The use of disposable and reusable packaging is a hot topic in policy and practice, but different studies have come to different conclusions on when each packaging type is the more sustainable alternative. The purpose of this paper is to map and review scientific literature that compares disposable and reusable packaging for food, beverages and e‐commerce from a sustainability perspective. The methodology is a systematic literature review, which identifies 91 scientific papers. The paper describes and analyses the origin, characteristics and state of current knowledge and then proposes future research directions within five areas. It identifies and presents what is known in literature to achieve environmental and social sustainability, as well as circularity for disposable compared to reusable packaging. The review shows that the literature is to great extent qualitative, often studying individual products in a specific context. European studies dominate the current literature, and many of them revolve around a few types of products and packaging. Slightly under half of the studies use the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The review of these studies provides some indicative suggestions for when disposable and reusable packaging is environmentally preferable, but the number of LCA studies is too limited, and their content too fragmented to draw general conclusions about this. Overall, the review of 91 articles shows a great need for continued research that compares the environmental efficiency of disposable and reusable packaging. It also highlights the necessity for more knowledge to be able to clearly state under what conditions and in what contexts disposable and reusable packaging are the most sustainable options.
{"title":"Current state and research directions for disposable versus reusable packaging: A systematic literature review of comparative studies","authors":"Henrik Pålsson, John Olsson","doi":"10.1002/pts.2722","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2722","url":null,"abstract":"The use of disposable and reusable packaging is a hot topic in policy and practice, but different studies have come to different conclusions on when each packaging type is the more sustainable alternative. The purpose of this paper is to map and review scientific literature that compares disposable and reusable packaging for food, beverages and e‐commerce from a sustainability perspective. The methodology is a systematic literature review, which identifies 91 scientific papers. The paper describes and analyses the origin, characteristics and state of current knowledge and then proposes future research directions within five areas. It identifies and presents what is known in literature to achieve environmental and social sustainability, as well as circularity for disposable compared to reusable packaging. The review shows that the literature is to great extent qualitative, often studying individual products in a specific context. European studies dominate the current literature, and many of them revolve around a few types of products and packaging. Slightly under half of the studies use the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The review of these studies provides some indicative suggestions for when disposable and reusable packaging is environmentally preferable, but the number of LCA studies is too limited, and their content too fragmented to draw general conclusions about this. Overall, the review of 91 articles shows a great need for continued research that compares the environmental efficiency of disposable and reusable packaging. It also highlights the necessity for more knowledge to be able to clearly state under what conditions and in what contexts disposable and reusable packaging are the most sustainable options.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"31 1","pages":"391 - 409"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77524889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Miao He, Xijun Fu, Guitao Du, Houbin Li, Pingping Zhao, Xinghai Liu
To quickly and quantitatively detect the concentration of harmful Cr6+ in food and packaging, biomass nitrogen‐doped blue fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized by a one‐step hydrothermal method using longan peel. The synthesized biomass CQDs are spherical, and the particle size is distributed between 1 and 6 nm. There are functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups on the surface of the CQDs, which promotes the excellent water dispersibility of the CQDs. CQDs have good fluorescence stability in salt solutions, different pH environments and long‐term storage. A fluorescence sensor for detecting Cr6+ was constructed, based on the specific quenching effect of Cr6+ on the fluorescence of CQDs. There is a good linear relationship between the fluorescence quenching rate of the fluorescence sensor and the Cr6+ concentration of the detected sample. The sensor has a linear range of 20–200 μM and a detection limit of 1.4 μM. In addition, the CQDs fluorescence sensor has an ideal recovery rate in the actual water sample spiked with Cr6+. This research innovatively combined longan and hydrothermal method to prepare a quantitative, fast and wide detection limit Cr6+ sensor.
