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Packaging waste makes up more than 10% of the landfilled waste in the United States. While consumers often want to make environmentally friendly product choices, we find that their perceptions of the environmental friendliness of product packaging may systematically deviate from its objective environmental friendliness. Eight studies (N = 4,103) document the perceived environmental friendliness (PEF) bias whereby consumers judge plastic packaging with additional paper to be more environmentally friendly than identical plastic packaging without the paper. The PEF bias is driven by consumers' "paper = good, plastic = bad" beliefs and by proportional reasoning, wherein packaging with a greater paper-to-plastic proportion is judged as more environmentally friendly. We further show that the PEF bias impacts consumers' willingness to pay and product choice. Importantly, this bias can be mitigated by a "minimal packaging sticker" intervention, which increases the environmental friendliness perceptions of plastic-only packaging, rendering plastic-packaged products to be preferable to their plastic-plus-paper-packaged counterparts. This research contributes to the packaging literature in marketing and to research on sustainability while offering practical implications for managers and public policy officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work uses supervised learning to optimize the package design with validated experimental results for piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) to increase and alter the sound pressure level (SPL). Advancements as compared to the state-of-art include: (1) a neural network model to achieve a mean squared error of less than 0.65 dB2 post 100 epochs; (2) increased vibration amplitude by 17.9 dBV at the first-mode resonance frequency of 33.5 kHz; and (3) SPL enhancements below the 20 kHz frequency range such as the magnitude increases of more than 60 dBV at 5 kHz. As such, the package design shifts the emitting acoustic energy from the ultrasound to audio range in favor of various applications, including audio speakers.

This study considers the problem of inventory and scheduling decisions on a reusable transport item (RTI) sharing platform with the collaborative recovery of used RTIs and replenishment of products in a two-tier container management centre (CMC). The products (packaged as full RTIs) are pre-positioned at the regional CMC (R-CMC), and empty RTIs are stored at the CMC hub. Moreover, the CMC replenishes the products and recycles RTIs respectively and periodically. The RTI and products are a set of complementary products, and the replenishment task requires sufficient empty RTIs in stock. Untimely and insufficient RTI returns without considering product inventory changes often result in RTI out-of-stock situations that harm the customer's lean productivity. This paper proposes a machine learning and simulation optimisation (MSO) decision framework to collaboratively assist RTI inventory and scheduling decisions in a two-tier CMC. Based on a case study, we can conclude the decision framework has better performance on the profitability and inventory control capability. Moreover, different inventory and scheduling parameter settings in the two-tier CMCs impact the platform's profitability to derive corresponding management insights, and a decision system can be built based on the above framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering keratin plastics from chicken feather wastes is highly attractive from an environmental prospect but challenging due to the influence of extraction routes on the macromolecular keratin features. In this study, the effect of precipitation methods on desired properties of biodegradable keratin films was investigated. Keratin was extracted from an industrial chicken feather waste by sulfitolysis, and further recovered using hydrochloric acid (KHA), citric acid (KCA), sodium chloride (KSC), and acetone (KAT) as precipitating agents. Keratin films containing glycerol at 25 wt% were produced by compression molding. All keratin films were nearly colorless and highly transparent to visible light while exhibiting good UV barrier properties. The KAT and KSC films showed greater ductility (εbreak > 50%) compared with KHA and KCA, which was correlated with broader molecular weight distributions and less crosslinking in the former keratins. Importantly, disulfide bonds created in the processing led to keratin films with low water solubility. Larger surface hydrophobicity was attained from keratin recovered by organic solvent precipitation (KAT). These results advance the understanding of precipitating agents as physicochemical property modifiers of biodegradable keratin films for food packaging and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of food products using packaging with antimicrobial properties is a major challenge. Using a simple dipping procedure, we propose to functionalize the surface of commercial polypropylene (PP) films with various hybrid components based on biopolymers with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that