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In accordance with the Circular Economy Package of the European directive, the Spanish government compels manufacturers of plastic bags to include into their products a minimum of 70% of polyethylene (PE) waste. Following this mandate can be challenging and requires a deep knowledge of the alterations produced by the recycling in the main components of a plastic bag film: lineal low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), the LLDPE recycled post-industry, generated as waste from an industrial process (rLLDPE) and the PE recycled from post-consumer use (rPE), that has been picked up, cleaned, and reprocessed. This study provides insight in the macro and microstructural changes produced by several cycles of recycling in these materials. Specimens in the form of film for supermarket bags formed with these polymers have been subjected to several recycling sequences. The process closely mimics industrial processes. Four cycles have been applied to the samples. The evolution of mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear and impact tests, shows an obvious decrease due to degradation that is not an impediment for practical use after the four cycles of recycling according to the main specifications defined by the producer. Colorimetric measurements reveal no significant variations in the color of the films. The results of the FTIR and TGA analysis show degradation phenomena and changes in crystallinity in branching and the apparition of crosslinking that are in consonance with the mechanical data. There is also a difference between both types of recycled PE. In general, rLLDPE is more affected by the recycling than rPE. According to our findings, the limiting property would be the tearing. By comparing these values with bags available in the market, manufactured from 70–80% recycled material, we can infer that while two reprocessing cycles can lead to good results, a maximum of four cycles of recycling is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a multidisciplinary approach for dealing with the environmental problems related to agro‐industrial coffee residues. The exploitation of these residues allows biomolecules to be obtained from renewable sources and enables the preparation of CO2‐neutral biocomposites, with the advantages of reducing fossil depletion, avoiding climate‐altering emissions, and limiting plastic pollution. Coffee silverskin (CSS), a by‐product deriving from coffee bean roasting, was subjected to different eco‐friendly extraction processes, such as ultrasound‐assisted, CO2‐supercritical, and water‐subcritical extractions to recover caffeine, phytosterols, and polyphenols. The residues remaining after the extractions were further valorized as fillers into biocomposites based on poly(1,4‐butylene succinate) (PBS). Biocomposites (filler content up to 30 wt%) were prepared by melt mixing, and they were characterized in terms of their thermal, mechanical, and morphological performance. The effect of the presence of residues derived from different extraction procedures on the resulting properties of biocomposites was assessed and discussed, and the ultrasound‐assisted treatment was found to leave the CSS residue as the most compatible with the PBS matrix. The results of this study indicate that the proposed bio‐refinery could successfully and fully valorize the CSS agro‐industrial residues, even in its ultimate step, producing biocomposites characterized by low economic and environmental impact; these new materials will be a possible bio‐alternative to the traditional polymers commonly used by the packaging industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines why some brands are able to ride the wave of macroeconomic expansions, whereas other brands are better able to successfully weather contractions. Using a utility-based framework, the authors develop hypotheses on how the impact of these shocks on brand equity is moderated by six strategic brand factors: price positioning, advertising spending, product line length, distribution breadth, brand architecture, and market position. The authors utilize monthly data on 325 national consumer packaged goods brands in 35 categories across 17 years from the United Kingdom to obtain quarterly sales-based brand equity estimates. The two preeminent brand factors are distribution and assortment. Distribution is by far the most important factor in contractions. It is also the most important factor in expansions. In short, in good times and bad times, extensively distributed brands win. A wide assortment is also a strong contributor to brand equity in expansions, while it does not destroy brand equity in contractions. The authors further find that advertising spending, premium price positioning, umbrella branding structure, and market leadership matter in expansions and/or contractions, and the magnitude of their effects on brand equity is relatively modest. The discussion concludes with managerial implications. [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]

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]

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]

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]

Purpose: Manufacturing companies continue to encounter a diverse set of obstacles while embracing sustainable development goals. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to explore critical sustainable development-related barriers to flexible packaging manufacturing companies in the New Zealand context. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on a qualitative multiple case studies approach, the authors collected data from the New Zealand flexible packaging industry. Semistructured interviews were conducted with the senior corporate managers in two large flexible packaging companies. Following the thematic analysis approach, the authors analyzed the information collected from the participants and synthesized our findings under the key dimensions of internal and external barriers to sustainable development. Findings: The findings revealed that internal barriers to sustainable flexible packaging are linked to economic, operational and technical issues. Conversely, external barriers include global crises and disruption, customer behavior and preferences and institutional and infrastructural-related aspects. Based on the analysis of empirical findings, the authors further identified the underlying reasons for sustainable flexible packaging barriers and recommended guidelines that could assist corporate managers and policymakers in addressing obstacles inhibiting the flexible packaging industry from adopting sustainable business practices. Originality/value: The authors argue that this study is one of the early studies to consider inhibiting factors to incorporate sustainable development into the New Zealand flexible packaging industry context. Building on a range of theoretical perspectives, the authors extend the current body of knowledge seeking to advance the sustainable development agenda in the New Zealand flexible packaging industry and offer recommended pathways fostering sustainable development in a distinctive manufacturing context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the pivotal roles of microbiological safety, sensory qualities, packaging efficiency, and consumer preferences in determining the success of roasted pickled fish powder (RPFP) variants in the online marketplace. The comparison of the nutritional composition of the developed RPFP variants with a commercial benchmark reveals significant differences: the protein content in the herbal flavor variant is found to be 28.97%, which is lower than the 40.17% found in the commercial benchmark, while the fat content in the spicy flavor variant is measured at 19.51%, exceeding the 10.60% present in the benchmark. Additionally, the herbal flavor boasts a superior dietary fiber content of 14.23%, highlighting the intricate relationship between nutritional content and sensory attributes, which is critical in online retail, where physical product evaluation is not possible. Our comprehensive approach, evaluating both nutritional and sensory dimensions, introduces a novel perspective to the adaptation of traditional food products for e-commerce, addressing a gap in the literature. Despite this study's limitations, including a focused market analysis and constrained sample size, our findings offer valuable insights into enhancing product quality and integrity in the digital marketplace, positioning RPFP for competitive success while suggesting directions for future research. [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]