{"title":"Preparation of biomass water‐soluble carbon quantum dots and their application in Cr (VI) ions detection","authors":"Miao He, Xijun Fu, Guitao Du, Houbin Li, Pingping Zhao, Xinghai Liu","doi":"10.1002/pts.2721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2721","url":null,"abstract":"To quickly and quantitatively detect the concentration of harmful Cr6+ in food and packaging, biomass nitrogen‐doped blue fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized by a one‐step hydrothermal method using longan peel. The synthesized biomass CQDs are spherical, and the particle size is distributed between 1 and 6 nm. There are functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups on the surface of the CQDs, which promotes the excellent water dispersibility of the CQDs. CQDs have good fluorescence stability in salt solutions, different pH environments and long‐term storage. A fluorescence sensor for detecting Cr6+ was constructed, based on the specific quenching effect of Cr6+ on the fluorescence of CQDs. There is a good linear relationship between the fluorescence quenching rate of the fluorescence sensor and the Cr6+ concentration of the detected sample. The sensor has a linear range of 20–200 μM and a detection limit of 1.4 μM. In addition, the CQDs fluorescence sensor has an ideal recovery rate in the actual water sample spiked with Cr6+. This research innovatively combined longan and hydrothermal method to prepare a quantitative, fast and wide detection limit Cr6+ sensor.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"165 1","pages":"465 - 472"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85825614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julia Frojan, Pierre Bisquert, P. Buche, N. Gontard, L. Boone, Trang Nhu Thuy, A. Vermeulen, P. Ragaert, J. Dewulf, V. Guillard
The objective of this work was to propose an environmental scoring tool for food packaging based on the assessment of three key pillars of packaging sustainability: Materials, Functionality and Post‐Usage fate. A participatory process involving relevant food‐packaging experts and end users was applied to define the relevant criteria for each pillar. Each criterion was translated into a question for users, and the answers are converted into a score between 0 (worst option) and 1 (best option) per pillar. For the Materials pillar, two scores were computed from a streamlined calculation of resource (CEENE) and carbon footprints (IPCC) while for the Functionality and Post‐Usage pillars, scores were computed from Yes/No answers provided by the users. A fourth pillar considers the potential risk of long‐term environmental pollution. Then, the packaging options for the same food are ranked according to the Borda voting rule, considering the individual rankings obtained for the various pillars. The proposed methodology was applied to three commercial (milk and sugar) and non‐commercial (strawberry) packaging case studies. The obtained ranking is discussed with respect to current knowledge in the field. The provided methodology is easy to understand, science based, and combines quantitative and qualitative assessments. The developed tool could be handled by non‐experts in environmental sciences such as food manufacturers, packaging converters and policy makers. The resulting indicators provide answers to user concerns regarding the environmental impacts of food packaging and guide their choice of the most sustainable option. The proposed scoring method considers the functionality of the packaging with respect to preserving food and reducing food waste, which is rarely considered in packaging environmental assessments.
