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The purpose of this paper is to assess the key factors that have the greatest impact on the inventory level, with a special emphasis on packaging products in the beverage industry in seven different countries. The research methodology includes: (1) Defining the pool of Key Inventory Factors, (2) Defining the final list of Key Inventory Factors, (3) Collecting data, (4) Analysis of the data (according to four different aspects) and recommendations. This study shows that these three factors: Holding costs, Information flow and Systems for order processing, inventory monitoring and inventory control (Systems for OPIMIC) have a significant correlation with the company's success. The paper offers additional analysis regarding the differences among them when it comes to their treatment in the Inventory Management Systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the environmental pollution caused by petroleum-based packaging materials, there is an imminent need to develop novel food packaging materials. Nanocellulose, which is a one-dimensional structure, has excellent physical and chemical properties, such as renewability, degradability, sound mechanical properties, and good biocompatibility, indicating promising applications in modern industry, particularly in food packaging. This article introduces nanocellulose, followed by its extraction methods and the preparation of relevant composite films. Meanwhile, the performances of nanocellulose composite films in improving the mechanical, barrier (oxygen, water vapor, ultraviolet) and thermal properties of food packaging materials and the development of biodegradable or edible packaging materials in the food industry are elaborated. In addition, the excellent performances of nanocellulose composites for the packaging and preservation of various food categories are outlined. This study provides a theoretical framework for the development and utilization of nanocellulose composite films in the food packaging industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rapid growth of sustainable innovations in bioplastics for packaging industries, their diffusion into established markets has so far been hampered by ambiguous and asymmetrical communication between bioplastics producers and consumers (both businesses and end consumers), particularly related to bioplastics materials and their waste disposal procedures. This study looks into the communication processes, identifies barriers and investigates business strategies that can be adopted by bioplastic packaging industries to influence consumer adoption and proper disposal behaviour of bioplastic packaging. Based on a systematic review of 68 journal articles and guided by the signalling theory, the study found that connections with various signallers at the end‐of‐life of bioplastic packaging materials are required beyond the purview of the industrial sectors utilising the packaging. The paper proposes a conceptual framework incorporating new signal constructs specific to consumer‐facing sustainable innovation. The framework extends the signalling theory to be used as part of the bioplastic packaging industry's business strategy. The paper also emphasises the importance of altering the communication mechanisms in order to boost bioplastics industrial practices, which will subsequently contribute to the reduction of the detrimental impacts of fossil‐based plastics on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, functional nanomaterials with unique sizes, shapes, and surface chemistry have been fabricated for various applications in all facets of science and technology. Among these diverse nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have garnered considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical parameters and semiconductor properties. Doping various functional materials in CuO NPs and the fabrication of CuO nanofillers functionalized with natural or synthetic moieties delivers improved antibacterial efficacy in food packaging applications. Moreover, the bactericidal effect of modified CuO NPs against foodborne pathogens largely contributes to their usage in food packaging technology. Therefore, it is essential to fabricate effective antimicrobial CuO nanofillers with minimal or no adverse side effects. This review discusses the synthesis, characterization, surface modification, antibacterial properties, food packaging applications, and toxicological implications of the diverse CuO nanofillers integrated in films and composites. In addition, it highlights their adverse side effects and ways to combat adverse situations. The forthcoming generation is expected to lead a groundbreaking surge of inventive food packaging systems (FPS) based on CuO hybrid nanofillers in food packaging industries. [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 practical, rapid, and accurate optical 3D reconstruction of transparent objects with contemporary non-contact optical techniques, has been an open challenge in the field of optical metrology. The combination of refraction, reflection, and transmission in transparent objects makes it very hard to use common off-the-shelf 3D reconstruction solutions to accurately reconstruct transparent objects in three dimensions without completely coating the object with an opaque material. We demonstrate in this work that a specific class of transparent objects can indeed be reconstructed without the use of opaque spray coatings, via Optical Projection Tomography (OPT). Particularly, the 3D reconstruction of large thin-walled hollow transparent objects can be achieved via OPT, without the use of refractive-index-matching liquid, accurately enough for use in both cultural heritage and beverage packaging industry applications. We compare 3D reconstructions of our proposed OPT method to those achieved by an industrial-grade 3D scanner and report average shape differences of ± 0.34 mm for 'shelled' hollow objects and ± 0.92 mm for 'non-shelled' hollow objects. A disadvantage of using OPT, which was noticed on the thicker 'non-shelled' hollow objects, as opposed to the 'shelled' hollow objects, was that it induced partial filling of hollow areas and the deformation of embossed features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The use of food packaging as a vehicle for marketing to children is under investigated. