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Natural plant fiber‐based packaging materials emerges as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic and non‐biodegradable packaging. This paper presents an extensive review of the current technological status quo and commercial applications of natural plant fiber‐based packaging such as fiber‐based foams, molded pulp packaging, fiber‐based bottles, fiber‐based flexible packaging, fiber‐based blister packaging and stretchable paper. It focuses on the manufacturing processes and newest technology advancement of environmentally sustainable materials, meanwhile, the currently industry‐leading, cutting‐edge commercial products also are discussed. In conclusion, the paper advocates for the pivotal role natural plant fiber‐based packaging plays in transforming the packaging industry, addressing waste reduction, resource conservation, and climate change. It encourages the wider adoption of these materials while acknowledging the complexities involved and the need for continuous research and development to ensure their viability and effectiveness in meeting stringent packaging requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Despite the high global production of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), its peel is often discarded. Transforming beetroot into flour can reduce waste, improve food security, and decrease environmental pollution. However, large-scale feasibility depends on understanding drying kinetics and optimal storage conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different temperatures in the convective drying of whole beetroot and evaluate the influence of laminated flexible and plastic packaging on flour stability over two months. Drying kinetics were analyzed using five models, with the Page and Logarithm models showing the best fit (R2 > 0.99). Def values (1.27 × 10−9 to 2.04 × 10−9 m2 s−1) increased with rising temperatures while drying time was reduced (from 820 to 400 min), indicating efficient diffusion. The activation energy was 29.34 KJ mol−1, comparable to other plant matrices. Drying reduced moisture and increased ash concentration in the flour. The flour showed a good water adsorption capacity and low cohesiveness, making it marketable. Laminated packaging was more effective in controlling physicochemical parameters, reducing hygroscopicity, and maintaining quality over 60 days. In summary, the Page model can predict beetroot drying kinetics effectively, and laminated packaging can control flour stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the EU's ambitious goals is to ensure all plastic packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2030. However, achieving higher recycling rates, particularly in flexible multilayer food packaging, is challenging due to the combination of diverse materials. This highlights the importance of designing for recyclability and exploring alternative barrier solutions. In this study, several types of coatings, such as ORMOCER® (Fraunhofer-ISC, Würzburg, Germany) Michem® Flex B3513 (Michelman International Belgium SRL, Aubange, Belgium), and PVOH (Kuraray Europe GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany), are applied on different polypropylene substrates, including cast PP (CPP70), SiOx, and AlOx-coated PP films. The effect of double coating and optimized curing conditions of ORMOCER® on the oxygen permeability of CPP70 was also investigated. The results showed significant improvements in the barrier properties of PP/SiOx and OPP/AlOx films, and OTR values less than 0.1 cm3/m2·d·bar were achieved. It was also found that ORMOCER® and Michem® Flex B3513 could enhance the oxygen barrier property of CPP70 and the OTR value reduced by a factor of 88 and 551, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic or bioplastic? Which is the least impactful flexible packaging solution for the environment? In literature, few works try to answer this question, and most of them are focused on food packaging applications, comparing only polylactic acid (PLA) with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other virgin plastics. Besides these lacks in the literature, this work aims at contributing to the scientific knowledge, helping in the meanwhile packaging companies to choose the best solution also for hygienic and sanitary applications as far as the environmental impact is concerned. The study is focused on the life cycle assessment of four solutions made of maize starch, PLA and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and a recycled LDPE (R‐LDPE). The functional unit was a flexible packaging containing 10 sanitary towels. Primary data were retrieved thanks to an Italian company, whereas secondary data were extracted from the Ecoinvent 3.7 database. The SimaPro 9.4 software has been used to calculate the global warming, water consumption, acidification and abiotic depletion of elements and fossil fuels of each packaging solution. The results show that the raw materials and packaging production are the most impactful phases during the life cycle of plastics and bioplastics packaging, if compared to the distribution phase, the auxiliary materials involved and the final disposal. Great benefits could be gained using recycled plastics, which allow to reduce the extraction of virgin materials and overall appear as the best solution from an environmental point of view to package also sanitary products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion of chemical feedstocks derived from fossil fuels to virgin polymer, manufacturing of plastics in coal-dependent economies, and increasing consumption of virgin polymers for plastics packaging contribute significantly to environmental issues and the challenges we face. Nowadays, promoting sustainable development has become the consensus of more and more countries. Among them, the recycling of multilayer packaging is a huge challenge. Due to the complexity of its structure and materials, as well as the limitations of existing recycling frameworks, currently, multilayer packaging cannot be commercially recycled thus resulting in a series of circular economy challenges. It is undeniable that multilayer packaging offers many positive effects on products and consumers, so banning the use of such packaging would be unwise and unrealistic. Developing the appropriate processes to recycle multilayer packaging is the most feasible strategy. In recent years, there have been some studies devoted to the recycling process of multilayer packaging. Many of the processes being developed involve the use of solvents. Based on the recycled products, we categorised these recycling processes as solvent-based recycling, including