{"title":"Scoring methodology for comparing the environmental performance of food packaging","authors":"Julia Frojan, Pierre Bisquert, P. Buche, N. Gontard, L. Boone, Trang Nhu Thuy, A. Vermeulen, P. Ragaert, J. Dewulf, V. Guillard","doi":"10.1002/pts.2720","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2720","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of this work was to propose an environmental scoring tool for food packaging based on the assessment of three key pillars of packaging sustainability: Materials, Functionality and Post‐Usage fate. A participatory process involving relevant food‐packaging experts and end users was applied to define the relevant criteria for each pillar. Each criterion was translated into a question for users, and the answers are converted into a score between 0 (worst option) and 1 (best option) per pillar. For the Materials pillar, two scores were computed from a streamlined calculation of resource (CEENE) and carbon footprints (IPCC) while for the Functionality and Post‐Usage pillars, scores were computed from Yes/No answers provided by the users. A fourth pillar considers the potential risk of long‐term environmental pollution. Then, the packaging options for the same food are ranked according to the Borda voting rule, considering the individual rankings obtained for the various pillars. The proposed methodology was applied to three commercial (milk and sugar) and non‐commercial (strawberry) packaging case studies. The obtained ranking is discussed with respect to current knowledge in the field. The provided methodology is easy to understand, science based, and combines quantitative and qualitative assessments. The developed tool could be handled by non‐experts in environmental sciences such as food manufacturers, packaging converters and policy makers. The resulting indicators provide answers to user concerns regarding the environmental impacts of food packaging and guide their choice of the most sustainable option. The proposed scoring method considers the functionality of the packaging with respect to preserving food and reducing food waste, which is rarely considered in packaging environmental assessments.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"352 1","pages":"439 - 463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80045071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Corrugated box is an important transport packaging container in the global logistics. The research on its raw material, that is, corrugated fibreboard, has always been an important topic in the packaging field. However, the research objects nearly focus on the corrugated fibreboard of traditional corrugated medium. The innovative research on the structure of corrugated fibreboard is also still rare. Since the pandemic COVID‐19 in 2020, the international corrugated packaging industry has faced new dilemma. The development of new corrugated boxes and fibreboard is the way to break the situation in innovation and transformation. This study aims to design a new fibreboard with laminated structure medium for obtaining a new type of corrugated fibreboard for packaging with better cushioning and anti‐vibration performance than traditional corrugated fibreboard. The verification experiments show that the new fibreboard has better recovery and structural stability due to its unique three‐layer structure. The static and dynamic cushioning performance and anti‐vibration performance of the proposed fibreboard have been greatly improved compared with those of the traditional one.
{"title":"Structural design and performance study of corrugated fibreboard with a laminated structure","authors":"Zhou Li-na, Zhonghui Chen, Liu Li, Guo Yan-ping, Chen Xin, Xia Zheng","doi":"10.1002/pts.2718","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2718","url":null,"abstract":"Corrugated box is an important transport packaging container in the global logistics. The research on its raw material, that is, corrugated fibreboard, has always been an important topic in the packaging field. However, the research objects nearly focus on the corrugated fibreboard of traditional corrugated medium. The innovative research on the structure of corrugated fibreboard is also still rare. Since the pandemic COVID‐19 in 2020, the international corrugated packaging industry has faced new dilemma. The development of new corrugated boxes and fibreboard is the way to break the situation in innovation and transformation. This study aims to design a new fibreboard with laminated structure medium for obtaining a new type of corrugated fibreboard for packaging with better cushioning and anti‐vibration performance than traditional corrugated fibreboard. The verification experiments show that the new fibreboard has better recovery and structural stability due to its unique three‐layer structure. The static and dynamic cushioning performance and anti‐vibration performance of the proposed fibreboard have been greatly improved compared with those of the traditional one.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"17 1","pages":"411 - 423"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82922024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariana Moraes Góes, B. Simões, F. Yamashita, Suzana Mali de Oliveira, Gizilene Maria de Carvalho
This work aimed to develop a novel colorimetric indicator film from cassava starch, isomalt and glycerol with 20% wt.% of grape skin extract (GSE) by casting to be used as an indicator of fish freshness. The plasticizers were used in the concentration of 33% at five levels: 100/0, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50 and 0/100 (%w/w isomalt/glycerol). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and RGB colour analysis showed the homogenous distribution of GSE in the starch matrix. The presence of GSE reduces the thermal stability, k1 value, solubility, swelling values and the %E and increases the tensile strength (TS), revealing its plasticizing potential action in the presence of isomalt. The influence of pH on the colours of the film containing GSE and its indicator activity were evaluated. The results showed that the film produced operates in a wide pH range, being an excellent candidate as an indicator for monitoring fish freshness.
