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Copyright of Precious Metals / Guijinshu is the property of Precious Metals Editorial Office 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.)

A wide range of active agents, synthetic and natural agents such as essential oils, chitosan and polyphneols consisting of curcumin, gallic acid, anthocyanins, and catechins have been used in order to develop antimicrobial packaging systems, and among them, natural polyphenolic compounds, specially curcumin (Cur) has great potential due to effective biological activities in developing food packaging material. Quercetin (Quer) is also the mostly studied flavonol as a color‐changing indicator in the food industry and has been already developed as a realistic alternative for smart and active food packaging. The reason for choosing these two polyphenolic compounds is that they simultaneously possess many beneficial properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumoral, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Additionally, the main objective of the study is to combine polypropylene (PP), which is the most preferred and cost‐effective polymer in the packaging industry, with these active ingredients, rather than using more expensive polymer types. In this context, PP‐Quer or PP‐Cur membranes, which are new experiences based on these literatures were chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the surface morphology of these composite membranes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial response against gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria species was investigated. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species generation and anticancer activity of these composite membranes using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT‐29) were observed. We proposed that PP‐Quer or PP‐Cur composite membranes can be a potential candidate as active packaging material in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In today's global markets, the constant arrival of new products represents a challenge for the food industry to offer distinct choices to consumers, primarily due to the parallel sensory attributes and pricing structures of the available food options. Innovators must employ methodologies beyond traditional sensory analysis to ensure the product's success. Researchers must, therefore, explore the entire product experience to understand its influence on consumer behaviours. Food choices are multifaceted, influenced by various factors, including individual physiological and psychological characteristics and intrinsic and extrinsic product attributes. As a result, consumers' decisions are shaped by the multisensory information derived from products they encounter in supermarkets. This review aims to comprehensively examine the factors influencing consumer food choices, from initial product encounters to consumption. The review explores the impact of repetitive tasting on the consumer's attitudes and intentions towards novel products. Additionally, the review investigates which extrinsic attributes capture consumer attention in supermarket settings. It also delves into the effects of extrinsic product attributes on both explicit and implicit emotions and expectations raised about the sensory properties of the product and, ultimately, their purchasing behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macro- and microscopic evaluation of feed includes detection of animal proteins, botanical ingredients and impurities, and prohibited ingredients such as packaging material (PM), according to Regulation (EC) 767/2009. In addition, detection of micro-plastics (possible degradation products of some of the PM) is getting attention. PM can harm animals or disturb their feed intake, pollute the environment, and are considered as undesired impurities in feeds. These materials do not consist of a definite molecule, group of molecules, living species or definite bodies. They can be plastic foil, hard plastic, metal pieces, paper, wood or some combination of materials. Their features (sharp, pointed) can be as important as the material itself. This is a typical topic for microscopy detection and evaluation. This short review presents the work done on detection of PM in 15 monitoring entities (institute, laboratories). Since 2011, some institutes have analysed more than 20 samples each year and the incidence of non-compliant samples will be presented here. Thirteen out of 15 entities have an active monitoring, whereas others have passive surveillance (done while performing other microscopy analyses). The protocols used by the different entities depend on sample types and analysts, highlighting a need for harmonisation.Highlights Former food products as ingredients for animal feed reduce food losses but contain residues of packaging material (PM). The microscopic examination and evaluation of feeds contribute to the safety of ingredients issued from food re-cycling and by-products valorisation. The lack of a prescribed method and limit of tolerance for PM cause variability in survey results.

Abstract Background Recent advancements in the collaboration between two scientific disciplines—fungal biotechnology and materials sciences—underscore the potential of fungal mycelium as renewable resource for sustainable biomaterials that can be harnessed in different industries. As fungal mycelium can be biotechnologically obtained from different filamentous fungi and is as a material very versatile, respective research and commercial application should be thriving. However, some granted patents in the field of fungal mycelium-based materials have caused uncertainty in the community as to which subject matter is patent-protected and for how long the protection is expected to last. Results This opinion paper therefore maps the patent landscape of fungal mycelium-based materials with a specific focus on technical applications including building construction, insulation, packaging, and the like. We provide an overview of granted patents (73) and pending applications (34) related to granted patents, the dominant patent portfolios (five, with the number of patents and/or applications per owner between six and 44), the patent owners, and highlight the key claims formulated to protect the inventions. Additionally, we outline various options towards an increased activity in the field. Conclusion Patent developments in the field leave the impression that fungal materials, despite their high potential as renewable and biodegradable materials, have been held back due to patent over-protection. Considering the need for replacing current petroleum-based materials with renewable biomaterials, coordinated efforts may be called for to intensify efforts in the field.