are known for their bactericidal properties. The chosen biopolymers are polysaccharides in solid form such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and chitin nanocrystals (ChiNC), as well as hydrosoluble molecules such as alginate and chitosan for which some OH groups serve as nucleation points for AgNPs. The successful coating was demonstrated via the presence of biopolymers on the PP film surface using electron and fluorescence microscopies. The effective presence of AgNPs on the PP film was then confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy measurements. Migration tests performed over 10 days made it possible to track the kinetic release of Ag+ in a food simulant. A persistent and increasing release over time was observed, especially for hybrids in solid form (i.e., CNC/AgNP, ChiNC/AgNP), bearing the smaller AgNPs (20 nm). The maximum value of Ag + released was ~0.30 mg Ag/kg, which is significantly lower than the value authorized by international organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene is a unique nanocarbon nanostructure which is commonly used to form the nanocomposites. Green strategies (chemical vapour deposition with green catalysts, mechanical exfoliation, sonication) and sustainable carbon sources (plant extracts and recycled polymers) have been applied to synthesise graphene and graphene derivatives. For the formation of graphene nanocomposites, green fabrication methods (sonication, solution route, electrostatic, in situ polymerisation, printing, hydrothermal, etc.) involving green matrices, nanofillers, solvents, and reagents, have also been investigated. Thus, this state-of-the-art overview highlights essential green methods for the formation of graphene and nanomaterials. The resulting green graphene nanocomposites have numerous superior structural and physical properties such as morphology, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical stability. Subsequently, the green synthesised graphene and graphene nanocomposites have been explored for important high performance technical applications including the energy storage, packaging, antibacterial, bioimaging, and drug delivery applications. Future research on the development of advanced synthesis methods may overcome the design and performance challenges of the green graphene nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pepper is valued for its flavour and medicinal properties, but there is a lack of comparative studies on the quality of white pepper under different storage conditions, as well as on the dynamic changes of volatiles during storage. To investigate the effects of peeling and packaging on pepper flavour and reveal the dynamic changes of volatiles, this study utilised HS‐SPME‐GC–MS to analyse the volatiles of white pepper under different peeling and packaging conditions. A total of 22 volatiles were detected, with α‐copaene, α‐terpineol, and δ‐amorphene being predominant to the volatile distinctions, while α‐copaene, α‐terpineol, and γ‐terpinene were predominant to the flavour distinctions. Mechanically peeled pepper stored in conventional packaging for 90 d or in vacuum packaging for 180 d could both uphold great quality. The flavour of manually peeled pepper stored in conventional packaging for 180 d resembled that stored in vacuum condition for 360 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and protease activities of red kiwifruit (RK), green kiwifruit (GRK), and gold kiwifruit (GOK) and determine the effects of various packaging methods on the quality of chicken breast injected with various kiwifruit types during storage. The physicochemical and textural properties of chicken breasts containing various kiwifruit types were evaluated. Chicken breasts were injected with brine solution containing 5% kiwifruit powder, and their product quality was measured every 3 days until day 9. GOK and RK addition to chicken breast delayed oxidation during storage. Adding GOK and GRK to chicken breast was found to increase tenderness. Modified‐atmosphere packaging (MAP) delayed microbial growth more effectively than over‐wrap packaging (OWP). These findings suggest that the combination of GOK and MAP potentially extends shelf‐life without deteriorating quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined effect of active shielding packaging and relative phase sweeping on heating performance in a dual-port solid-state microwave heating process was evaluated. Four types of heating strategies that combine two factors (passive and active packaging and fixed and sweeping relative phase) were used in heating a tray of 300 g gellan gel sample for 3 min. The temperature distributions at the top and middle layers of the heated samples were collected and analyzed for heating uniformity index (HUI) and power absorption efficiency (PAE). The results showed that both active shielding package and relative phase sweeping can individually improve the HUI while maintaining high PAE. The packaging factor and relative phase factor showed a significant interaction effect (p = 0.0021) in influencing HUI but not PAE, highlighting