{"title":"Plasticizers' effect on pH indicator film based on starch and red grape skin extract for monitoring fish freshness","authors":"Mariana Moraes Góes, B. Simões, F. Yamashita, Suzana Mali de Oliveira, Gizilene Maria de Carvalho","doi":"10.1002/pts.2719","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2719","url":null,"abstract":"This work aimed to develop a novel colorimetric indicator film from cassava starch, isomalt and glycerol with 20% wt.% of grape skin extract (GSE) by casting to be used as an indicator of fish freshness. The plasticizers were used in the concentration of 33% at five levels: 100/0, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50 and 0/100 (%w/w isomalt/glycerol). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and RGB colour analysis showed the homogenous distribution of GSE in the starch matrix. The presence of GSE reduces the thermal stability, k1 value, solubility, swelling values and the %E and increases the tensile strength (TS), revealing its plasticizing potential action in the presence of isomalt. The influence of pH on the colours of the film containing GSE and its indicator activity were evaluated. The results showed that the film produced operates in a wide pH range, being an excellent candidate as an indicator for monitoring fish freshness.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"7 3 1","pages":"425 - 437"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90250622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Significant efforts have been made over the past decade to facilitate the recognition of environmentally friendly packaging and promote sustainability. Yet, consumers remain confused by the excess of labels and claims used to communicate sustainability. In our previous work, we modified the appearance of recycled fibre‐based packaging by incorporating visible particles of fibre‐based waste. This strategy enabled consumers to better identify packages with a high recyclability level, enhancing their environmental perception towards sustainable products. However, the incorporation of such large waste particles proved to be detrimental to the mechanical properties of the paperboards. In this study, we further investigate the influence of the physicochemical properties of the added fibre‐based waste on packaging performance. Using a similar strategy to enhance the environmental perception, we herein studied the effect of mixed office waste (MOW), old magazines (OMG), and polylactic acid (PLA) paper cups. The presence of hydrophobic and difficult‐to‐process and difficult‐to‐disperse waste, such as the PLA paper cups, significantly altered the mechanical performance of the paperboards, whereas more hydrophilic and easy‐to‐disintegrate waste (MOW and OMG) had a lesser effect regardless of the size of the particles. Strength agents such as cationic starch (CS) and cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) successfully restored the properties of the paperboards containing MOW and OMG but were less effective for PLA paper cups. A multi‐ply strategy overcame the limitations of CS and CMFs using the redesigned paperboard as an outer ply for aesthetic purposes and a 100% recycled inner ply for restoring strength.
{"title":"Redesigning the appearance of recycled containers for packaging applications: The effect of paper waste physicochemical properties on the performance of paperboards with obvious recycled content","authors":"Lisa Chacón, Nathalie Lavoine, R. A. Venditti","doi":"10.1002/pts.2717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2717","url":null,"abstract":"Significant efforts have been made over the past decade to facilitate the recognition of environmentally friendly packaging and promote sustainability. Yet, consumers remain confused by the excess of labels and claims used to communicate sustainability. In our previous work, we modified the appearance of recycled fibre‐based packaging by incorporating visible particles of fibre‐based waste. This strategy enabled consumers to better identify packages with a high recyclability level, enhancing their environmental perception towards sustainable products. However, the incorporation of such large waste particles proved to be detrimental to the mechanical properties of the paperboards. In this study, we further investigate the influence of the physicochemical properties of the added fibre‐based waste on packaging performance. Using a similar strategy to enhance the environmental perception, we herein studied the effect of mixed office waste (MOW), old magazines (OMG), and polylactic acid (PLA) paper cups. The presence of hydrophobic and difficult‐to‐process and difficult‐to‐disperse waste, such as the PLA paper cups, significantly altered the mechanical performance of the paperboards, whereas more hydrophilic and easy‐to‐disintegrate waste (MOW and OMG) had a lesser effect regardless of the size of the particles. Strength agents such as cationic starch (CS) and cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) successfully restored the properties of the paperboards containing MOW and OMG but were less effective for PLA paper cups. A multi‐ply strategy overcame the limitations of CS and CMFs using the redesigned paperboard as an outer ply for aesthetic purposes and a 100% recycled inner ply for restoring strength.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"51 1","pages":"363 - 377"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74604698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic waste pollution is a global environmental problem that could be solved by biodegradable materials. In addition, its biodegradability has been important for medical applications. In this way, the biodegradability performance has been investigated for different materials under diversified environmental conditions. In this context, this review shows the main up‐to‐date biodegradable polymers (from renewable sources and fossil‐based), their structure and properties, and their biodegradability characteristics. Also, this review shows the effect of polymer properties and environmental conditions on biodegradability, methods of biodegradability and toxicity determination, modification processes to enhance biodegradability, and main applications of biodegradable polymers for agriculture, medical, and packaging. Finally, this review presents a discussion of the implications of biodegradation on the environment, the current context, and future perspectives of plastic biodegradation.