This study involves a material flow analysis (MFA) of single-use plastics (SUPs) and packaging materials in the Republic of Korea, focusing on their short lifespans and significant contributions to plastic waste. Based on the MFA results, recommended policies for managing packaging materials and SUPs were proposed. In 2021, 6.340 Mt of synthetic resin were produced, with 39.7% (2.518 Mt) utilized for packaging materials and SUPs. The per capita consumption of these materials was 48.7 kg/year, surpassing global averages. The separate collection rate was 54.6%, with films (26.2%) and manufacturing facilities (10.6%) exhibiting the lowest rates. The overall recycling rate was 52.7%, and 981 t of recycled waste was directly placed in soil. The reliability of the MFA results was estimated to be 83.1%, which is an improvement compared to previous studies. Recommendations include reducing plastic use, expanding recycling infrastructure, raising public awareness, and implementing stricter regulations to control soil contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department 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.)

This study investigates a novel leaf sheet snack from liang, an indigenous vegetable in Southern Thailand. The prepared snack has high protein, fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and B2. Storage conditions and packaging impact its shelf life. Based on the calculation, laminated aluminum foil extended shelf life to 1 year at 30°C and relative humidity (RH) of 60%. Moisture absorption during storage led to physicochemical changes, including reduced vitamin content, while total polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity remained stable. Microbiological quality was acceptable over a period of 12 weeks but high RH during storage deteriorated sensory attributes. Liang leaves showed promise of being a functional food ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clarify the controlling effect of different packaging materials on common storage pests, the penetration and survival of 7 kinds of high density polyethylene films with different concentrations of deltamethrin by the larvae of 3 common species of stored grain pests (Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Tribolium confusum Duval and Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius)) were investigated after being treated by two penetration methods for different times at 27~29 ℃ and 70%~80% RH. The results showed that all the tested new insect-proof films had certain insect resistance capabilities, which were different based on species of stored grain insects. In addition, the insect resistance capability of the 6 kinds of new films containing chemicals was higher than that of the control films after 9 days of treatment, and the anti-penetration rate of 1% A (HDPE particle containing 5% deltamethrin by mass) film, 3% A film, 1% B (HDPE particle containing 5% deltamethrin and 2% isoethers by mass) film and 3% B film was 100% under two penetration modes. The survival rate of all three species larvae decreased with increasing treatment time. After 9 days of parallel penetration treatment, the survival rate of three species of larvae on 3%B film was significantly lower than that of other films, and the survival rate of L. serricorne larvae reduced to 10% at the lowest. According to the penetration resistance and larvae survival rate of the test insects on the films, 3% B film had the best insect control effectiveness.

Objective: The preservation effects of four packaging materials on passion fruit were studied. Methods: The fruit of passion flower cv. Huangjin （maturity: eight） was used as the research material, and passion flower fruit was treated via polyvinyl chloride （PVC） film, polyethylene （PE） bag, bidirectional stretch polyolefin （BSP） heat shrinkable film, biodegradable modified atmosphere （BMA） bag, respectively, with untreated ones as the control group. Then, the fruits was stored at temperature of （25±1） ℃ and relative humidity of 85% for fifteen days, and the preservation indices of fruit were measured every three days. Results: Compared to control passion fruit, the four treatments of packaging materials could delay the peak of respiration and ethylene, slow down the increase of pericarp malondialdehyde content to stabilize cell membrane structure, delay the fruit etiolation and shrinkage, keep a lower weight loss rate and a higher commercially acceptable fruit rate, and maintain the pericarp appearance color and pulp nutrients contents. Among the different packaging materials, BSP heat shrinkable film had the best effects. Conclusion: The BSP heat shrinkable film might be used as a suitable storage technology to improve the quality and prolong the storage life of harvested "Huangjin" passion fruit.

