical compositions in washing liquors on washing performance. We tested a range of washing liquors, including neutral solutions (deionized water, 1M NaCl, 3M NaCl, 1M Na2SO4) and alkaline solutions (tap water, washing liquor composed of 0.35M NaOH and 1M Na2SO4, and white liquor with 50 g[OH]/l and 8.77 g[HS]/l). These liquors were evaluated for their efficacy in maximizing lignin extraction. Our findings suggest that salt solutions generally reduce washing efficiency. Deionized water and white liquor proved to be the most efficient washing agents, while high-concentration salts and those with high ionic strength negatively impacted washing efficiency. This suggests that brownstock washing may not be operating at its full potential.

Can the co-creation of local food products be a key factor in rural development?

PurposeThis study aims to comprehensively explore the behaviour of potential consumers in terms of their perception of how local agri-food co-creation activities in rural areas influence the perceived quality of agri-food products and the perceived value of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in rural areas. To do so, it is important to start by answering the research question: Are consumers interested in the co-creation of agri-food products in rural areas?Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of two phases, one qualitative and one quantitative. The first phase includes four interviews with experts on gastronomy, rural tourism and services in rural areas and two focus groups with consumers involved in the research topic. In the quantitative phase, a representative sample of almost 700 people in Spain was obtained.FindingsThe first result shows a high level of interest in participating in co-creation activities with agri-food products in rural areas. Other research results suggest that the social integration of consumers with the local community through co-creation activities could improve the appreciation and market position of local foods, as well as their perceived beneficial effect on sustainable development goals. The results also demonstrate how the perceived value of co-creation activities has a positive impact on the intention to undertake and recommend such activities.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance of co-creation in rural areas, in line with the SDGs and consumer preferences for locally produced sustainable food. Involving consumers in the production process allows small producers to stand out, fostering innovation and rural development. The results show consumers' interest in co-creation, motivated by altruism and the desire to preserve local heritage. The study highlights the indirect impact of co-creation on rural development, emphasising the perceived value and engagement of consumers. Ultimately, it suggests promoting sustainable rural economies through collaborative efforts between producers, consumers and local stakeholders.

Tourism, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth

<p>The coordination between tourism and other industries contributes to the tourism sustainability as well as the sustainable economic growth. This study comprehensively examines the effect of the relationship between tourism development and industrialization on sustainable economic growth based on provincial data of China. By using the coupling coordination degree model and instrumental variable regression method, we found the following: (1) Tourism-industrialization coordination exerts positive and significant effects on sustainable economic growth. Additional robustness checks show that the results are reliable. (2) Economic development, tourism development, and manufacturing innovation moderate the effect of tourism-industrialization coordination on sustainable economic growth. (3) The sustainable economic growth effect of tourism is nonlinear and affected by tourism-industrialization coordination, and industrialization is important for tourism-led sustainable growth. The findings broaden the understanding of the relationship between tourism and economic sustainability from the perspective of industrial coordination. It may contribute to building a sustainable economic development path in developing countries.<strong></strong></p>

Green entrepreneurial intentions in Saudi youth: cultural insights and implications

This study investigates green entrepreneurial intentions (GEI) and behaviors among Saudi Arabian youth, examining the influence of contextual factors such as entrepreneurial education, university environmental support, and entrepreneurial motivation. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a foundational framework, this research contributes novel insights by contextualizing GEI within Saudi Arabia’s unique socio-cultural landscape and Vision 2030, a national initiative focused on economic diversification and sustainability. Data were collected from a sample of 441 university students and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Key theoretical contributions of this study include expanding TPB by integrating environmental and motivational factors specific to Saudi youth, thereby offering a nuanced understanding of how cultural and institutional contexts shape green entrepreneurial intentions. Practically, the findings underscore the importance of embedding sustainability-focused entrepreneurship into educational curricula and suggest policy strategies to foster green entrepreneurship. This study offers critical insights for educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs aiming to align Saudi Arabia’s youth entrepreneurship initiatives with sustainable development goals, reinforcing the role of young entrepreneurs as drivers of a sustainable future.

