Wrap Films Research Articles

Advancement of an Environmentally Friendly and Innovative Sustainable Rubber Wrap Film with Superior Sealing Properties.

Common kitchen wraps like plastic and aluminum foil create significant environmental burdens. Plastic wrap, typically made from non-renewable fossil fuels, often ends up in landfills for centuries, breaking down into harmful microplastics. Aluminum foil, while effective, requires a large amount of energy to produce, and recycling it at home can be impractical due to food residue. A promising new alternative, low-nitrosamine rubber wrap film, aims to reduce waste by offering a reusable option compared to traditional single-use plastic wrap. The film is environmentally friendly, durable, and effective in sealing containers and keeping food fresh or crispy. The raw materials used to make the product were studied, namely fresh and concentrated natural rubber latex. No nitrosamines were found in either the fresh or concentrated latex, which is important as nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic. The absence of nitrosamines in the raw materials suggests that the universal rubber wrap film is safe for use. In this study, the rubber formulation and properties of rubber used to make rubber wrap film were studied. The content of additives affecting the rubber properties was varied to find the optimum rubber formulation for making rubber wrap films. The rubber formulation with the least amount of chemicals that met the following criteria was selected: tensile strength of at least 15 MPa, elongation at break of at least 600%, and nitrosamine content below 6 ppm. It was found experimentally that the optimum rubber formulation for making a translucent rubber film had 0.7 phr zinc oxide and 1.0 phr sulfur. Performance tests revealed the rubber wrap film's superior sealing capabilities. Its elasticity allows for a tighter fit on containers, effectively conforming to various shapes and creating an optimal seal compared to plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The results of this study provide valuable information for developing a universal rubber wrap film that is safe with low nitrosamines.

Analysis of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polymer Materials Derived from Recycled Overprinted Metallized PP Films.

Polymer materials and their composites are one of the most frequently used materials in the packaging and food industries. This applies to both disposable and reusable packaging, layered films with barrier properties, as well as densely overprinted polymer films and metallized food wrap films. According to statistical data from Plastics Europe, approximately 40% of processed thermoplastics are used to produce packaging, including single- and multi-layer film packaging. Growing requirements and new EU directives require the use of recycled materials in new products, which is not easy because the properties of recyclates may differ significantly from those of the primary materials with which the former are mixed. This work attempts to analyze the properties of the primary material used to produce a film using the casting method in comparison with the industrial recyclate obtained by the processing of film made of the primary material and then overprinted and metallized. The process of obtaining re-granulates and preparing test samples was presented, and the mechanical, structural, and thermal properties of the tested materials were compared. The conducted research and the obtained results demonstrated the advisability of conducting advanced mechanical recycling, which leads to obtaining re-granulates with repeatable processing properties and thermal and mechanical properties comparable to the original material despite the impurities they contain.

Arc plasma for high-efficiency ionization and scavenging of plasticizers in wrap films

Herein, ambient electric arc ionization mass spectrometry was used to examine 16 plasticizers in various wrap films, demonstrating high sensitivity (detection limit: <0.2 ng/mg) and precision (intra-/inter-day precision: <12 %). The ease of operation helps in the identification of wrap film and plasticizer analysis. In addition, the introduction of a cold arc plasma treatment presents a practical and innovative method for effectively eliminating plasticizers. This innovative strategy has implications for both environmental protection and food safety.

Closed-loop supply chain potential of agricultural plastic waste: Economic and environmental assessment of bale wrap waste recycling in Finland

It is estimated that 12000 tons of plastic waste is annually generated from the agricultural sector in Finland, and more than half of it comprises bale wrap films. Up to 70% of plastic film waste from the agricultural sector in Finland goes into landfills, and only around 10% is recycled. Recycling plastic material is desirable in order to close the loop in achieving a circular economy. This paper aims to assess the environmental and economic implications of bale wrap collection and recycling within the Finnish context. Two different collection scenarios, S1 (once a year collection) and S2 (twice a year collection), covering 179 farms, were assessed. The research applied vehicle routing problem and environmental life cycle costing to quantify the cost and environmental impact per ton of granulate recycled material produced. It took a consequential approach, where the system boundary was expanded, and product substitution was considered. Overall, S1 offers 27% more economic savings with 36% less global warming potential (GWP) than S2. The collection phase, which has not commonly been included in existing recycling studies, shows significance in both scenarios. Although it only contributed about 0.7-1.2% to GWP, collection accounted for 32-36% of the total economic cost. Critical parameters were primarily associated with the market substitution factor and material loss during the recycling process. This study demonstrates that recycling bale wrap can provide environmental and economic savings. Furthermore, it shows the importance of decision-makers in prioritizing goals to balance environmental and economic objectives.