It is undeniable that suitable packaging will extend the shelf life of the food. The packaging industry has had to renew and innovate in a world where consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious in order to deal with the impact of the production of petroleum-derived plastics and the management of the waste generated by them. In this way, the use of biopolymers has been proposed, mainly those produced from renewable sources and with biodegradability and/or compostability properties. However, these types of materials are more expensive and do not have the same performance as petroleum-derived materials. Besides, the technologies for film preparation are not adapted for these materials. Therefore, new technologies must be studied and implemented to make the packaging industry a sustainable industry. Recently, non-solvent phase inversion (NIPS) and electrospinning techniques, which are widely used for membrane fabrication, have been proposed for the fabrication of films for food packaging applications from biopolymers and green solvents. [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]

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]

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]

The current challenges in the food packaging field are, on one side, replacing plastic from non-renewable sources with biopolymers and, on the other hand, generating a packaging material with attractive properties for the consumer. Currently, the consumer is ecologically concerned; the food packaging industry must think ahead to satisfy their needs. In this context, the utilization of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) in this industry presents itself as an excellent candidate for fulfilling these requirements. PECs possess enticing characteristics such as encapsulation, protection, and transportation, among others. On the other hand, diverse types of biopolymers have been used in the formation of PECs, such as alginate, cellulose, gelatin, collagen, and so on. Hence, this paper reviews the use of PECs in food packaging where chitosan forms polyelectrolyte complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most commonly used biomaterials nowadays, with many recognized benefits, particularly in the packaging and single-use products industries. However, little research has been conducted on its stretching behavior. This work investigates the optimal conditions of biaxial stretching of injection-molded PLA samples produced under different processing conditions (pressure, drying, and pre-processing by extrusion, to simulate a recycling step). The injection-molded samples were characterized to determine their mechanical, thermal and thermo-mechanical behavior, water absorption, thermal behavior, and crystallization kinetics. The extruded samples showed reduced thermal stability, lower viscosity, decreased mechanical properties, and higher crystallization rates due to thermal degradation. However, the stretched samples provided similar properties regardless of the materials pre-processing. Regarding the assessment of the biaxial stretching process, processing at lower temperatures provides the films with a higher yield and breaking strength, while the time and strain rates have little influence on such properties. It was then determined that 82 °C is the optimal temperature for stretching the PLA samples. An increase in the stretch ratio provided a higher elastic modulus and higher values of opacity due to an increased crystallinity induced by stress during the process. Films as thin as 50 μm can be obtained by biaxially stretching injection-molded preforms, producing a deformation over 150% and acquiring good mechanical properties: about 90 MPa for the yield and a breaking strength and elastic modulus of 4000 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era marked by a burgeoning environmental crisis, the pharmaceutical industry's reliance on nonbiodegradable packaging has become a pressing concern. This comprehensive review marks a pioneering effort to examine the entire spectrum of pharmaceutical packaging, from traditional materials to innovative biodegradable alternatives, with an emphasis on the industry's role in sustainability. Beginning with a detailed investigation into the prevalent materials and their environmental impact, the review unveils a landscape riddled with challenges but ripe with opportunities. By delving into biodegradable packaging technologies, including polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and other biopolymers, we present a cogent roadmap toward an eco-friendly future. Our analysis further extends to the intricate web of regulations, market dynamics, consumer behavior, real-world applications, and critical future directions. The study culminates in a robust set of recommendations that amalgamate scientific innovation with practical strategies, thus setting a precedent for collaborative action. This review stands as a seminal contribution to the field, offering a holistic perspective on an issue central to global sustainability and human well-being. Its findings not only underline the feasibility of transitioning to sustainable packaging within the pharmaceutical industry but also underscore the urgency of this shift. The paper concludes with a resonant call to action, inviting all stakeholders to partake in a collective endeavor that transcends conventional boundaries and illuminates a path toward a greener, healthier world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]