the necessity of considering both factors (packaging and relative phase) when optimizing the microwave heating uniformity. The combination of active packaging and sweeping relative phase is a robust heating strategy that delivers the best heating performance that is significantly better than or similar to other combinations of packaging and relative phase strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Export-led industrialization is crucial for economic growth, emphasizing the shift from primary production to manufacturing. Malawi aims for industrialization through its National Export Strategy (NES), focusing on oilseed and sugarcane products and manufacturing. However, research gaps exist on export promotion programs' impact, especially in less developed countries like Malawi and specific sectors like plastics and packaging. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods for robust analysis. All 13 firms in Malawi's plastics and packaging industry were surveyed in Blantyre and Lilongwe to assess the impact of the National Export Strategy (NES). A questionnaire with 37 questions across six sections, adapted from prior research, was used to gather comprehensive data on various aspects such as employment, production, and investment. Ethical clearance was obtained, and completed questionnaires underwent thorough review before data analysis. Results are presented in subsequent sections. The impact of Malawi's National Export Strategy (NES) on its plastics and packaging industry highlights vital challenges. Employment suffers from a lack of skilled labor, stemming from a mismatch with training institutions. Firms struggle with limited access to finance and high borrowing costs, hindering investment. High taxes and duties hamper export competitiveness, while unreliable energy supply increases operational costs. Additionally, transportation expenses impede raw material imports, exports, and local distribution. These findings underscore the need to address skill mismatches, enhance financial access, reduce trade barriers, and improve infrastructure to bolster the industry's resilience and competitiveness under the NES. Policy implications include collaborating with financial institutions to enhance access to grants and affordable credit, imposing higher import taxes on finished products to protect local producers, improving energy supply, enhancing transportation infrastructure, introducing incentives for investment in support services, raising awareness of NES benefits, and establishing industry-specific meetings to address sector-specific issues. These measures aim to bolster the plastics and packaging industry's competitiveness and support its growth under the NES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explored how variations in green information influence consumer responses to green food packaging. Study 1 (N = 355) addressed how consumers evaluate packaging sustainability given the interplay between source cues, claim cues and the order of cue presentation. Study 2 (N = 546) additionally investigated the role of product cues (namely, naturalness) in sustainability evaluations of green packaging. Both studies examined perceived credibility of green information as the underlining mechanism explaining packaging cues' effects on perceived sustainability. Overall, consumers valued green communication using credible cues on packaged foods but they also: (1) appreciated higher cue quantity, (2) did not penalize communications using low credibility cues, and (3) evaluated green packaging information swayed by product cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The color stability and quality changes of red pepper powder of various initial moisture content (7%, 10%, and 13%) and packaged with different materials, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon layered polyethylene (Ny/PE) film pouches or plastic and glass bottles, were compared during storage at 20 °C for 126 days. In the 7% moisture content sample packaged in LDPE film and plastic bottles, the L* and b*-values increased from 48.2 ± 0.7 and 15.4 ± 1.1 to 65.2–65.9 and 29.5–30.3, respectively, while the a*-value decreased from 26.1 ± 0.7 to 14.2–15.9, indicating a noticeable color change from red to orange. However, the decrease in the capsaicinoid and free sugar content of red pepper powder over time was found to have no significant correlation with moisture content and packaging type. As a result, the color change during the long-term storage of red pepper powder was greatly influenced by the initial moisture content and gas permeability of the packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the work is to study by experimental analysis and finite element methods the mechanical response of a packaging, consisting of a corrugated cardboard container, used for the transport of fruit and vegetables. During the container design, three different configurations were selected which differ both in the choice of liner and in the type of wave. In particular, the type E, F and N microwaves were chosen. They are characterized by a lower amplitude than the high and