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Bright print images help any product on the shelf stand out, attract the consumer, and add a unique value to the product. This research work is to empirically identify significant factors and optimize printing press parameters like press speed (x1: 5000, 7000, and 9000 sheets per hour), ink viscosity (x2: 15, 25, 35 Pa·s), and blanket rubber hardness (x3: 65, 70 and 75 shore A) to achieve prints with rich chroma yet with low dot gain in the lithography process, the most economical and widely used process today in the field of label and packaging industry. The parameters used during the printing process can affect the physical dot gain and the color of printed images. To study this, measurements were taken of the dot gain (y1) and color (measured in terms of lightness (y2) and chroma (y3)) at three different dot areas - highlight (25 %), middle tone (50 %), and shadow (75 %). Box-Behnken Design was used to test fifteen different print conditions. The second-order polynomial model's fit quality was good concerning the responses. The optimum printing machine conditions determined to minimize dot gain and lightness and maximize chroma were a press speed of 5000 sheets per hour, 30 Pa·s ink viscosity, and blanket rubber having 70 A shore hardness. The optimized values agreed with the predicted responses were acceptable, considering the right balance of minimum dot gain, higher chroma, and lower lightness to give the vibrant yet controlled halftone dot area in print production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of perforation patterns on the compressive strength of cardboard packaging is a critical concern in the packaging industry, where optimizing material usage without compromising structural integrity is essential. This study aims to investigate how different perforation designs affect the load-bearing capacity of cardboard boxes. Utilizing finite element method (FEM) simulations, we assessed the compressive strength of packaging made of various types of corrugated cardboards, including E, B, C, EB, and BC flutes with different heights. Mechanical testing was conducted to obtain accurate material properties for the simulations. Packaging dimensions were varied to generalize the findings across different sizes. Results showed that perforation patterns significantly influenced the compressive strength, with reductions ranging from 14% to 43%, compared to non-perforated packaging. Notably, perforations on multiple walls resulted in the highest strength reductions. The study concludes that while perforations are necessary for functionality and aesthetics, their design must be carefully considered to minimize negative impacts on structural integrity. These findings provide valuable insights for designing more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Export-led industrialization is crucial for economic growth, emphasizing the shift from primary production to manufacturing. Malawi aims for industrialization through its National Export Strategy (NES), focusing on oilseed and sugarcane products and manufacturing. However, research gaps exist on export promotion programs' impact, especially in less developed countries like Malawi and specific sectors like plastics and packaging. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods for robust analysis. All 13 firms in Malawi's plastics and packaging industry were surveyed in Blantyre and Lilongwe to assess the impact of the National Export Strategy (NES). A questionnaire with 37 questions across six sections, adapted from prior research, was used to gather comprehensive data on various aspects such as employment, production, and investment. Ethical clearance was obtained, and completed questionnaires underwent thorough review before data analysis. Results are presented in subsequent sections. The impact of Malawi's National Export Strategy (NES) on its plastics and packaging industry highlights vital challenges. Employment suffers from a lack of skilled labor, stemming from a mismatch with training institutions. Firms struggle with limited access to finance and high borrowing costs, hindering investment. High taxes and duties hamper export competitiveness, while unreliable energy supply increases operational costs. Additionally, transportation expenses impede raw material imports, exports, and local distribution. These findings underscore the need to address skill mismatches, enhance financial access, reduce trade barriers, and improve infrastructure to bolster the industry's resilience and competitiveness under the NES. Policy implications include collaborating with financial institutions to enhance access to grants and affordable credit, imposing higher import taxes on finished products to protect local producers, improving energy supply, enhancing transportation infrastructure, introducing incentives for investment in support services, raising awareness of NES benefits, and establishing industry-specific meetings to address sector-specific issues. These measures aim to bolster the plastics and packaging industry's competitiveness and support its growth under the NES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering / Revista Brasileira de Engenharia de Produção is the property of Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nowadays, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly powerful. Artificial intelligence technology can pave the way for the evolution of the packaging industry along the entire logistics chain, particularly from material production to packaging and distribution. Growing market demand for eco-friendly materials and packaging is driving the packaging industry to implement artificial intelligence. Efficient selective sorting is often used to improve recycling and reduce environmental impact. Artificial intelligence offers a wide range of possibilities in this area. This review presents an area of the packaging industry where artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role. This is particularly applicable to its importance in packaging waste management, i.e. the recycling of packaging waste and the design of environmentally friendly packaging. The use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing to optimise tasks, improve quality control and optimise production processes leads to increased productivity and efficiency, while also affecting the competitiveness of packaging manufacturers. All of these activities result in a reduction in the costs involved and also have a positive impact on innovation, which can ultimately provide a commercial advantage. In this paper, which is a review paper, we have presented the current challenges of the packaging market and how artificial intelligence can be used in it. On the basis of the literature review conducted in this paper, it has been shown that artificial intelligence is an extremely important area for the further development of the packaging industry. Artificial intelligence has great potential to improve the recycling of packaging waste and the design of environmentally friendly packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposable plastic packaging has been conceptualised as a market device that has effects on the functioning of economic markets. It is particularly influential in food retail environments but also has significant environmental consequences. Consumers are aware of these issues, and this