Economic policy uncertainty, energy consumption and environmental sustainability targets

Energy systems face serious difficulties due to economic policy uncertainty, which affects consumption trends and makes the shift to sustainability more difficult. While adjusting for economic growth and carbon emissions, this study examines the dynamic relationship between economic policy uncertainty and energy consumption (including renewable and nonrenewable) in China from 1985Q1 to 2023Q4. The research reveals the frequency-specific and time-varying relationships between these variables by employing sophisticated techniques such as Wavelet Cross-Quantile Correlation (WCQC) and Partial WCQC (PWCQC). Economic policy uncertainty and energy consumption do not significantly correlate in the short term; however, over the long term, economic policy uncertainty positively correlates with renewable energy consumption at medium-to-upper quantiles, indicating that it may play a role in encouraging investments in sustainable energy. On the other hand, EPU has a negative correlation with nonrenewable energy usage at lower quantiles, indicating a slow move away from fossil fuels. These results are confirmed by robustness testing with Spearman-based WCQC techniques. The study ends with policy recommendations to maximize economic policy uncertainty’s long-term impacts on renewable energy, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and attain environmental and energy sustainability in China.

PROYECTOS INNOVADORES EN EL SECTOR AZUL: IMPULSANDO LA SOSTENIBILIDAD Y EL DESARROLLO ECONÓMICO DE LOS RECURSOS MARINOS

The Spanish region and the Mediterranean basin are positioned as a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, hosting more than half of Europe’s catalogued species. However, this biological wealth faces serious threats such as terrestrial and marine pollution, habitat destruction and overfishing. In response to this scenario, significant efforts have been undertaken to restructure economic sectors towards sustainable and environmentally friendly models, with the blue sector being particularly prominent. This sector advocates the sustainable exploitation of seas and oceans, facing challenges such as generational change. Faced with this problem, there is a need for innovative initiatives that integrate education and environmental sustainability, using methodologies that attract new generations to professions in the blue sector. In this context, the Centro de Formación Folgado has led several initiatives at European, national and local level, with the aim of addressing the lack of generational change and promoting the sustainable management of marine resources. Its European projects include Blue Careers for a Sustainable Blue Economy (BOUTCAR), an educational alliance to develop training pathways in the blue sector, and Let’s Form Marine Shelters (FOMSHE), focused on the recovery of the seahorse in the Mediterranean. At the national level, the Emprende Impact project promoted a sustainable entrepreneurship programme aimed at vocational training students. At the local level, the Green Posidonia project has worked on the creation of a pilot plant for the cultivation of Posidonia oceanica and its repopulation, together with educational workshops, while Green Urban Changemakers promoted a more sustainable urban development in the city of Valencia. In addition, the Centre collaborates in other European projects such as BlueCircle, which identifies opportunities within the blue sector, and Let’s Talk Under The Sea (TAUTS), an initiative to promote ocean culture and raise awareness of the effects of underwater noise on marine wildlife. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and innovative education, consolidating the Centro de Formación Folgado as a benchmark in the transformation towards a more sustainable and attractive blue sector for new generations.

Bioaugmentation of Industrial Wastewater and Formation of Bacterial–CaCO3 Coupled System for Self-Healing Cement

This study investigates the potential of bioaugmentation with Bacillus species to enhance wastewater treatment and develop a bacterial–CaCO3 system for self-healing cement applications. Utilizing microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), this study evaluates the dual functionality of Bacillus licheniformis and B. muralis strains. For wastewater treatment, the bioaugmentation process achieved significant pollutant reductions, including a 99.52% decrease in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), a 92.13% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), and a substantial removal of heavy metals and nutrients. This process also produced high concentrations of CaCO3 precipitate enriched with viable bacterial cells, demonstrating an eco-friendly approach to improving water quality. For self-healing cement applications, bioaugmented CaCO3 crystals were coated with nutrient and sodium silicate layers to form a bacterial–CaCO3 coupled system. This system demonstrated a 92% recovery in compressive strength after 180 days, highlighting its ability to autonomously repair microcracks in cement-based materials. The layered encapsulation strategy ensured bacterial viability and a controlled activation mechanism, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for infrastructure resilience. This dual-function approach addresses critical environmental and construction challenges by linking efficient wastewater treatment with innovative self-healing material development, contributing to global sustainability and circular economy goals.