To extend its shelf life, vacuum freeze-dried Toona sinensis (VFDTS) powder was packaged in sealed polyethylene (PE) bags, sealed aluminum foil bags, composite vacuum bags, or aluminum foil vacuum bags. Changes in the sensory quality, moisture content, color, flavor components and total bacterial count of VFDTS powder were monitored during storage under accelerated conditions at (55 ± 1) ℃ and (40 ± 3)% relative humidity (RH). The results showed that VFDTS powder packaged in sealed PE bags exhibited severe moisture absorption and browning with prolonged storage time, and the total bacterial count significantly increased. On the other hand, the moisture content, color and total bacterial count of the powder stored in aluminum foil vacuum bags remained substantially unchanged. A total of 56 volatile compounds were identified in VFDTS powder stored in the different packaging systems, including 13 alcohols, 11 aldehydes, 3 acids, 3 terpenes, 7 ketones, 9 esters, one ether, 2 sulfur compounds, 3 alkanes, and 4 heterocycles. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the volatile compounds showed clear separation among VFDTS powder samples stored in the 4 packaging systems. Based on variable importance in projection (VIP > 1) from orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), a total of 14 differential volatile compounds were selected, and their clustering heatmaps could be used to effectively classify the samples in different packaging systems. The samples in aluminum foil vacuum bags had the best quality, followed by sealed aluminum foil bags and composite vacuum bags, while the greatest changes in moisture, color, flavor and microbiological quality were observed in VFDTS powder in sealed PE bags during storage.

A novel DC-assisted fast hot-pressing (FHP) powder sintering technique was utilized to prepare Al/Diamond composites. Three series of orthogonal experiments were designed and conducted to explore the effects of sintering temperature, sintering pressure, and holding time on the thermal conductivity (TC) and sintering mechanism of an Al-50Diamond composite. Improper sintering temperatures dramatically degraded the TC, as relatively low temperatures (≤520 °C) led to the retention of a large number of pores, while higher temperatures (≥600 °C) caused unavoidable debonding cracks. Excessive pressure (≥100 MPa) induced lattice distortion and the accumulation of dislocations, whereas a prolonged holding time (≥20 min) would most likely cause the Al phase to aggregate into clusters due to surface tension. The optimal process parameters for the preparation of Al-50diamond composites by the FHP method were 560 °C-80 MPa-10 min, corresponding to a density and TC of 3.09 g cm−3 and 527.8 W m−1 K−1, respectively. Structural defects such as pores, dislocations, debonding cracks, and agglomerations within the composite strongly enhance the interfacial thermal resistance (ITR), thereby deteriorating TC performance. Considering the ITR of the binary solid-phase composite, the Hasselman–Johnson model can more accurately predict the TC of Al-50diamond composites for FHP technology under an optimal process with a 3.4% error rate (509.6 W m−1 K−1 to 527.8 W m−1 K−1). The theoretical thermal conductivity of the binary composites estimated by data modeling (Hasselman–Johnson Model, etc.) matches well with the actual thermal conductivity of the sintered samples using the FHP method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods is the property of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods Editorial Office 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.)

Paper substrates possessing features ranging from hydrophobic to oxygen-barrier functional properties are gaining great attention recently due to the global ban on single-use plastics as well as the compulsion to avoid nonbiodegradable polymer packing. In this work, hydrophobic silica carriers are processed first through a direct physical impregnation of silicone oil in various amounts into the 20-nm sized silica nanoparticles and subsequently analyzed for the progressive changes in the surface hydrophobicity by water contact angle measurements. The hydrophobic nano-silica was also systematically analyzed by XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM, and TEM and the results are presented. It was found that the nano-silica with the bulk BET surface area of 157 m2/g can accommodate 2.5 g of silicone oil per gram of silica, finally resulting in hydrophobic silica with a maximum contact angle of 139°. Later, this hydrophobic nano-silica was dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix and a coating formulation was prepared to develop water-repellent self-cleaning functional coatings on eco-friendly paper substrates. While applied as topcoats on paper substrates, the hydrophobic silica-PMMA gets embedded into the porous fibrous cellulose network and converts it into an impressive water-repellent packaging material with a contact angle of about 142°. This facile inorganic–organic hybrid topcoat strategy was successfully applied on the fibrous cellulose sludge waste produced by the paper mills to produce lightweight, water/moisture resistance packing material for circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable composite films comprising of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA), and tetrapod-zinc oxide (T-ZnO) whisker were prepared by a melt-extrusion and blow molding process. The effect of the incorporation of the T-ZnO whisker (1 to 7 wt.%) in the PBAT/PLA blend film was studied systematically. The composite films with an optimal T-ZnO whisker concentration of 3 wt.% exhibited the highest mechanical (tensile strength ~32 MPa), rheological (complex viscosity~1200 Pa.s at 1 rad/s angular frequency), and gas barrier (oxygen permeability~20 cc/m2·day) properties, whereas the composite films with 7 wt.% T-ZnO whiskers exhibited the highest antibacterial properties. The developed composite films can find potential application as antibacterial food packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department 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.)