medium waves commonly used in corrugated cardboard packaging, making it possible to reduce material consumption and, consequently, costs. In the initial phase of the study, experimental tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical strength of the liners. In addition, edge compression tests (ECTs) were performed to determine the stacking resistance of the structure. The break‐in resistance of the structures was analysed using a test conducted according to an internal standard, called strength packaging test (SPT). Subsequently, a parametric study was set up with the finite element method for the simulation of the mechanical behaviour of the three structures, using the homogenization technique. The comparison between the maximum total deformations, measured experimentally and calculated numerically, has highlighted the need to introduce corrective coefficients to improve the homogenization of the wave structure. In this way, it was possible to improve the matching of the results obtained on the structures simulated by the homogenization technique and those obtained on the corresponding real structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The NUOVA OFFICINA ASSERGI (NOA) is a new facility for the production and integration of large-area silicon photodetectors operating at cryogenic temperatures. Silicon photomultipliers are proving to be a promising technology for next-generation experiments searching for rare events in underground laboratories. New photosensor technology with high performance at cryogenic temperature has been developed by Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) and integrated at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) into large-area optical units, thus opening the frontiers toward the realization of scalable liquid argon experiments probing dark matter. The massive production of such detectors is now feasible in NOA, a clean room of 421 m2 designed to operate in a radon-free mode. NOA, commissioned and operational at LNGS, hosts the most advanced packaging machines and electronic test facilities for the integration of silicon devices in a dust-controlled environment. The infrastructure layout is split into two experimental areas: one for the production of electronic devices and cryogenic temperature tests and the other for operating with large detector installations. The NOA facility can be operated with a radon abatement system, making it a unique facility for packaging and testing SiPM-based photosensors and for assembling detector components in a radon-free environment. Therefore, NOA supports the deployment of underground experiments at LNGS and the development of new technologies for the search of rare events, such as dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops an impermeable and flexible sheet for food packaging using aluminium foil and jute web. A hot melt sheet is used for laminating foil with a jute web. A simple manufacturing process has been suggested. The effect of different process parameters has been studied and optimized. The optimized calendaring temperature (top/bottom), pressure, and speed are 150/120°C, 15 kPa, and 1 m/min, respectively. Preheating and three consecutive runs show higher tenacity. This hybrid sheet uses around 88% or 78% jute (by weight) in one and both side laminated sheets, respectively. The failure mechanism shows the role of fibre-to-foil bonding. The developed fabric is lighter and more cost-effective than jute woven laminated fabric. The packet from hybrid fabric is sufficiently strong and pliable with excellent barrier properties to use as a hygienic sheet for food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-1 transcript function is controlled in part by twinned transcriptional start site usage, where 5' capped RNAs beginning with a single guanosine (1G) are preferentially packaged into progeny virions as genomic RNA (gRNA) whereas those beginning with three sequential guanosines (3G) are retained in cells as mRNAs. In 3G transcripts, one of the additional guanosines base pairs with a cytosine located within a conserved 5' polyA element, resulting in formation of an extended 5' polyA structure as opposed to the hairpin structure formed in 1G RNAs. To understand how this remodeling influences overall transcript function, we applied in vitro biophysical studies with in-cell genome packaging and competitive translation assays to native and 5' polyA mutant transcripts generated with promoters that differentially produce 1G or 3G RNAs. We identified mutations that stabilize the 5' polyA hairpin structure in 3G RNAs, which promote RNA dimerization and Gag binding without sequestering the 5' cap. None of these 3G transcripts were competitively packaged, confirming that cap exposure is a dominant negative determinant of viral genome packaging. For all RNAs examined, conformations that favored 5' cap exposure were both poorly packaged and more efficiently translated than those that favored 5' cap sequestration. We propose that structural plasticity of 5' polyA and other conserved RNA elements place the 5' leader on a thermodynamic tipping point for