physical dissolution and chemical depolymerisation. In physical dissolution, there are mainly two approaches named delamination and selective dissolution–precipitation. Focusing on these processes, this paper reviews the solvents developed and used in the last 20 years for the recycling of polymers from multilayer packaging waste and gives a summary of their advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, product quality, ease of processing, and environmental impact. Based on existing research, one could conclude that solvent-based recycling methods have the potential to be commercialised and become part of a standard recycling process for polymer-based multilayer packaging. The combined use of multiple solvent-based recycling processes could be a breakthrough in achieving unified recycling of multilayer packaging with different components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A report by Stormwater Shepherds and CIWEM highlights the issue of pollution from highway outfalls in the UK, which discharge toxic chemicals and heavy metals into rivers and water sources. The lack of monitoring and control of pollution from National Highways' road network is a concern for aquatic ecosystems and human health. Funding is needed to implement treatment solutions. Another article discusses the need for the FMCG sector to transition to sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging, but the timeframe for this transition is still significant. The article emphasizes the importance of the industry committing to new packaging materials and embracing innovation. QR codes powered by GS1 are discussed as a tool for brands to simplify interactions with consumers and provide easy access to information. These codes can be used for product-specific instructions, troubleshooting, and repair tutorials, as well as for automatic form completion and supply chain transparency. The article suggests that now is a good time for brands to explore the benefits of using QR codes for personalized consumer interactions and recommends partnering with a trusted technology partner for support. [Extracted from the article]

The document is an editorial from the Journal of Plastic Film & Sheeting. It discusses the current state of Covid, comparing it to the annual flu, and emphasizes the importance of not letting it interfere with our lives. The editor also addresses the issue of plastic pollution, arguing that the blame should be placed on individuals who allow plastic to enter the environment rather than on the plastic itself. The editorial highlights the need for life cycle analysis to make informed decisions about environmental choices and discusses various recycling technologies. It also mentions the issue of forever chemicals contamination and the efforts being made to find alternatives. The editor expresses optimism about progress towards a circular and sustainable economy but acknowledges that it will take time and collaboration between the public and private sectors. The editorial concludes with a call to protect the planet and create a safe and peaceful world for future generations. Additionally, the document includes summaries of four original articles on topics related to plastic film and packaging. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Research has largely disregarded consumer–packaging interaction in contexts other than retail. Focusing on the powerful cue of colour and consumers' pleas for sustainability and drawing on the customer journey and moments of consumption, this study investigates how packaging colour meanings are redefined from retail to home and how the meaning of sustainability for colour transforms. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative methodology was employed with 27 informants, who were interviewed in pairs or in small groups of three. Findings: First, colour meanings emerge outside the retail context, confirming the idea of the packaging journey. Colours are dynamic, as meanings are redefined throughout the voyage. In retail, colour conveys brand, product, environmental and origin-related meanings, while at home it conveys product, food- and health-related meanings. At the end of the journey, colour communicates disposal, environmental, health and origin-related meanings. Second, the meaning of sustainability for colour transforms during the voyage from being conveyed by a colour hue to being perceived as a material and, therefore, as a waste and recycling concern. Originality/value: The study adds insight into the role of colour in the packaging life cycle, wherein colour transforms from a visual packaging cue to an issue of materiality. The recyclability of colours is a prevailing sustainability issue that deserves attention within the packaging industry. The study argues that although the consumer–packaging interaction in the retail context is essential, managers should recognise that the interaction continues with colours from in-store purchase decisions to consumers' homes (use and recycling). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the College Of Basic Education is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Flexible packaging has many advantages in the food industry, arising from low weight, formability, multilayer complexity and cost. Heat sealing is a very efficient technique to close flexible food packaging. Currently, many thermoplastic materials are used in seal layers. A seal can be formed when these materials are heated and brought into contact; thereafter, polymer chains diffuse across the seal interface and entangle. Hydrogen bonds, polar and ionic interactions are molecular forces that can come into play, depending on the thermoplastic materials that are used in the seal layer. Bonds between identical polymers, referred to as autohesion, are formed in pouch applications (e.g., horizontal and vertical form‐fill‐seal packages). In lidding applications, the flexible film is sealed to a rigid cup, tray or bottle, whereby bonds can be formed between non‐identical polymers because the materials are often provided by different suppliers. All heat seal technologies imply heating of seal layers but differ in the heating principle. In the food industry and in most scientific seal studies, the seals of mono‐ and multilayered packaging are mainly formed by conductive heating. Recently, the use of emerging technologies, such as ultrasonic and laser heating, is increasingly described in recent papers. Applied seals are characterized by strength after a specified cooling time. Immediately after heating, this strength is referred to as hot tack. A good seal performance is crucial to guarantee food safety and quality. Besides strength, tightness is