Copyright of Food & Machinery is the property of Food & Machinery Editorial Office 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.)

Edible films elaborated from macromolecules, like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, must protect and maintain the integrity of foods during their handling, storage, and transportation. In this work, the effect of the concentration of zein (1–2% w/v), sodium alginate (1.5–2% w/v), and glycerol (2–4% w/v) on edible films physicochemical properties was evaluated. The Zein-Alginate-Glycerol interaction was evidenced by the FTIR analysis, the high permeability to water vapor and contact angles less than 90° of the polymer matrices formed. The film made with 2% zein, 1.5% sodium alginate and 4% glycerol preserved the quality of the chili pepper during 15 days of storage at 20 °C, the edible films allowed 3 more days of shelf life for weight loss and 10 more days for firmness. Edible films could be used in chili peppers that are destined for industrial processing, and before use, remove the film with a simple wash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics, accumulating globally as microplastics in living organisms, significantly contribute to environmental issues. Current materials like polylactic acid and commercial paper face limitations due to inadequate heat and water resistance, resulting in various practical inconveniences. This study reports a high-strength, water-resistant, recyclable, and naturally degradable pure cellulose food packaging material, which is crafted from bacterial cellulose (BC) and ethyl cellulose (EC) by a straightforward filtration and scratch coating process. The use of the EC ethanol solution eliminates the need for additional binders. Remarkably, the EC-BC pure cellulose material exhibits excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 195.3 ± 23.2 MPa), a stability in liquid environments (136.9 ± 24.2 MPa mechanical strength after 30 minutes of immersion in water), recyclability, natural degradability, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxicity. These attributes position binder-free hybrid designs, based on cellulose structures, as a promising solution to address environmental challenges arising from the extensive use of single-use plastics.

Background Food and drug packaging materials are an integral part of our everyday life. Noxious elements can inadvertently be included in packaging materials in various stages of their production. Adulterants, adhesives, colorants and heavy metal interference are the common sources of contamination in food packaging materials. Heavy metal toxicity has far-reaching ill effects on living organisms. The present study aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively analysing heavy metal content of various materials that are used for food and drug packaging in India. Methods The qualitative detection was done by rapid assay and heavy metals were quantified with the help of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A total of thirteen types of food and drug packaging materials were procured from local market and analysed for four heavy metals viz. arsenic (As), vanadium (V), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd). The concentration of each heavy metal in the samples was compared with the permissible values published by the European Council. Results Heavy metals were qualitatively detected in ten out of thirteen samples. Among the ten samples mercury and arsenic were detected the most followed by cadmium and vanadium. Quantitative estimation by ICP-OES showed presence of vanadium and cadmium in ten samples and arsenic and mercury in all the thirteen samples above the permissible range. Conclusions The notable elevation in mercury concentration, followed by cadmium, arsenic and vanadium registering the least, presents a potential health hazard to consumers and compromises the food quality.