{"title":"Biodegradable polymers: A review about biodegradation and its implications and applications","authors":"C. L. La Fuente, B. C. Maniglia, C. Tadini","doi":"10.1002/pts.2699","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2699","url":null,"abstract":"Plastic waste pollution is a global environmental problem that could be solved by biodegradable materials. In addition, its biodegradability has been important for medical applications. In this way, the biodegradability performance has been investigated for different materials under diversified environmental conditions. In this context, this review shows the main up‐to‐date biodegradable polymers (from renewable sources and fossil‐based), their structure and properties, and their biodegradability characteristics. Also, this review shows the effect of polymer properties and environmental conditions on biodegradability, methods of biodegradability and toxicity determination, modification processes to enhance biodegradability, and main applications of biodegradable polymers for agriculture, medical, and packaging. Finally, this review presents a discussion of the implications of biodegradation on the environment, the current context, and future perspectives of plastic biodegradation.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"62 1","pages":"81 - 95"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90688055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Ilhan, M. van Drongelen, Roland ten Klooster, I. Gibson
Dwell time is one of the main parameters influencing heat seal quality and process efficiency in flexible packaging. In this study, the rheological behaviour of polypropylene (PP)/low‐density polyethylene (PE‐LD)‐based compound films containing different ratios of talc was examined. The minimum dwell time required to supply a sufficient sealing was estimated based on heat conduction time and reptation time. Reptation is a rheological concept used to described the behaviour of a polymer melt, and the reptation time is the time required for a molecule to escape from its surrounded entangled structure. The results showed that increased levels of talc are associated with elevated complex viscosities, storage and loss modulus as well as an increased seal strength. The estimated minimum required dwell time at the seal initiation temperature (SIT) dropped sharply with the initial introduction of 10 wt% talc. However, increasing the talc ratio to 30 wt% did not create any major change in the estimated time value. Also, observed T‐peel strength values for 0.1 and 0.5 s dwell time at SIT confirmed the predicted minimum required dwell time values. On the other hand, when the seal temperature is increased to the higher end of the operation window, time estimations did not match with the observed seal strengths. Here, the melting already starts and the molecules diffuse up to a certain distance before the interface temperature reaches the desired level. Recalculation of the average diffusion distance by including this pre‐melting situation can present a better approach for the temperatures above SIT. When the molecules diffused around halfway along the sealant thickness observed, seal strengths reached a sufficient level (2.5 N/25 mm) for both SIT and the highest end of the operation window. In conclusion, it has been revealed that knowing the reptation time and the required time for the heat conduction during the sealing process can help to predict the minimum required dwell time to achieve quality sealing, especially at low sealing temperatures. Additional surface characterizations also helped to elaborate on the influence of changing insoluble filler ratio on the seal initiation properties. It has been showed that the added talc increases the surface free energy and supplies easier wetting at the seal interface. Therefore, adding talc or a similar insoluble filler can help to make the heat sealing process more efficient.