The Spillover Effects of Market Sentiments on Global Stock Market Volatility: A Multi-Country GJR-GARCH-MIDAS Approach

In behavioral economics, it has widely been documented that there might be a close relationship between overall market sentiment and economic performance, such as GDP per capita. In this paper, we investigate the effects of market sentiment on stock market volatility, which has widely been recognized as an important factor for economic sustainability. In particular, we aim to identify the existence of spillover effects of market sentiments on global stock market volatility. As a first attempt, we chose ten countries from major economic regions over the world (including America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania), and analyzed their interdependence and interconnectedness using a GJR-GARCH-MIDAS model. The results highlight that an individual country’s stock market volatility is significantly influenced not only by its own market sentiment (proxied by the consumer confidence index) but also by the overall market sentiments of other countries across the world. The results also highlight significant country-by-country heterogeneity in the time lags of the global spillover effects, which indicates substantial heterogeneity in the behavioral dynamics of individual countries.

Genome-wide association studies and functional annotation of pre-weaning calf mortality and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle from experimental selection lines

BackgroundReproductive efficiency is crucial for the long-term economic sustainability of beef cattle production. Pregnancy loss and stillbirth are complex reproductive traits that do not yet have their genomic background fully understood, especially in zebu breeds (Bos taurus indicus). Hence, this study aimed to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and functional annotation for conception success (CS), pregnancy loss (PL), stillbirth (SB), and pre-weaning calf mortality (PWM) in Nellore cattle. In this study, 3,728 cows with 17,094 reproductive records and 11,785 calves were evaluated. A total of 3,351 genotyped animals and 383,739 SNP markers were considered for GWAS analyses. SNP effects were estimated using the weighted single-step GWAS (WssGWAS), which considered two iterations. The top ten genomic windows with the highest contribution to the additive genetic variance of the traits were selected for gene annotation. Candidate genes were then analyzed for Gene Ontology terms (GO) and metabolic pathways.ResultsThe top ten genomic windows that explained the largest proportion of the direct additive genetic variance () for CS, PL, SB, and PWM accounted for 17.03% (overlapping with 79 genes), 16.76% (57 genes), 11.71% (73 genes), and 12.03% (65 genes) of the total , respectively. For CS, significant GO terms included Somitogenesis (GO:0001756), Somite Development (GO:0061053), and Chromosome Segregation (GO:0007059). Considering PL, the processes annotated were the Regulation of Hormone Secretion (GO:0046883), and Hormone Transport (GO:0009914), along with the Glucagon Signaling Pathway (bta04922). Embryonic Development (GO:0045995), and Cerebellum Development (GO:0021549) were the main biological processes found in the gene enrichment analysis for SB. For PWM, the Regulation of Glucose metabolic processes (GO:0010906), Zinc Ion Homeostasis (GO:0055069), Lactation (GO:0007595), and Regulation of Insulin Secretion (GO:0050796) were the most significant GO terms observed.ConclusionsThese findings provide valuable information on genomic regions, candidate genes, biological processes, and metabolic pathways that may significantly influence the expression of complex reproductive traits in Nellore cattle, offering potential contributions to breeding strategies and future genomic selection strategies.

Developmental patterns of intestinal group 3 innate lymphoid cells in piglets and their response to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection

Diarrhoea and preweaning mortality in piglets are crucial factors impacting the economic sustainability of the swine industry. Pathogenic infections are among the main causes of diarrhea and mortality. Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are crucial for safeguarding against pathogenic infections. However, knowledge regarding the development and function of ILC3s in suckling piglets is currently limited. Our findings demonstrate that the development of ILC3s in suckling piglets gradually progresses from day 1 to day 21, with a notable increase observed on day 28. Additionally, the development of NKp46+ILC3s and the production of interleukin (IL)-17A by ILC3s displayed consistent patterns with the changes observed in ILC3s. Notably, interferon (IFN)-γ levels significantly increased on day 14. Moreover, the production of IFN-γ by NKp46+ILC3s was greater than that by NKp46−ILC3s. Importantly, when piglets were subjected to a 4-h challenge with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, both the percentages of ILC3s significantly increased, accompanied by increased IL-22 production, highlighting their importance in maintaining intestinal health. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights for future related research.