Photocatalytic Conversion of Waste Plastics into C2 Fuels under Simulated Natural Environment Conditions.

Reported here is the first highly selective conversion of various waste plastics into C2 fuels under simulated natural environment conditions by a sequential photoinduced C-C cleavage and coupling pathway, where single-use bags, disposable food containers, food wrap films, and their main components of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride can be photocatalytically transformed into CH3 COOH without using sacrificial agents. As an example, polyethylene is photodegraded 100 % into CO2 within 40 h by single-unit-cell thick Nb2 O5 layers, while the produced CO2 is further photoreduced to CH3 COOH. Various methods and experiments disclose that O2 and . OH radicals trigger the oxidative C-C cleavage of polyethylene to form CO2 , while other investigations show that the yielded CH3 COOH stems from CO2 photoreduction by C-C coupling of . COOH intermediates. This two-step plastic-to-fuel conversion may help to simultaneously address the white pollution crisis and harvest highly valuable multicarbon fuels in natural environments.

Photocatalytic Conversion of Waste Plastics into C2 Fuels under Simulated Natural Environment Conditions

AbstractReported here is the first highly selective conversion of various waste plastics into C2 fuels under simulated natural environment conditions by a sequential photoinduced C−C cleavage and coupling pathway, where single‐use bags, disposable food containers, food wrap films, and their main components of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride can be photocatalytically transformed into CH3COOH without using sacrificial agents. As an example, polyethylene is photodegraded 100 % into CO2 within 40 h by single‐unit‐cell thick Nb2O5 layers, while the produced CO2 is further photoreduced to CH3COOH. Various methods and experiments disclose that O2 and .OH radicals trigger the oxidative C−C cleavage of polyethylene to form CO2, while other investigations show that the yielded CH3COOH stems from CO2 photoreduction by C−C coupling of .COOH intermediates. This two‐step plastic‐to‐fuel conversion may help to simultaneously address the white pollution crisis and harvest highly valuable multicarbon fuels in natural environments.

Safety assessment of the substance trimellitic acid, tris (2-ethylhexyl) ester, for use in food contact materials.

This scientific opinion of the EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing aids (CEP Panel) is on the safety assessment of trimellitic acid, tris(2‐ethylhexyl) ester, intended to be used as a plasticiser in the manufacture of soft poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) materials and articles, such as wrap films (single uses) and tubing (repeated uses) at up to approximately 10% and 40%, respectively. Under the tested conditions, the substance migrated up to 165 μg/kg food from wrap films and was not detected in food simulant in contact with tubing. Based on the three reported in vitro genotoxicity studies, the Panel concluded that the substance does not raise concern for genotoxicity. The lowest no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL), derived from a 90‐day oral toxicity study, was 225 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day. Based on data on toxicokinetic and metabolism, the substance does not give rise to concern for accumulation in humans. The substance does not cause developmental effects as induced by phthalic acid, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) ester (DEHP). Assuming that impurities migrate pro‐rata to a migration of the substance up to 5 mg/kg food, their estimated migration does not raise a safety concern. The Panel concluded that the substance does not raise safety concern for the consumer when used in the manufacture of soft PVC under the conditions requested by the applicant for (i) single use wrap films in contact with food for which simulants A, B and D1 are assigned, as well as (ii) tubing for repeated contacts with food for which simulants A and B are assigned. Overall, the use of the substance does not raise a safety concern if its migration does not exceed 5 mg/kg food. Due to the additional contribution from other sources of exposures, the application of an allocation factor should be considered.

Biodegradable Protein‐based Films and Their Properties: A Comparative Study

Biodegradable protein‐based films prepared from different protein sources [commercial bovine gelatine (CG), giant catfish skin gelatine (GG), soy protein isolates (SPI), fish myofibrillar protein (FMP) and whey protein concentrate (WPC)] were all investigated for their mechanical, physical, chemical, thermal and barrier properties. The properties of the resulting films were then compared with those of commercial wrap films [polyvinyl chloride (PVC)]. The film forming solution containing 7% (w/v) protein and 50% (w/w) glycerol was used to produce the films through a casting method. Of the protein‐based films, the GG film had the highest tensile strength and elongation, while the WPC film exhibited the lowest film solubility, water vapour permeability, light transmission in UV‐Vis range (200–800 nm) and film transparency. However, the colour of the FMP film and the thickness were closer to that of the PVC film, particularly the L* and b* values. The appearances of the protein‐based films were similar to the PVC film, and they were uniformly transparent. Therefore, biodegradable films produced from different types of protein sources exhibited differences in their properties. These results are consistent with data from FTIR and protein pattern analyses. Based on these findings, different sources of protein‐based films can be used as an alternative for food packaging applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and coating for improving preservation of whole and sliced Agaricus bisporus.