low-energetic (~3 kcal/mol) control of global transcript structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect detection in pharmaceutical blister packages is the most challenging task to get an accurate result in detecting defects that arise in tablets while manufacturing. Conventional defect detection methods include human intervention to check the quality of tablets within the blister packages, which is inefficient, time-consuming, and increases labor costs. To mitigate this issue, the YOLO family is primarily used in many industries for real-time defect detection in continuous production. To enhance the feature extraction capability and reduce the computational overhead in a real-time environment, the CBS-YOLOv8 is proposed by enhancing the YOLOv8 model. In the proposed CBS-YOLOv8, coordinate attention is introduced to improve the feature extraction capability by capturing the spatial and cross-channel information and also maintaining the long-range dependencies. The BiFPN (weighted bi-directional feature pyramid network) is also introduced in YOLOv8 to enhance the feature fusion at each convolution layer to avoid more precise information loss. The model's efficiency is enhanced through the implementation of SimSPPF (simple spatial pyramid pooling fast), which reduces computational demands and model complexity, resulting in improved speed. A custom dataset containing defective tablet images is used to train the proposed model. The performance of the CBS-YOLOv8 model is then evaluated by comparing it with various other models. Experimental results on the custom dataset reveal that the CBS-YOLOv8 model achieves a mAP of 97.4% and an inference speed of 79.25 FPS, outperforming other models. The proposed model is also evaluated on SESOVERA-ST saline bottle fill level monitoring dataset achieved the mAP50 of 99.3%. This demonstrates that CBS-YOLOv8 provides an optimized inspection process, enabling prompt detection and correction of defects, thus bolstering quality assurance practices in manufacturing settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing environmental concern regarding the increasing quantity of packages in retail eCommerce. This study investigated the environmental impact of two returnable packaging formats, performing life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies based on the Canadian apparel eCommerce market. In case study 1, the brand owner sold and shipped its products to final consumers using an expendable mailer and a returnable mailer that was managed and supplied via the centralized model. In case study 2, the brand owner rented its products to final consumers and shipped them using an expendable corrugated paperboard box and a returnable box that was managed and supplied via the decentralized model. Comparative, contribution, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to analyze and compare the environmental performance of these packaging options. For case study 1, the LCA revealed that the returnable mailer had greater impact than the expandable mailer in 9 of the 10 environmental impact categories, even if the returnable mailer was reused for 40 cycles and the final consumer was in the same city as the brand owner; this was primarily due to the length of transportation. For case study 2, the returnable box had smaller environmental impact than the expendable corrugated paperboard box in 6 of the 10 environmental impact categories, even though the brand owner shipped packages to final consumers a cumulative distance of 9000 km from its starting location. The overall results imply that the environmental burden of returnable packaging is primarily affected by total trip distance and the number of reuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review details the extraction, characterization and utilization of seaweed-derived biopolymers for future packaging applications. The review is contextualized within the broader scope of the challenge of plastic pollution and the current urgent need for more sustainable packaging materials. Macroalgae (or seaweed) has been highlighted as a promising source of biopolymers, most commonly sodium alginate, agar and carrageenan, for reasons such as a rapid growth rate and decreased environmental impact when compared with terrestrial plant life. Extraction methods detailed include traditional solvent-based extraction and more sustainable developments such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and bead milling. This review additionally presents the characterization techniques most pertinent in determining the applicability of these biopolymers in packaging applications. Properties of key importance to the development of sustainable packaging materials such as thermal properties, mechanical strength, barrier properties and biodegradability are highlighted in comparison to conventional petroleum-based plastics. This review concludes by realistically identifying the challenges faced by implementing seaweed-based biopolymers into packaging structures, such as cost-effectiveness, scalability and performance while suggesting future directions to mitigate these