Sustainability language found in forest plans and its mathematical modeling potential

Over the last fifty years, management plans have become more descriptive with regard to the potential sustainability of forest systems, raising questions about the feasibility of implementing management activities and ensuring the sustainability of a wide variety of ecosystem services. To assess this issue, we conducted a survey among forest planning and operation research communities in the United States to understand their perceptions regarding the potential of a sample of sustainability statements currently used in national forest plans to be incorporated into optimization models or other mathematical operations. A total of 65 people responded to the survey, resulting in a response rate of 16.5%. Almost 70% of the respondents reported having over 30 years in their specified fields. The results revealed that only 3 out of 15 statements from the sample were deemed to have relatively mature or firm methodologies and data to enable inclusion in modern mathematical models for land use optimization. Of the three statements, two were related to economic sustainability, offering quantifiable information such as a non-declining flow of wood products over time and limits on the amount of timber harvested per decade. In contrast, sociocultural and, to some extent, ecological statements regarding sustainability were generally perceived to be more difficult to translate into mathematical modeling efforts. Particularly challenging were statements corresponding to sustaining natural or scenic characteristics of a forest. These findings may be attributed to various factors, including a lack of measurable indicators for sustainability and a potential lack of understanding about the modeling components and their interactions with planned management activities.

Global Threats to Sustainability: Evolving Perspectives of Latvian Students (2016–2022)

In an increasingly interconnected world facing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality, citizenship education plays a critical role in preparing young people for responsible democratic participation and sustainability. This study aims to develop a model to explain factors influencing Latvian students’ perceptions of global threats, comparing data from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)’s International Civic and Citizenship Study (ICCS) cycles in 2016 and 2022, to assess how these opinions have evolved and their implications for promoting sustainability through civic education. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to test the latent factor structure modeling the students’ perceptions of environmental and economic threats to the world’s future. A multi-group structural equation model is constructed and used with the corresponding descriptive statistics to analyze various background factor effects on students’ sustainability concerns. The results of the study indicate that citizenship knowledge, as well as various student-level background factors, have an impact on environmental and economic sustainability concerns among 13-year-old students. In some instances, these effects are mediated by students’ civic knowledge level, while in other instances, they are directly attributed to the background factors. The findings show that there may have been some shift in students’ perceptions of sustainability threats, and the role of civic education may have changed in this respect. Furthermore, the varying levels of knowledge across various levels of background factors may suggest that content in lessons must be differentiated according to the needs of groups to support their understanding of the importance of sustainability.

Electrified Enhanced Recovery of Lithium from Unconventional Sources.

Demand for lithium is expected to quadruple by the end of the decade. Without new sources of production, the supply-demand curve is expected to invert. Traditional geological reserves will not be able to meet the anticipated gap, thus unconventional sources of lithium will need to be utilized, setting the stage for fierce competition for perhaps the most critical of mineral resources required for the energy transition. Direct Lithium Extraction refers to the umbrella of technologies being developed to access lithium from unconventional sources. Electrochemical extraction offers significant promise for its selectivity and low operating cost when coupled with renewable energy. This review aims to describe materials and process design considerations for electrochemical extraction of lithium from aqueous sources with a specific emphasis on ζ-V2O5 designed in our research group as an insertion host. We point to specific strategies for improving capacity and selectivity for electrochemical lithium extraction based on materials design across length scales. Strategies range from site-selective modification of insertion hosts to controlled tortuosity of ion diffusion pathways in porous electrode architectures. Electrochemical lithium extraction from unconventional sources stands poised to be a linchpin of a sustainable economy when coupled with cleaning of wastewater, hydrogen generation, and recovery of ancillary critical metals.