important to prevent food degradation, caused by microorganisms and external gases, and to keep aromatic gases inside the package. This review aims to give a literature overview that can support stakeholders in the food industry to improve and optimize the material selection in flexible packaging, in order to obtain seals with desired tightness and strength. Heat seal studies on materials and seal technology of flexible food packaging, such as pouches and lidding films, are considered. Scientific data are categorized from a materials' perspective, based on chemical structure, which is revealed by chemical and thermal analysis. A majority of the seal studies is categorized in a first section on polyolefins as seal layers. The following sections describe the seal functionality of (i) ethylene copolymers, such as ionomers; and (ii) polyesters, such as poly (ethylene terephthalate), pol (lactic acid) and poly (butylene succinate). The role of plasticizers, fillers and other additives in the seal performance is also described. Finally, material properties, such as chain length and melting temperature (Tm), as underlying causes of seal performance, are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of environmental pollution are potentially irreversible and have become a major concern for society. Faced with this reality, the purpose of this study is to identify what type of flexible packaging material used in the food industry creates less pollution. The Leopold Matrix was employed to quantitatively assess the life cycle of plastic and paper packaging, using information from various scientific articles and peer-reviewed indexed journals. The interactions between physical, biological, and socioeconomic elements were established for each action in the life cycle of the packages. The results showed that flexible plastic packaging pollutes 16 percent more in the physical aspect concerning soil and water pollution than paper packaging, which has a more significant impact on air pollution. Regarding the biological aspect, plastic pollutes 63 percent more than paper in terms of damage to flora and fauna. Finally, on the socioeconomic level, paper poses a greater health risk for human beings owing to the emission of gases in its production, whereas plastic packages contribute more to the economy for being an extensive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS 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.)

Purpose: This study aims at analyzing the stage of the safety culture maturity at work in the logistics sector of a flexible plastic packaging company located in the South of Minas Gerais. This research aims to answer the following question: what is the stage of the safety culture maturity at work in Alfa's organization unit? Design/methodology/approach: The research is characterized as descriptive and quantitative. The method used is the survey, based on a questionnaire developed by Gonçalves Filho, Andrade and Marinho (2011). The study sample consisted of 32 operational employees and three managers responsible for occupational safety in the sector. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, based on relative frequency. Findings: It was observed that the information, communication, and commitment factors are in the constructive stage, in the highest maturity level of the safety culture at work. The other factors are in the proactive stage, transitory to the constructive stage. There is an efficient management system for work security and an effective workplace safety culture. Originality/value: This research sought to contribute to the discussion on the maturity of the safety culture at work, due to the scarcity of research in the plastics industrial sector. The research analyzes the organization's logistics sector, the sector that has the highest incidence of accidents, allowing comparisons between the perception of the shop floor and the management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, gelatin/carboxylated cellulose nanocrystal (cCNC) bionanocomposite films were developed as an eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable flexible plastic packaging. Cellulose nanocrystals were modified by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation (cCNC) to strategically interact with amino groups present in the gelatin macromolecular backbone. Gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposite films (0.5–6.0 wt% cCNC) obtained by solution casting were transparent to visible light while displayed high UV-blocking properties. The chemical compatibility between gelatin and cCNC was deepened by electrostatic COO−/NH 3 + interactions, as detected by FTIR spectroscopy and morphologically indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Accordingly, Young's modulus and tensile strength of films were largely increased by 80 and 64 %, respectively, specifically near the cCNC percolation threshold (4 wt%), whereas the water vapor permeability (WVP) was reduced by 52 % at the optimum 6.0 wt% cCNC content in relation to the non-reinforced gelatin matrix (0.10 vs. 0.18 g H 2 O mm m−2 h−1 kPa−1). The oxygen transmission rates (OTR) of the gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites were < 0.01 cm3 m-2 day−1, making them technically competitive to most promising biopolymers like polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). This study reveals how TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals can broaden the performance of biodegradable gelatin films for use in packaging. The gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites also represent an effective approach for designing newly sustainability-inspired flexible materials from the surface modification of nanocelluloses targeting specific interactions with protein structures. • Carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (cCNC) were used as nanofillers in gelatin films. • Compatibility between gelatin and cCNC was deepened by electrostatic interactions. • Formation of cCNC percolating network impacts the physical properties of gelatin matrix. • Gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites exhibit good potential as flexible packaging films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the challenge of finding enough recycled content, and with good enough quality, to meet increased demand for recycled plastics. Topics covered include the limitations of the mechanical recycling of plastics, examples of advanced recycling techniques that could increase the types of recyclable waste feedstock, and the potential for growth the recycling technique that use supercritical water to crack polymer chains or low-temperature dissolution and purification techniques.