{"title":"Estimating minimum required dwell time for the heat sealing of talc containing polypropylene/low‐density polyethylene packaging films","authors":"I. Ilhan, M. van Drongelen, Roland ten Klooster, I. Gibson","doi":"10.1002/pts.2716","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2716","url":null,"abstract":"Dwell time is one of the main parameters influencing heat seal quality and process efficiency in flexible packaging. In this study, the rheological behaviour of polypropylene (PP)/low‐density polyethylene (PE‐LD)‐based compound films containing different ratios of talc was examined. The minimum dwell time required to supply a sufficient sealing was estimated based on heat conduction time and reptation time. Reptation is a rheological concept used to described the behaviour of a polymer melt, and the reptation time is the time required for a molecule to escape from its surrounded entangled structure. The results showed that increased levels of talc are associated with elevated complex viscosities, storage and loss modulus as well as an increased seal strength. The estimated minimum required dwell time at the seal initiation temperature (SIT) dropped sharply with the initial introduction of 10 wt% talc. However, increasing the talc ratio to 30 wt% did not create any major change in the estimated time value. Also, observed T‐peel strength values for 0.1 and 0.5 s dwell time at SIT confirmed the predicted minimum required dwell time values. On the other hand, when the seal temperature is increased to the higher end of the operation window, time estimations did not match with the observed seal strengths. Here, the melting already starts and the molecules diffuse up to a certain distance before the interface temperature reaches the desired level. Recalculation of the average diffusion distance by including this pre‐melting situation can present a better approach for the temperatures above SIT. When the molecules diffused around halfway along the sealant thickness observed, seal strengths reached a sufficient level (2.5 N/25 mm) for both SIT and the highest end of the operation window. In conclusion, it has been revealed that knowing the reptation time and the required time for the heat conduction during the sealing process can help to predict the minimum required dwell time to achieve quality sealing, especially at low sealing temperatures. Additional surface characterizations also helped to elaborate on the influence of changing insoluble filler ratio on the seal initiation properties. It has been showed that the added talc increases the surface free energy and supplies easier wetting at the seal interface. Therefore, adding talc or a similar insoluble filler can help to make the heat sealing process more efficient.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"98 1","pages":"349 - 361"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80953028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christian G. Bustillos, M. Bora, Gabriella King, Sarah Matt, C. Haertling, W. D. Du Frane
Commercial steel drums underpin the global economy, playing a pivotal role in the storage and transportation of critical materials. Transported and stored materials, such as food, chemical and nuclear waste, can be sensitive to ambient conditions, particularly moisture that can enhance negative effects such as corrosion and material degradation. Although international standards and regulations are in place for the qualification of steel drums, there are no current testing requirements, established limits or boundaries for the permeation of moisture into the drums during transportation or storage. This work aims to provide insights into the moisture ingress over time into properly sealed steel drums and provides estimated moisture ingress rates over time through extrapolation. Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) measurements through the gasket material at 10–40°C were 0.11–2.1 g/m2/day resulting in a permeation activation energy of 30.2 kJ/mol. Water sorption measurements and Karl Fischer titration (KFT) on ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) gasket material revealed a decrease in equilibrium moisture saturation with increasing temperature. KFT measurements also revealed the presence of moisture within the adhesive and drum wall after exposure to ambient conditions. KFT and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) show that moisture will desorb from the EPDM and drum wall after exposure to desiccating conditions, although a minimal amount of moisture will remain present. When sealed to the manufacturer's recommendations, the steel drums are effective in minimizing moisture ingress. In sealed empty drums, moisture ingress rates for 19‐L drums were 0.4–1.5 mg/day at 25°C 15% relative humidity (RH) and increased to 7.1–8.8 mg/day at 40°C 90% RH, and moisture ingress rates for 210‐L drums were 2.5 and 3.5 mg/day at field deployment conditions of 15.5°C 51.5% RH and 23°C 40% RH, respectively.