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is widely used to produce various consumer goods, including food packaging, toys for children, building materials, and cosmetic products. However, despite their widespread use, phthalate plasticizers have been identified as endocrine disruptors, which cause adverse health effects, thus leading to increasing concerns regarding their migration from PVC products to the environment. This study proposed a method for rapidly measuring the migration of phthalates, particularly di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), from PVC products to commonly encountered liquids. The release of DEHP under various conditions, including exposure to aqueous and organic solvents, different temperatures, and household microwaves, was investigated. The amount of DEHP released from both laboratory-produced PVC films and commercially available PVC products was measured to elucidate the potential risks associated with its real-world applications. Furthermore, tests were performed to evaluate cytotoxicity using estrogen-dependent and -independent cancer cell lines. The results revealed a dose-dependent impact on estrogen-dependent cells, thus emphasizing the potential health implications of phthalate release. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the migration patterns of DEHP from PVC products and forms a basis for further research on the safety of PVC and plasticizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) from bamboo were prepared by choline chloride–lactic acid solvent treatment at 110–130∘C in combination with ultrasonication. Effects of LCNFs dosages on UV-blocking property, mechanical property, thermal stability and water vapor barrier property of LCNFs/PVA composite film were determined by UV spectrophotometer, universal mechanical testing machine, thermogravimetric analysis and weightlessness method, respectively. The results indicated that PVA film composited 10% LCNFs obtained from 120∘C showed best properties. As compared to pure PVA film, the UV-blocking property of composite film increased from 30% to 53%. LCNFs addition enhanced mechanical properties, resulting increment of tensile strength from 42 MPa to 81 MPa and elongation at break from 3% to 9%, respectively. LCNFs also introduced 2.4 times increment of water vapor barrier property of PVA film. The LCNFs/PVA composite films not only have excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties but also have UV-resistance and water vapor barrier properties. It provides a new idea for replacing some petroleum-based packaging materials and also shows the great potential of LCNFs materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of enzymes in sugarcane that induce browning has been identified as the primary factor contributing to the deterioration of the crop's storage longevity. Therefore, to enhance the ability of canes to be stored for longer periods, it is necessary to suppress the activity of these naturally occurring enzymes through the application of pretreatment techniques such as thermal and chemical methods. The aim of the current research was to determine the effect of pretreatment, packaging material and storage (-18 °C) on extending the shelf-life of sugarcane bites. Sugarcane bites were subjected to different treatments i.e., T1: Autoclave blanching, T2: 0.2% citric acid + autoclave blanching, T3: 100 ppm potassium metabisulphite + autoclave blanching, T4: 0.1% citric acid + 50 ppm potassium metabisulphite + autoclave blanching. A significant (p < 0.05) effect of pretreatments on the reduction of enzyme activity was observed. Further, pretreated sugarcane bites were packed into two different packaging materials (Laminates and polypropylene) and were frozen using air blast freezer prior to storage at -18 °C for 6 months. Storage studies revealed that significant (p < 0.05) decrease in phytochemicals retention irrespective of the pretreatments; however, colour attributes and overall acceptability were maintained. Thus, the study concludes that developed sugarcane bites provide better storage life and improved convenience for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Food and drug packaging materials are an integral part of our everyday life. Noxious elements can inadvertently be included in packaging materials in various stages of their production. Adulterants, adhesives, colorants and heavy metal interference are the common sources of contamination in food packaging materials. Heavy metal toxicity has far-reaching ill effects on living organisms. The present study aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively analysing heavy metal content of various materials that are used for food and drug packaging in India. Methods The qualitative detection was done by rapid assay and heavy metals were quantified with the help of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A total of thirteen types of food and drug packaging materials were procured from local market and analysed for four heavy metals viz. arsenic (As), vanadium (V), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd). The concentration of each heavy metal in the samples was compared with the permissible values published by the European Council. Results Heavy metals were qualitatively detected in ten out of thirteen samples. Among the ten samples mercury and arsenic were detected the most followed by cadmium and vanadium. Quantitative estimation by ICP-OES showed presence of vanadium and cadmium in ten samples and arsenic and mercury in all the thirteen samples above the permissible range. Conclusions The notable elevation in mercury concentration, followed by cadmium, arsenic and vanadium registering the least, presents a potential health hazard to consumers and compromises the food quality.