The article focuses on the challenges and solutions for the energy-intensive chemicals industry in reducing reliance on the grid and decarbonizing to meet net-zero targets. Topics include implementing on-site energy solutions for improved efficiency and resilience, embracing new technologies like smart grids and waste energy recovery, and utilizing zero-capex financial agreements to incentivize investment in sustainable solutions.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), extensively employed in flexible plastic packaging, often undergoes printing with inks. However, during the mechanical recycling of post-consumer waste, these inks act as contaminants, subsequently compromising the quality and usability of recycled material. To understand better exactly which ink components cause which effects, this study comprehensively assesses the thermal behavior of three organic pigments and two commonly utilised binders, correlated with the impact on the mechanical recycling of LDPE-based flexible plastic packaging. In this regard, the study focuses on four pivotal factors: processability, mechanical properties, aesthetic attributes, and volatile organic compound profiles. The results indicate that nitrocellulose, used as a binder, degrades during reprocessing, resulting in film discoloration and the emission of potentially odorous compounds. Conversely, pigments are found to be dispersed within droplets of polyurethane binder in LDPE recyclates, whilst reprocessing printed samples detrimentally affects film properties, notably dart drop impact resistance, strain at break, and the number of inclusions. Additionally, it is shown that both inks comprise components that emit volatile compounds during reprocessing: non-thermally stable components, nitrocellulose and pigment yellow PY13, as well as low-molecular weight molecules from polyurethane and by-products from wax, plasticisers, and additives. [Display omitted] • The fate and impact of five ink components during plastic reprocessing are provided. • Solvent-based inks impact the processability and mechanical properties of recyclates. • Pigment aggregation occurs upon degradation of the nitrocellulose binder. • The polyurethane binder contributes to the emission of volatile organic compounds. • Aesthetic and volatile profiles of the recycled material limit its usability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a hand sorting trial of Austrian plastic packaging, which showed that according to an extrapolation of the 170,000 t separately collected waste collected in Austria, 30 wt% are flexible 2D plastic packaging. Further, the applications for these materials have been catalogued. The composition of these films was evaluated via Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, which showed that 31% of all films were made of polyethene, 39% of polypropylene, 11% of polyethene–polyethene terephthalate composite, and 8% of a polyethene–polypropylene composite, further resulting in the calculation that of all flexible packaging, 20 wt% are multilayer films. These findings were used to calculate the latent potential for raising the current recycling quota of 25.7% to the mandated rate of 55% in 2030. To this end, scenarios depicting different approaches to sorting and recycling small films were evaluated. It was calculated that through improving the sorting of films the recycling rate could be increased to 35.5%. This approach allows for the recycling of monolayer films by avoiding contamination with foreign materials introduced by multilayer films that impede the recyclates' mechanical properties. The evaluation showed that sorting multilayer films of this fraction could raise the recycling quota further to 38.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS 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.)

Recycling multilayer plastic packaging is challenging due to its intrinsic compositional heterogeneity. A promising route to increase recycling rates for these materials is delamination, which allows recycling the polymers separately. Yet, this process is not well understood on a fundamental level. This study aimed to obtain first principles‐based insights of the delamination mechanism of multilayer flexible packaging film (MFPF) with carboxylic acids. Delamination of MFPFs was described through a model based on Fick's first law of diffusion and first‐order dissolution kinetics of polyurethane adhesives. The model was experimentally tested on 5 different MFPFs at different temperatures (50–75 °C), formic acid concentrations (50–100 vol %), and solid/liquid (S/L) ratios (0.005, 0.025, and 0.12 g mL−1). Under the studied conditions the model proved to successfully estimate the delamination time of MFPF with the average Theil's Inequality Coefficient (TIC) value of 0.14. Essential for scaling‐up delamination processes is the possibility to use high S/L ratios as the solubility of the adhesive is rarely limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses that International Solid Waste Association's estimated the increase in the single-use plastic consumption in the U.S. It mentions that part of the increase in single-use plastic consumption is essential: personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable face masks, gloves and medical gowns, and laboratory equipment such as test kits.

The article offers information about the news related to Society of Chemical Industry including Steve Foots as Group Chief Executive of Croda; Harry Swan as Chief Executive Officer & Owner of Thomas Swan & Co.; and the Tom Crotty as a Director of Chemicals Group INEOS.