{"title":"Moisture ingress in commercial steel drums: Water content determination, diffusion modelling and predicted permeation rates","authors":"Christian G. Bustillos, M. Bora, Gabriella King, Sarah Matt, C. Haertling, W. D. Du Frane","doi":"10.1002/pts.2715","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2715","url":null,"abstract":"Commercial steel drums underpin the global economy, playing a pivotal role in the storage and transportation of critical materials. Transported and stored materials, such as food, chemical and nuclear waste, can be sensitive to ambient conditions, particularly moisture that can enhance negative effects such as corrosion and material degradation. Although international standards and regulations are in place for the qualification of steel drums, there are no current testing requirements, established limits or boundaries for the permeation of moisture into the drums during transportation or storage. This work aims to provide insights into the moisture ingress over time into properly sealed steel drums and provides estimated moisture ingress rates over time through extrapolation. Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) measurements through the gasket material at 10–40°C were 0.11–2.1 g/m2/day resulting in a permeation activation energy of 30.2 kJ/mol. Water sorption measurements and Karl Fischer titration (KFT) on ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) gasket material revealed a decrease in equilibrium moisture saturation with increasing temperature. KFT measurements also revealed the presence of moisture within the adhesive and drum wall after exposure to ambient conditions. KFT and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) show that moisture will desorb from the EPDM and drum wall after exposure to desiccating conditions, although a minimal amount of moisture will remain present. When sealed to the manufacturer's recommendations, the steel drums are effective in minimizing moisture ingress. In sealed empty drums, moisture ingress rates for 19‐L drums were 0.4–1.5 mg/day at 25°C 15% relative humidity (RH) and increased to 7.1–8.8 mg/day at 40°C 90% RH, and moisture ingress rates for 210‐L drums were 2.5 and 3.5 mg/day at field deployment conditions of 15.5°C 51.5% RH and 23°C 40% RH, respectively.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"5 1","pages":"329 - 347"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83717972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dane Archibald G. Balanon, Amporn Sane, Piyawanee Jariyasakoolroj, Pattarin Leelaphiwat
Biodegradable blend films containing thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) were assessed for red chili storage under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 10°C. Performances of biodegradable blend films were compared to polypropylene (PP) film and the control (unpacked). Gas permeabilities and permeability ratios were determined to measure the ability of the films to create an optimal atmosphere for red chili storage. PP film attained values close to the recommended MAP gas concentrations and maintained desirable chili quality parameters up to the 15th day. Biodegradable films did not achieve the recommended MAP gas concentrations, but high water vapor permeability prevented moisture loss and maintained firmness and overall quality. No discoloration was recorded in all MAP treatments, while biochemical parameters showed a decreasing trend, with measured levels significantly higher in MAP samples than unpacked samples. MAP for red chili was achieved using a packaging system, with similar gas permeabilities to PP film but with significantly higher water vapor permeability.
{"title":"Application of biodegradable film as modified atmosphere packaging for red chili (Capsicum annuum cv. Jinda)","authors":"Dane Archibald G. Balanon, Amporn Sane, Piyawanee Jariyasakoolroj, Pattarin Leelaphiwat","doi":"10.1002/pts.2714","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2714","url":null,"abstract":"Biodegradable blend films containing thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) were assessed for red chili storage under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 10°C. Performances of biodegradable blend films were compared to polypropylene (PP) film and the control (unpacked). Gas permeabilities and permeability ratios were determined to measure the ability of the films to create an optimal atmosphere for red chili storage. PP film attained values close to the recommended MAP gas concentrations and maintained desirable chili quality parameters up to the 15th day. Biodegradable films did not achieve the recommended MAP gas concentrations, but high water vapor permeability prevented moisture loss and maintained firmness and overall quality. No discoloration was recorded in all MAP treatments, while biochemical parameters showed a decreasing trend, with measured levels significantly higher in MAP samples than unpacked samples. MAP for red chili was achieved using a packaging system, with similar gas permeabilities to PP film but with significantly higher water vapor permeability.","PeriodicalId":19626,"journal":{"name":"Packaging Technology and Science","volume":"12 1","pages":"379 - 388"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89506824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}