Freshness of mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) was related to the internal atmosphere composition during modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) experiments using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wrap, polyethylene-1 (PE-1) and PE-2 films. The packaged mushrooms were stored at 12°C for 7days and lightness value, browning index, weight loss and maturity index were also measured. The results obtained showed that the whiteness of whole mushrooms varied significantly with the type of coating (chitosan and CaCl2), but not with the type of packaging films. It was evident that the extent of darkening in whole mushroom was greater than in sliced ones after coated. In addition, mushroom in PE-2 package exhibited the lowest weight loss due to the lower permeability of film. And the type of packaging films significantly affected the maturity index of mushroom, where PE-2 packaging most effectively lowered maturity index for both whole and sliced mushrooms. By considering the overall quality, it was obvious that PE-2 packaging combined with coating treatment was the most effective to improve the preservation of mushrooms stored at 12°C up to 7days and satisfy consumer acceptance.

Distance and protective barrier effects on the composite resin degree of conversion

Context:The food wrap films are used to cover the tip of curing light units in order to avoid contamination and prevent damage to the light guide. However, their effects on resin polymerization are not fully known.Aims:We investigated the effects on restoration efficiency of a food wrap protective barrier used on the tip of curing light units.Materials and Methods:For each treatment, five replications were performed, a total of 60 bovine incisor. The degree of conversion (%DC) of restorations with the composite resin Opallis EA2 was evaluated using 3 curing light devices (Optilux 501, Optilight and Ultra LED) and 2 curing distances (0 and 5 mm). The composite resin was tested for restoration of cavities in bovine crowns. %DC values were measured by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance technique.Statistical Analysis Used:The data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's test.Results:Use of the protective film lowered %DC (F = 4.13; P = 0.05), and the effects of curing distance were associated to the curing light device (F = 3.61; P = 0.03).Conclusions:The distance from the light curing tip and use of a translucent protective barrier on the light-cure device can both impair composite resin %DC.

Effect of packaging on storage life and quality of cauliflower stored at low temperature

Medium sized cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) curds after removing outer leaves, sorting and without washing were packed in different packaging films and stored at 0 ± 1°C, 90-95% RH. Changes in curd colour, texture, physiological loss in weight, spoilage and sensory quality were evaluated at weekly interval upto 28 days. Cauliflower curds individual packed in high density polyethylene bags (20 μm) with perforation (6 holes/bag) can be stored up to 21 days at 0 ± 1°C and 90-95% RH with maximum retention of white colour of curd, minimum spoilage, weight and firmness loss and good sensory quality attributes. The use of cling wrap films should be avoided as this leads to accumulation of excessive moisture resulting in huge spoilage loss.

Better shrinkage than Shrinky-Dinks

Polyolefins are finding increased popularity in microfluidic applications due to their attractive mechanical, processing, and optical properties. While intricate features are typically realized in these thermoplastics by hot embossing and injection molding, such fabrication approaches are expensive and slow. Here, we apply our shrink-induced approach-first demonstrated with polystyrene 'Shrinky-Dink' sheets-to create micro- and nanostructures with cross-linked polyolefin thin films. These multi-layered films shrink by 95% and with greater uniformity than the Shrinky-Dinks. With such significant reduction in size, along with attractive material properties, such commodity films could find important applications in low cost microfluidic prototyping as well as in point-of-care diagnostics. In this technical note, we demonstrate the ability to rapidly and easily create unique microstructures, increase microarray feature density, and even induce self-assembled integrated metallic nanostructures with these shrink wrap films.

Potential of Far-Ultraviolet Absorption Spectroscopy as a Highly Sensitive Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Method for Polymer Films, Part I: Classification of Commercial Food Wrap Films

The aim of the present study is to propose a totally new technique for the utilization of far-ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy in polymer thin film analysis. Far-UV spectra in the 120-300 nm region have been measured in situ for six kinds of commercial polymer wrap films by use of a novel type of far-UV spectrometer that does not need vacuum evaporation. These films can be straightforwardly classified into three groups, polyethylene (PE) films, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films, and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) films, by using the raw spectra. The differences in the wavelength of the absorption band due to the sigma-sigma* transition of the C-C bond have been used for the classification of the six kinds of films. Using this method, it was easy to distinguish the three kinds of PE films and to separate the two kinds of PVDC films. Compared with other spectroscopic methods, the advantages of this technique include nondestructive analysis, easy spectral measurement, high sensitivity, and simple spectral analysis. The present study has demonstrated that far-UV spectroscopy is a very promising technique for polymer film analysis.