paper addresses their questions and objections to the packaging market device for fresh food. Drawing on empirical insights from 28 interviews and 25 completed research diaries conducted as part of the 'Reducing plastic packaging and food waste through product innovation simulation' project, these contestations are explored in a number of ways. Firstly, it explores how such objections become possible and the role of unintended consequences of marketing arrangements. Secondly, conflicting ontologies of freshness are examined, as they also create the potential for objections. Thirdly, the paper engages with the role of responsibility, looking at how municipal recycling systems and packaging design enable contestations. Exploring these contestations contributes to an understanding of how we can address non-market effects of market devices, once they have left the physical spaces associated with market activity and moved into other spheres of activity. It also holds several contributions for debates concerning consumer engagement and acceptance of plastic packaging and plastics policy discourses more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the study: This study attempts to answer the question whether it is possible to reduce the quantity of packaging waste generated by online stores through modification of the ways they operate. Due to the dynamic development of e-commerce, the problem of packaging waste is becoming increasingly visible - its overall quantity has increased significantly in recent years. Daily observations of online shoppers and review of websites of packaging manufacturers, for e-commerce demonstrate that problems such as empty space in boxes or the use of various types of fillers or too much plastic are important for both buyers and sellers. Given these phenomena and expected growth trends - both in terms of the packaging waste generated by e-commerce and the need to pursue the principles of sustainable development - actions should be taken to implement the first goal of the waste hierarchy: reduction of the quantities of waste. Methodology/approach: In order to answer this question, a survey was conducted among consumer electronics store employees responsible for shipping products. The survey questionnaire contained questions and responses arranged on a Likert scale. Limitations: The study touched upon the issue of reducing the quantity of waste generated by e-commerce and focused mainly on changing the approach in stores at the operational level. Meanwhile, it would be possible to introduce changes already at the stage of packaging production. It is known that new materials and products are being developed which could be used for shipments, as they are greener. It is certainly possible to make changes at the packaging design stage. Implications: The conclusions of the following study are primarily applicable at the operational management level. On their basis, guidelines and tips for packaging in e-commerce shops can be formulated. Value: The study shows a great potential for online store staff in terms of reducing empty spaces and fillers, and also confirms the existence of a trend in perceiving "green" stores as more competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the formal and graphic elements around the hegemonic masculinities and femininities of the packaging of industrial bakery and biscuit products aimed at children and young people. A content analysis was conducted on 10 of the most widely consumed brands of industrial bakery and biscuit products in Spain and widely present on the international market. In addition, a scale of dominant masculinity was developed as a tool to analyze the most egalitarian narratives on the packaging. The results suggest that there are unequal narratives linked to hegemonic masculinity and femininity. The use of blue and yellow, the latter not having a traditional link to masculinity, is related to men in terms of aggressiveness and bravery stereotypes. The women represented on packaging with these same colours are presented in terms of sympathy or kindness, as well as stereotypes connected to beauty. The products contain homogeneous stereotypes and are associated more with men than with women. However, 2 out of 10 brands do not insert characters linked to sexual attributes or gender stereotypes. Therefore, our findings suggest that hegemonic gender scripts are inscribed on packaging less obviously than in other traditional media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy and sustainable solutions achieve remarkable interest to guarantee the freshness and quality of food products through packaging. Currently, packaging materials used in the food industries depend highly on non-degradable materials and thus cause environmental damage. Ideal packaging materials require outstanding mechanical and barrier properties without causing any damage to the packed items. In this sense, biodegradable nanomaterials with good antibacterial performance have much significance in the packaging industry. This review focuses on the growing field of nanocellulose-based packaging materials including the various cellulosic particles reinforced composites. Though cellulose-based materials report high mechanical strength, barrier resistance, and biodegradability, sometimes the antibacterial performance and industrial scaling up of the products are compromised. Therefore, the review aims in exploring the major challenges existing in the field, through a systematic but comprehensive study of existing research studies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose --This article aims to analyze normative isomorphism as a mechanism for institutional change and its potential contribution to the institutionalization of the Circular Economy in the packaging market in Brazil. Methodology -- A qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with a semi-structured script. 23 people from the First sector -- government, 15 people from the Second sector -- market, and 15 people from the Third sector -- Non-Governmental Organizations were interviewed. The snowball sampling technique was used to select the interviewees. The content analysis was conducted with categories defined while exploring the data collected, a posteriori, with NVivo software. Findings -- In Brazil, the pressure for socio-environmental product improvements is concentrated on a portion of the population. Most people focus on economic issues. In addition, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and supervisory government agencies play a crucial role in directly demanding that laws are complied with and in encouraging and instructing civil society related to the Circular Economy and sustainability. Research implications -- This article contributes to filling gaps identified in the literature, such as Circular Economy studies that investigate the dynamics of stakeholders. Practical implications -- The research shows that there is room for organizations that operate in the packaging market in Brazil to develop and disseminate actions related to the Circular Economy and sustainability to their consumers, which can become a competitive advantage in the sector. Originality/value -- The research pointed out that the perception of those involved in this supply chain is still not unanimous regarding society's demand for a circular economy and sustainable actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]