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and types of child-directed promotional techniques used on food packaging in Australia. Design: Based on existing literature and regulations, we developed a framework to classify on-pack child-directed promotional techniques involving the use of characters and other elements that appeal to children. We analysed the packaging of all products in eight food categories available for sale from supermarkets in 2019 and recorded the use of child-directed promotions on pack. We assessed the number and proportion of products displaying child-directed promotional techniques overall and assessed the healthiness of products using child-directed promotions against four indicators of healthiness to provide summary data overall and for the manufacturers who most frequently employed child-targeted strategies. Setting: Data were collected from the FoodSwitch database in Sydney, Australia. Results: 901/8006 (11·3 %) products displayed one or more child-directed on-pack element. Most frequent was on foods for infants and young children (n 315), confectionery (n 283), snack foods (n 172) and dairy (n 168). Personified characters were the most commonly used element (n 512). Products using child-directed promotional techniques scored poorly on all four indicators of healthiness: mean health star rating 2·34 (out of 5); 81 % ultra-processed and 6·1 % and 4·5 % products eligible to market to children under Western Pacific and Mexican nutrient profiling schemes, respectively. Conclusions: Australian children are targeted by promotional techniques on the packaging of unhealthy food products. Stronger regulation of these techniques is warranted to protect children's health. [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]

Increasingly, companies are embracing the green‐lean‐six sigma (GLSS) approach to managing their environmental impacts. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies that examined the underlying motivations behind GLSS deployment in manufacturing organizations. Accordingly, this study investigates the GLSS motivators in a developed and developing economy context through multiple case studies in which semi‐structured interviews are conducted with senior corporate managers in the flexible packaging manufacturing industry. Drawing on the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) and institutional theory‐based view (ITBV), our analysis revealed various operational, organizational, and environmental factors as internal motivators and factors related to the state, society, and market as external motivators. To the best of our knowledge, it is one of the early comparative studies investigating the GLSS motivators in both developed and developing economies, which can guide future researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in understanding the salient factors influencing the GLSS adoption for environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short review provides an overview of the applications of polysaccharides in food packaging and their pivotal role in addressing sustainability and food preservation challenges. Polysaccharides such as chitosan, cellulose, and starch have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic packaging materials. They offer various advantages including biodegradability, renewability, and the ability to tailor their properties to meet specific packaging requirements. These polysaccharide-based materials serve as essential components in food packaging applications such as wraps, coatings, and sachets. They not only contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the food packaging industry but also aid in preserving the freshness and safety of food products. Furthermore, polysaccharides can be modified to enhance their moisture resistance, barrier properties, or controlled-release capabilities making them adaptable to diverse packaging requirements. Overall, polysaccharide-based materials have gained significant attention and the growing importance of polysaccharide-based materials in food packaging is underscored by their versatile nature, biodegradability, eco-friendly attributes, and positive impact on sustainability. The adoption of polysaccharide-based materials represents a promising step towards sustainable and effective solutions in the dynamic field of food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the critical challenges in the fiber-based packaging industry is to produce low-density paperboards with high functionality and attractive cost structure. In this study, we examine how control of the hierarchical fiber swelling can be used to enhance bonding and generate a low-density fiber network with excellent strength properties. Here, the osmotic pressure inside the cell wall is increased by adding phosphate groups with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) functional drying method. Together with mechanical refining, this process causes the fibril aggregates to split and swell up massively. This effect was measured by a novel thermoporosimetry analysis method. The treated fibers have enhanced external fibrillation, fibrillar fines and bonding potential. When mixed with relatively stiff, unrefined fibers, a well-bonded sheet with lower density than a conventionally refined reference sheet was achieved. The results suggest that pulp fibers can be "nanoengineered" to enhance performance without the complications of producing and adding nanocellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]