Training in Marketing Skills Associated With The Fair Trade System For Sustainable Economic Development in Artisanal Fishermen in The Rural Area of Manta Canton, Ecuador

Objective: This article proposes a methodology for training in marketing skills, associated with the fair trade system for sustainable economic development in artisanal fishermen in the rural area of Manta canton, Ecuador. Theoretical Framework: The presented text offers a comprehensive vision of the training of marketing skills, with a particular focus on the context of artisanal fishermen and the application of fair trade. Method: The type of research assumed is quantitative, explanatory, experimental, and within it, the pre-experimental type, since it first explains the logic, the path, and the way to follow for the training of marketing skills in fishermen in the rural area of Manta canton, Ecuador. Likewise, the results that were achieved from a quantitative point of view with the implementation of the methodology are presented. Results and Discussion: This research represents a valuable contribution to the field of education and rural development, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive and contextualized training for the empowerment of producers and the construction of a more just and sustainable future. Training in marketing skills, based on fair trade, is revealed as a key tool to improve the living conditions of artisanal fishermen and promote more equitable and sustainable economic development. Implications of the Research: The results of this research have important implications for the formulation of public policies, education, and international cooperation, and can serve as a basis for future research that promotes sustainable development and equity in the fishing sector. Originality/Value: The research presented stands out for its originality in focusing on a little-studied sector such as artisanal fishermen and linking marketing training with fair trade. Its value lies in its ability to improve the living conditions of fishermen, strengthen local development, and promote fairer trade practices.

Global legal frameworks for an equitable energy transition: Balancing growth and justice in developing economies

The global energy transition towards sustainable, low-carbon sources is crucial in mitigating climate change and achieving long-term energy security. However, for developing economies, this transition presents unique challenges, given the need to balance economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of global legal frameworks guiding the equitable energy transition, focusing on how these frameworks can be adapted to the specific contexts of developing economies. We examine international agreements, national policies, and regulatory mechanisms that address energy access, carbon reduction, and economic equity. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of integrating social justice principles to ensure that vulnerable communities within developing nations benefit from the transition without bearing disproportionate costs. Key issues discussed include policy alignment, financial support mechanisms, technology transfer, capacity building, and stakeholder inclusivity. By evaluating case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, this paper offers insights into best practices and emerging trends for a fair energy transition. Recommendations are provided to policymakers to develop adaptable frameworks that balance growth aspirations with justice imperatives, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive energy future for all. Keywords: Energy Transition, Legal Frameworks, Developing Economies, Sustainable Energy, Social Justice.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES IN MODERN INDIA: HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND IMPACT

Environmental policies in modern India have undergone significant transformation, reflecting the country's evolving socio-economic conditions, global environmental concerns, and its commitment to sustainable development. The journey of India's environmental policy can be traced back to its post-independence era, where economic growth was prioritized, often at the expense of environmental considerations. Early policy frameworks lacked a coherent environmental focus, with limited institutional mechanisms for protecting natural resources. However, in the 1970s, influenced by the global environmental movement and events like the 1972 Stockholm Conference, India began to formalize its environmental approach, marking the beginning of policy reforms aimed at balancing development with ecological preservation. Important milestones in India's environmental policy include the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 1985, the promulgation of the Environment Protection Act (1986), and the National Forest Policy (1988), which aimed to curb deforestation and promote sustainable land use. The 1990s and 2000s saw India increasingly engaging with international environmental frameworks, including the Rio Earth Summit (1992) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997), and emphasizing the integration of environmental concerns into the developmental agenda. Despite these advancements, the impact of environmental policies in India remains mixed. While there has been notable success in areas such as wildlife conservation, pollution control, and biodiversity preservation, challenges like deforestation, water scarcity, and industrial pollution persist. The growing pressures of industrialization, urbanization, and climate change present ongoing challenges in policy implementation. Additionally, the tension between economic development and environmental sustainability continues to be a contentious issue. This paper examines the historical evolution of environmental policies in India, assesses their impact on ecological conservation, and explores the ongoing challenges and future directions for achieving a balance between growth and sustainability. KEYWORDS: Environmental Policies, India, Historical Context, Sustainable Development, Deforestation, Industrialization, Climate Change, Wildlife Conservation, Economic Growth, Environmental Governance.