Currently, from the sustainable development point of view, edible films are used as potential substitutes for plastics in food packaging, but their properties still have limitations and require further improvement. In this work, novel edible carrageenan films reinforced with starch granules and nanocellulose were developed and investigated for application as a bio-based food packaging system. The nanocellulose was used to improve film mechanical properties. Aloe vera gel was incorporated for antibacterial properties. Glycerol and sesame oil were added as plasticizers into the nanocomposite film to improve flexibility and moisture resistance. The interactions between charged polysaccharide functional groups were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The migration of starch particles on the upper film surface resulting in increased surface roughness was demonstrated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy methods. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that all films were stable up to 200 °C. The increase in nanocellulose content in films offered improved mechanical properties and surface hydrophilicity (confirmed by measurements of contact angle and mechanical properties). The film with a carrageenan/starch ratio of 1.5:1, 2.5 mL of nanocellulose and 0.5 mL of glycerol was chosen as the optimal. It demonstrated water vapor permeability of 6.4 × 10−10 g/(s m Pa), oil permeability of 2%, water solubility of 42%, and moisture absorption of 29%. This film is promising as a biodegradable edible food packaging material for fruits and vegetables to avoid plastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chinese market, rice wine is generally packaged in composite film bags, glass bottles, ceramic bottles, plastic buckets and Tetra pak pillows. The barrier properties of different packaging materials are quite different, which have different effects on the flavor of the finished rice wine. In order to detect the change of flavor of rice wine in different packaging materials, the oxygen transmittance and water vapor transmittance of packaging materials, the turbidity of rice wine, the contents of alcohol, ester and aldehyde and the physicochemical indexes were detected by the pressure difference method, coulommeter detection method, cup method, infrared sensor method, turbidity detection method, solid phase microextraction method and the detection methods of alcohol, total acid, total sugar and amino acid nitrogen. It was found that the composite membrane had the worst barrier performance, and the permeability of oxygen and water vapor were very high, which were 1 448 cm³/ (m²-24 h-0.1 MPa) and 2.09 g/(m²-24 h), respectively. The finished wine had obvious flavor loss within 3 -6 months of storage, and a large amount of precipitation appears after storage for 1 year. Therefore, packaging materials with poor barrier properties were not suitable for packaging rice wine. The barrier performance of the plastic drum was in the middle, the oxygen transmission rate was high, but the water vapor transmission rate was low. HDPE plastic bucket would accelerate the oxidation of the wine body, making the turbidity and the content of a variety of volatile substances rise, which was not conducive to maintaining the stability of the flavor, and the shelf life should be set within 1 year. Tetra pak, glass bottles and ceramic bottles had better barrier properties, and lower oxygen and water vapor transmission rates. After storage for 1 year, the precipitation was less, and the flavor content of rice wine remained relatively stable. The physical and chemical indexes and flavor of the glass bottle packaging products stored for 1 -17 years were analyzed. The quality of the products was good and they were still suitable for drinking. The content of most flavor substances in rice wine remained stable, but the content of aldehyde compounds increased under the influence of slightly dissolved oxygen. This indicated that the rice wine is stored in glass containers, and the aging changes also occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to utilize the commonly discarded pea processing industrial waste (pea pods) for the development of popularly consumed food as cookies. Sweet and salted cookies were prepared by substituting refined and whole wheat flour with pea pod powder at the levels of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The effect of incorporation of pea pod powder on pasting properties of flour, dough characteristics, physical properties and organoleptic attributes of cookies was studied. With the increase in the level of incorporation of pea peel to wheat flour, water absorption capacity increases by 11–14% and dough development time by 1.8 to 2.3 min but decreased final viscosity by 39–49% and dough stability time by 3 min. Addition of pea peel powder to wheat flour improved the physical properties of cookies. On the basis of organoleptic score and physical properties, 10% substitution of whole wheat flour with pea peel powder was accepted. Addition of 10% pea peel powder to the cookies increased fiber content by 49%, insoluble fiber by 118% and soluble fiber by 77.5%. The optimized sweet and salty cookies were packed in different packaging materials and were stored at ambient conditions for 4 months. Cookies packed in aluminum laminate had shelf life beyond 4 months than other packaging materials. The cookies were organoleptically acceptable among the consumers and were rich in fiber. Thus, pea processing waste could be utilized as an ingredient for the development of nutritionally enriched cheap food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel power sintering technique, named fast hot-pressing sintering (FHP), which is able to achieve an ultrahigh heating rate similar to the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique, but at a much lower cost, was applied to prepare a series of Al/Si composites with different Si volume ratios (12 vol.% to 70 vol.%) to meet the requirements of advanced packaging materials for electronic devices. In contrast to SPS, the FHP oven possesses a safe and budget-friendly current power supply, rather than a complex and expensive pulse power supply, for its heating power. The optimized sintering parameters (temperature, pressure and holding time) of FHP for preparing Al/Si composites were investigated and determined as 470 °C, 300 MPa and 5 min, respectively. In order to characterize the potential of Al/Si composites as packaging materials, thermal conductivities and coefficients of thermal expansion were studied. The thermal conductivity of the Al-40Si composite sintered by the FHP method is higher than that of the conventional SPS method (139 to 107 W m−1 K−1). With the increase in Si, the thermal conductivities and coefficients of thermal expansion on both decreases. Furthermore, the thermal conductivities obey the Agari model, whereas the coefficient of thermal expansion and Si volume ratios obey additivity. The numeric modeling would help develop required packaging materials based on the thermal performances of the substrate materials, like Si or GaAs semiconductor devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of synthetic packaging on environmental pollution has been observed for years. One of the recent trends of green technology is the development of biomaterials made from food processing waste as an alternative to plastic packaging. Polymers obtained from some polysaccharides, such as chitosan, could be an excellent solution. This study investigated the biodegradability of chitosan–metal oxide films (ZnO, TiO2, Fe2O3) and chitosan-modified graphene films (CS-GO-Ag) in a soil environment. We have previously demonstrated that these films have excellent mechanical properties and exhibit antibacterial activity. This study aimed to examine these films' biodegradability and the possibility of their potential use in the packaging industry. The obtained results show that soil microorganisms were able to utilize chitosan films as the source of carbon and nitrogen, thus providing essential evidence about the biodegradability of CS, CS:Zn (20:1; 10:1), and CS:Fe2O3 (20:1) films. After 6 weeks of incubation, the complete degradation of the CS-Fe2O3 20:1 sample was noted, while after 8 weeks, CS-ZnO 20:1 and CS-ZnO 10:1 were degraded. This is a very positive result that points to the practical aspect of the biodegradability of such films in soil, where garbage is casually dumped and buried. Once selected, biodegradable films can be used as an alternative to plastic packaging, which contributes to the reduction in pollution in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green biodegradable bio-based films have gained interest in replacing petroleum-derived plastic packaging materials as a new preservation strategy for fruits and vegetables to alleviate environmental pressures. In this study, we aimed to develop novel biodegradable composite films based on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). Our results demonstrated that the addition of 3% MCC to PLA could improve its tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that MCC dispersed well in PLA at lower content while agglomerated at higher content. It was discovered that all four types of MCC/PLA biocomposite films could retard the color change of Lanzhou lily bulbs, accompanied by maintaining favorable total soluble solid, total sugar, total polyphenols, and flavonoid content, inhibiting the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and the content of malondialdehyde during storage. Moreover, the preservation effect of MCC/PLA biocomposite films on Lanzhou lily bulbs was evaluated using a membership function, and the SSS MCC/PLA biocomposite film demonstrated a favorable fresh-keeping effect. In conclusion, four types of MCC from different biomass materials added to PLA-based products can be beneficial in improving the attractive properties of biocomposite films. These films are expected to replace petroleum-derived plastics as a new packaging material for preserving Lanzhou lily bulbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel DC-assisted fast hot-pressing (FHP) powder sintering technique was utilized to prepare Al/Diamond composites. Three series of orthogonal experiments were designed and conducted to explore the effects of sintering temperature, sintering pressure, and holding time on the thermal conductivity (TC) and sintering mechanism of an Al-50Diamond composite. Improper sintering temperatures dramatically degraded the TC, as relatively low temperatures (≤520 °C) led to the retention of a large number of pores, while higher temperatures (≥600 °C) caused unavoidable debonding cracks. Excessive pressure (≥100 MPa) induced lattice distortion and the accumulation of dislocations, whereas a prolonged holding time (≥20 min) would most likely cause the Al phase to aggregate into clusters due to surface tension. The optimal process parameters for the preparation of Al-50diamond composites by the FHP method were 560 °C-80 MPa-10 min, corresponding to a density and TC of 3.09 g cm−3 and 527.8 W m−1 K−1, respectively. Structural defects such as pores, dislocations, debonding cracks, and agglomerations within the composite strongly enhance the interfacial thermal resistance (ITR), thereby deteriorating TC performance. Considering the ITR of the binary solid-phase composite, the Hasselman–Johnson model can more accurately predict the TC of Al-50diamond composites for FHP technology under an optimal process with a 3.4% error rate (509.6 W m−1 K−1 to 527.8 W m−1 K−1). The theoretical thermal conductivity of the binary composites estimated by data modeling (Hasselman–Johnson Model, etc.) matches well with the actual thermal conductivity of the sintered samples using the FHP method.