issues and improve the commercial viability of these materials for the packaging industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant waste material threatening sustainability efforts are post-consumer food packaging goods. These ubiquitous multi-materials comprise chemically disparate components and are thus challenging targets for recycling. Herein, we undertake a proof-of-principle study in which we use a single-stage method to convert post-consumer multi-material food packaging (post-consumer peanut butter jars) to a high compressive strength composite (PBJS90). This is accomplished by thiocracking the ground jar pulp (10 wt. %) with elemental sulfur (90 wt. %) at 320 °C for 2 h. This is the first application of thiocracking to such mixed-material post-consumer goods. Composite synthesis proceeded with 100% atom economy, a low E factor of 0.02, and negative global warming potential of −0.099 kg CO2e/kg. Furthermore, the compressive strength of PBJS90 (37.7 MPa) is over twice that required for Portland cement building foundations. The simplicity of composite synthesis using a lower temperature/shorter heating time than needed for mineral cements, and exclusive use of waste materials as precursors are ecologically beneficial and represent an important proof-of-principle approach to using thiocracking as a strategy for upcycling multi-materials to useful composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic packaging materials have caused significant environmental issues because they are nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable. Wax‐emulsified films from biomaterials, on the other hand, are renewable and biodegradable, making them promising packaging alternatives. The development of bioactive wax‐emulsified films (BWEFs) with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties has been a topic of extensive research. In this review, we provide an overview of wax emulsification, BWEF processing, and applications. BWEF contains several bioactive agents such as tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenes. The addition of emulsified wax and active agents to films not only enhances their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties but also reduces their hydrophilicity. Other reagents have been added to BWEF partially to increase hydrophobicity and mainly to improve mechanical properties. BWEFs prolong food shelf life, monitor wound healing, and control drug delivery. We have identified some research challenges that need to be solved to make BWEFs industrially attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical Application The influence of storage atmosphere on the color development and myoglobin (Mb) redox state of beef was investigated. Beef samples were packaged in 6 different atmospheres including different degrees of vacuum, levels of oxygen, nitrogen, and a mixture with 20% CO2 and stored at 2°C for 14 days. Over this time, color and reflection of the packaged samples were measured. The used method allows quick, easy, and non‐invasive measurement of the packaged samples, without using time consuming chemical assays. The method could be implemented in beef production lines, with potential for automatization. The data was used to illustrate the L*a*b* values for insights regarding qualitative color changes. Quantitative color changes were analyzed by calculation of color difference ΔE2000. Additionally, the relative levels of the deoxymyoglobin (DMb), oxymyoglobin (OMb) and metmyoglobin (MMb) were calculated from reflection spectra. The most important findings are: there is a strong correlation (rsp = 0.80 to 0.99 with one exception at rsp = 0.69 (high vacuum), p ≤ 0.05) between a* values and relative OMb levels. Storage atmospheres containing high oxygen concentrations lead to an attractive meat color, but a decreased overall color and Mb stability (ΔE = 5.02 (synthetic air) and ΔE = 2.23 (high oxygen) after 14 days of storage). Vacuum packaged samples are most stable in regards of color and Mb stability (ΔE = 1.79 (high vacuum) and ΔE = 1.63 (low vacuum) after 14 days of storage), but lack in the vibrant red color desired for sale. The experiments showed that color measurement can be a fast, non‐invasive marker for meat quality.In this research article, six different storage atmospheres are compared regarding their influence on color stability and color quality of beef during storage in packaging. The results suggest which atmospheres to use in various sales‐related scenarios. The method described can easily be applied in the meat industry to quickly monitor changes during storage and wet‐aging without damaging the meat or opening the meat packages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their claim to distance from reality, maps seek power from representation. Maps are constituted by a particular set of practices that are enmeshed within wider social relations. Maps, then, are a powerful vantage point for understanding the geometries of power. Under settler colonialism, geography is constantly reshaped and reconfigured by expansionist and eliminatory logics. Such is the case in