Bioenergy and bioproducts from cashew apple bagasse: a scientometric overview and strategies for sustainable utilization

AbstractThe potential of cashew apple bagasse in advancing a circular bioeconomy is being recognized increasingly. Traditionally viewed as a mere byproduct, this agroindustrial residue is acknowledged for its value in producing biofuels and bioproducts through innovative processes. This review highlights the growing research on cashew apple bagasse, emphasizing its nutritional potential and versatility as a biomass platform for generating products. Advances in pretreatment and fermentation strategies have enhanced bioprocess efficiency and aligned these processes with sustainability goals by utilizing residual materials and reducing environmental impacts. Cashew apple bagasse has also demonstrated considerable promise for enzymatic applications, including enzyme immobilization and biopolymer production, such as polylactic acid. These applications offer eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum‐based products. Emerging trends in bioenergy research underscore the importance of overcoming technical challenges related to biomass pretreatment, carbon capture, and sustainable production technologies. Innovations in digital financing, artificial intelligence, and hydrogen production are pivotal for the commercial viability of biorefineries. Overall, the promising findings from studies on cashew apple bagasse highlight its crucial role in renewable energy and bioproducts, reinforcing its potential to contribute significantly to a sustainable and circular economy.

Correction: Bennett, A.W.; Loose, S.M. Benchmarking Economic Sustainability: What Factors Explain Heterogeneity Between Wine Businesses? Sustainability 2023, 15, 16686

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]

SOVREMENNAYa INNOVATsIONNAYa POLITIKA, ORIENTIROVANNAYa NA MISSII (primer Germanii)

New trends in global economic development, such as the processes of transnationalisation, economic and energy crises, gaps in foreign trade and logistics chains, challenges of modern technological development, intensify the competition of companies in world markets. The governments of the developed countries and large multinational corporations are actively engaged in radical transformation of the modern social and economic world development model on the basis of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Germany is at the forefront of this global agenda. According to the German government, the development and introduction of transformative innovations is one of the tools that brings the world closer to sustainable development model. Such innovations do not only lead to technical progress, but also solve important social problems. To force through rapid modernisation German government has chosen a time-tested method – mission-oriented innovation policy (MOIP). State becomes the leading actor of the national innovation system, setting the goals of technological development and mobilising economic resources required to achieve these goals. For the first time, the missions of innovation policy were formalised in government documents in 2018. In early 2023 the new German government updated the drafting and composition of the missions. This article discusses the theoretical foundations of the MOIP approach to the formation of government innovation policy, describes the missions of the innovation policy of Germany, approved in 2018 and 2023, and examines the practical results of the implementation of some missions in 2018‒2022 on the example of renewable energy technologies introduction, building up battery cell production in Germany, developing clean mobility, putting German indigenous artificial intelligence technologies into practical application, digital healthcare, creating sustainable circular economies.

Proteolytic and Biofilm-forming Capacity of Bacteria Isolated from a UHT Milk Processing Plant

The destabilization of milk during processing, caused by bacteria, represents a significant challenge for the dairy industry. This study aimed to determine the spoilage potential of 31 psychrotrophic, mesophilic, or thermophilic strains isolated from the UHT-milk production chain. This encompassed the biofilm-forming ability on polystyrene and stainless-steel surfaces, along with the strains' caseinolytic activity and heat resistance. The effect of 5 mM MgCl2 on the biofilm-forming capacity was also determined. The results indicated that the spoilage potential is highly strain-dependent. On polystyrene Pseudomonas brenneri C10.3.4, Staphylococcus pasteuri RE1.9, and B. licheniformis SDP.15 were the strongest biofilm-formers of each group, whereas on stainless-steel, Pseudomonas lactis D1.11, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei P2.20 and Bacillus sonorensis C4.13 exhibited the highest capacity. Staphylococcus pasteuri RE1.9 and Staphylococcus epidermidis E3.6 biofilm cells showed the highest heat resistance. Moreover, biofilm-born cells of the spore-forming B. licheniformis SDP.15 and B. sonorensis C4.13 were significantly more heat-resistant than their free-cell equivalents. Furthermore, 22 of the assessed strains showed proteolytic activity, although only the proteases produced by P. lactis E6.10 maintained their enzymatic activity after being treated at 92°C. These findings may contribute to developing strategies to enhance the dairy industry's long-term economic sustainability. Keywords: UHT milk; spoilage potential; caseinolytic activity; biofilm-forming ability; thermal resistance