The resilience of food systems is jeopardized by using food packaging materials that have adverse impacts on the environment, food quality, food safety, shelf-life, food loss, and waste. Therefore, a transition into a more sustainable system can only be possible by adopting circular economy principles and practices that can facilitate the elimination of unsustainable packaging, irresponsible disposal behaviors, and waste management. This paper mainly focuses on circular packaging practices in the existing literature to reveal the drivers of circular food packaging applications. The study also displays the triple combinations of material-sector, material-CE, and sector-CE principles. As a methodology, a systematic literature review (SLR) has been used for this study. Furthermore, this study investigates the literature findings, such as the most frequently mentioned food sector and sub-sector, CE principles, materials adopted for food packaging, and so on. The primary contribution of this study to the body of literature is the synthesis and mapping of the literature as a whole from the perspectives of CE principles, both sector-based and national, and the materials used through circular food packaging, and the attempt to facilitate this transition into a more circular system by outlining the drivers of circular food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To reduce the usage of petroleum-based plastic products, a lignin-based film material named aminated lignin/Fe(III)/PVA was developed. The mixture of 8 g lignin, 12 mL diethylenetriamine, 200 mL NaOH solution (0.4 mol·L−1), and 8 mL formaldehyde was heated at 85 °C for 4 h; after the aminated lignin was impregnated in the Fe(NO3)3 solution, a mixture of 3 g aminated lignin/Fe(III), 7 g PVA, and 200 mL NaOH solution (pH 8) was heated at 85 °C for 60 min; after 2 mL of glycerin was added, the mixture was spread on a glass plate to obtain the aminated lignin/Fe(III)/PVA film. This film demonstrated hydrophobicity, an UV-blocking function, and a good slow-release performance. Due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of lignin and PVA, the tensile strength, the elongation at break, and the fracture resistance of the film were 9.1%, 107.8%, and 21.9% higher than that of pure PVA film, respectively. The iron content of aminated lignin/Fe(III)/PVA was 1.06 wt%, which mainly existed in a trivalent form. The aminated lignin/Fe(III)/PVA film has the potential to be used as a food packaging material with anti-ultraviolet light function and can also be developed as other packaging materials, such as seedling bowls, pots for transplanting, and coating films during transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Waste Forum is the property of Czech Environment Management Center (CEMC) 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.)