Palestine, where Israeli settler colonialism has fragmented the map of historic Palestine into messily separated archipelagos. As Palestinian geographies are constantly being reconfigured under Israeli settler colonialism, can maps catch up? How do we locate Palestine on the map? I take up these questions by focusing on the 1948 and 1967 Palestinian territories as two spatio‐temporally differentiated locations of settler colonial spatial reconfiguration. Using a counter‐map designed by Palestinian artist Haya Zaatry, I highlight the importance of counter‐mapping in bringing into sharp relief the conjunctural layering of dispossession in Palestine. If dominant colonial maps are about the neat packaging of lived realities into dominant spatio‐temporal demarcations, counter‐maps are about highlighting the ghostly stories and embodied spatial practices and processes of living within and beyond such demarcations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric methylene diphenyl isocyanate (pMDI) was used as a reactive compatibilizer to improve the mechanical properties of the PBAT/EVOH blend. Initially, pMDI was blended with pure polymers. Adding pMDI led to a 10‐fold rise in the viscosity of PBAT/pMDI compared to pure PBAT, with an enhancement in tensile properties, attributed to pMDI's chain‐extending effect in the PBAT phase. Conversely, a reduction in the elongation at the break of EVOH/pMDI indicated a cross‐linking role for pMDI in the EVOH phase. Notably, the blend with 1 wt% of pMDI showed a high tensile strength of 38 MPa by route II, much above 13.5 MPa for the one prepared by route I, and 14 MPa for the blank PBAT/EVOH blend without pMDI. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, FE‐SEM images, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) results confirmed the occurrence of effective reactions in route II. Modification of the blend with pMDI decreased the crystallinity of EVOH, the size of EVOH droplets, and the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the blends. However, an increase in the pMDI content above 0.5 wt% decreased OTR. Therefore, the modified blends of PBAT/EVOH with pMDI can be used as an efficient compatibilizer or adhesive layer in PBAT/EVOH blends or multilayer films for agricultural or food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop a value-added bio-based polymer product for food packaging. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising bioplastic with limitations in processability and brittleness, which our group previously addressed by incorporating high-molecular-weight natural rubber (NR) compatibilized with peroxide and coagent. Yet, processability in an industrial setting proved difficult. Coffee oil epoxide (COE), a waste-derived plasticizer, was incorporated into the PHBV/NR/peroxide/coagent matrix via extrusion, and properties of resulting sheets were evaluated. COE incorporation significantly decreased the oxygen and water permeability of the PHBV/NR sheets. Maximum degradation temperature Tpeak (°C) increased by ~4.6 °C, and degree of crystallinity decreased by ~15.5% relative to pristine PHBV, indicating good thermal stability. Melting (Tm) and glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the PHBV/NR blend remained unchanged with COE incorporation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed ~10.36% decrease in crystal size for the plasticized blend. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed good dispersion with no phase separation. The water uptake capacity of the plasticized blend was reduced by 61.02%, while surface contact angle measurements showed improved water resistance. The plasticized PHBV sheet shows promise for environmentally friendly packaging films due to its high thermal stability, effective barrier properties, and industrial scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a multilayer, high-barrier, thin blown film based on a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) blend with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and composed of four layers including a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) barrier layer and an electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) hot-tack layer, was characterized in terms of the surface roughness, surface tension, migration, mechanical and peel performance, barrier properties, and disintegration rate. The results showed that the film exhibited a smooth surface. The overall migration tests showed that the material is suitable to be used as a food contact layer. The addition of the CNC interlayer had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the system, drastically reducing the elongation at break and, thus, the flexibility of the material. The film containing CNCs and electrospun PHBV hot-tack interlayers exhibited firm but not strong adhesion. However, the multilayer was a good barrier to water vapor (2.4 ± 0.1 × 10−12 kg·m−2·s−1·Pa−1), and especially to oxygen (0.5 ± 0.3 × 10−15 m3·m−2·s−1·Pa−1), the permeance of which was reduced by up to 90% when the CNC layer was added. The multilayer system disintegrated completely in 60 days. All