The Effect of Extrusion Conditions and Material Properties on the Gas Permeation Properties of LDPE/LLDPE Silage Wrap Films

This study investigates the effect of extrusion processing conditions and comonomer type on the gas permeation properties of LLDPE films containing polyisobutylene (PIB). The results show improved gas barrier properties with increasing polymer density and with increases in film crystallinity and orientation as a result of extrusion processing conditions such as blow-up ratios.

Plasticulture comes of age

The role that plastics additives are playing in agricultural applications is varied and growing at a rapid rate. Plastics are used in greenhouses to promote growth and as mulch films to suppress weeds and diseases, as well as in bale wrap films and containers for seedlings. Jennifer Markarian looks at some of the areas where improvements in additive technology are expanding the role of plastics in agriculture.

트랙터 견인형 원형 베일 랩퍼의 개발(I) -랩핑 작업공정 분석 및 작업 시스템의 개발-

One of the major obstructing factors against managing dairy farm in Korea has been a shortage of roughage supply, which resulted in excessive abuse of concentrate feed. In order to solve this problem, production of the wrap silage by the winter cereal forages raised in the fallow paddy field is strongly recommended in Korea. The main objective is to develop a tractor attached round bale wrapper which can process the silage by wrapping the round bales with thin plastic films. This is the first half of the study which is divided by two parts. In this first part, bale wrapping process was analyzed, and based on this results the followings were designed, developed and tested. 1. Bale wrapper which haying the maximum capacity of 1 ton bale with various functions such as loading, wrapping, discharging the round bales and supplying and cutting wrap films was designed. 2. An actuator and its hydraulic circuit of each process were developed and tested. 3. Also, the variations of hydraulic pressure and engine speed were investigated by operating bale wrapper developed. In this test, maximum pressure of the hydraulic circuit for the bale wrapping was 130 kg/㎠ when it raised the bale, which was quite below the relief pressure of 170 kg/㎠ of hydraulic circuit. In the engine speed test, speed drop was 20∼67 rpm, which meant that there was no over-load operation. Therefore, the experiment proved that developed hydraulic circuit and mechanism is stable in bale wrapping operation

Cold plasma surface modification of conventionally and nonconventionally plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)-based flexible films: Global and specific migration of additives into isooctane

The effect of plasma-induced surface crosslinking of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)-based flexible films was investigated to limit its migration from packaging into fatty foodstuffs. The global migration was monitored by immersion into isooctane and the specific migrations of di-2-ethylhexyladipate (DEHA) and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) were monitored by supercritical fluid chromatography analysis of the resulting isooctane solution. The plasma induced modifications were monitored with respect to the surface energy, weight loss, and surface crosslinking. The global migration from conventionally plasticized film, whose composition corresponds to an ordinarily used formulation for the manufacture of PVC wrap films, was controlled by different plasma treatments and the best results were obtained with Ar plasma. Further decreases in global migration were obtained by treating permanently plasticized films containing an elastomeric ethylene-based terpolymer (EE) in complete or partial replacement of DEHA. Before treatment, the replacement of DEHA with EE increased the DEHA and ESO specific migrations. Argon plasma treatment of permanently plasticized films led to samples that did not exhibit any migration. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 1384–1393, 2001

Determination of the extinction coefficient of weakly absorbing dielectrics in the near-ultraviolet region

A method is presented for obtaining the approximate values of the extinction coefficient of weakly absorbing dielectrics in the near-UV region. In the method we use only the transmittance data of a dielectric plate or film and do not need the dispersion data of the refractive index. The method was applied to the determination of the extinction coefficients of wrap films.

Plastic recording media for holography at 106 μm

A search for recording media suitable for holography at wavelengths comparable to the 10.6 microm of a CO(2) laser has led to the successful use of Saran Wrap plastic films and of thick acrylic plates. Holographic phase recording has been made with a 1-W single mode cw CO(2) laser yielding incident intensities up to 3.5 W/cm(2). Holographic reconstruction at a wavelength of 632.8 nm has given a diffraction efficiency up to 20%. At a wavelength of 10.6 microm, reconstruction by reflection on the silver-coated surface of an acrylic plate had a diffraction efficiency of 0.5%. It was observed that the recording is less linear on acrylic plates than on Saran Wrap films.