Biodegradable polymer composite materials (PCM) based on modified starch and chitosan were obtained. Starch was modified by graft polymerization with acrylamide, chitosan with enanthaldehyde with the formation of Schiff bases, which ensured the combination of polysaccharides in an aqueous solution in the pH range of 3.5–5.8. The physicochemical and structural properties, as well as the biocompatibility and biodegradability of PCM were studied. The films based on modified polysaccharides are characterized by increased strength characteristics compared to the parent components. With the weight ratio of the starch/acrylamide grafted copolymer and chitosan being equal, the ultimate tensile strength of the composite films was 65 MPa at a strain of 11%. The films completely biodegraded under the action of Aspergillus niger micromycete within 4 weeks. The composite biocompatibility was confirmed by the adhesion and growth on the films of the hTERT BJ-5ta cell line fibroblasts. The obtained composite is promising as a packaging and biomedical material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Businesses willing to reduce their carbon footprint embrace sustainability and positively impact the progress towards achieving climate neutrality. Well-prepared and presented information to the business customer before purchasing can be a strong driver for better decision-making towards less impactful product alternatives. This study presents the development of a tool for packaging products online marketplace that informs customers about the carbon footprint of packaging products and allows them to evaluate which of the select packaging alternatives is most preferable from an environmental perspective. The tool implements a life cycle analysis (LCA) approach, including the stages of raw material extraction, packaging production, and transportation to the customer. The impact assessment in the tool is performed according to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2021 methodology for assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions based on information obtained from the Ecoinvent database. The final output of carbon footprint calculation is provided with an indicator marking the carbon footprint performance of customer-defined alternatives in a clear, simple, and consistent way. The tool aims to educate customers, foster informed purchasing decisions, and improve the environmental outcomes of their decisions.

Background: Food and drug packaging materials are an integral part of our everyday life. Noxious elements can inadvertently be included in packaging materials in various stages of their production. Adulterants, adhesives, colorants and heavy metal interference are the common sources of contamination in food packaging materials. Heavy metal toxicity has far-reaching ill effects on living organisms. The present study aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively analysing heavy metal contamination of various materials that are used for food and drug packaging in India. Methods: The qualitative detection was done by rapid assay and heavy metals were quantified with the help of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A total of 13 types of food and drug packaging materials were procured from local market and analysed for four heavy metals viz. arsenic (As), vanadium (V), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd). The concentration of each heavy metal in the samples was compared with permitted values published by the European Council. Results: Of the 13 samples, heavy metals were qualitatively detected in 10 samples. ICP­-OES values for quantitative estimation showed presence of heavy metal above permissible range in 10 of the studied samples for vanadium, all samples for arsenic, two samples for mercury and one sample for cadmium. Arsenic was found to be the commonest heavy metal contaminant, present in 13 samples above permissible limit. Conclusions: The significantly higher concentration of heavy metal poses a potential health risk to the consumer and affects the quality of the food.