in all, the multilayer system developed resulted in a fully compostable structure with significant potential for use in high-barrier food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the artworks stored in museums are often kept in inappropriate climatic and environmental conditions that facilitate the formation and growth of microorganisms, such as fungi, which are responsible for many types of biodegradation phenomena. To mitigate and prevent these deteriorative processes, functionalized packaging materials can be used for the storage and handling of artworks. The aim of this study was to develop a potential anti-biodeterioration coating suitable for packaging purposes. TiO2 and ZnO doped with different amounts of Ag (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, and 3 wt%) were synthesized and dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic resin (Paraloid B72), then applied on different types of packaging materials (cellulose and the high-density spunbound polyethylene fiber Tyvek®, materials that are frequently used as packaging in museums). Analytical investigations (SEM/EDS, Raman, FTIR, and XRD) were employed to assess dispersion on the packaging material. Furthermore, resistance against biodeteriogens was assessed using Cladosporium sp., a bioluminometer, to define the biocidal efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Starch‐based biocomposites exhibit great potential as an alternative to fossil‐based materials. This work focused on investigating the properties of the starch‐based biocomposite reinforced by cellulose nanofibers derived from sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration was varied from 4%, 8%, and 12% wt/vol for the SCB extraction process. The obtained nanofibers, respectively called SCBNF4, SCBNF8, and SCBNF12, were characterized by various techniques prior to being incorporated into modified starch (MS). The effects of the type and amount of SCBNF on the mechanical properties, thermal behavior, optical transparency, and moisture absorption of the biocomposite films were examined. All SCBNF samples had a cellulose type I structure with a diameter on the nanometer scale, regardless of the NaOH concentration. The SCBNF's diameter decreased, whereas the crystallinity index increased with increasing NaOH concentration. When incorporated into MS, the higher SCBNF loading resulted in enhancements of mechanical properties and resistance to moisture absorption with the sacrifice of optical transparency. The biocomposite filled with SCBNF12 exhibited better overall performance at a certain filler loading due to the greater filler‐polymer interaction. The benefits of greater strength, light weight, and eco‐friendliness of the developed biocomposites make them suitable for many applications, including packaging. Diameter and crystallinity index of SCBNF were governed by NaOH concentration. Adding SCBNF to MS greatly improved the biocomposite's mechanical properties. SCBNF12 showed the highest biocomposite's overall performance. The maximum strength was achieved at 1 phr of SCBNFs. The addition of SCBNFs reduced water and moisture absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review of the literature, published in the last 5 years, reporting antimicrobial compounds and factors affecting the release, absorption, and concentration in food packaging. This overview shows that concentration of natural antimicrobials plays an important role in bacterial inhibition to prolong food shelf life in antimicrobial packaging. The extension of bacterial inhibition depends on antimicrobial stability inside the packaging system, where the antimicrobial concentration should be maintained above the minimum inhibitory concentration. However, too high concentration of natural compounds affects food sensory and leads to undesired odour, consequently food consumers refuse to consume the packaged foods. Controlled release of the antimicrobials potentially maintains the concentration not going under and over the concentration limit in a longer period. This review gives an overview of the controlled-release mechanisms of various natural compounds in an antimicrobial food packaging. Factors influencing release, absorption and concentration of natural antimicrobial in microbial inhibition are defined in three categories: (1) physical characteristics of antimicrobial-releasing carrier, (2) food structure and properties, (3) external factors. Considering these factors in regulating antimicrobial packaging is discussed comprehensively, so the effectiveness of the packaging in prolonging the food shelf life can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drastic increase in the amount of packaging waste from conventional plastics, caused by improper waste management, is a serious challenge for the planet. It is therefore worth considering how we can solve this problem. Thus, it is necessary to develop new polymeric materials that retain the functional properties of traditional plastics but are susceptible to degradation with the participation of microorganisms. The development of new eco-friendly materials requires a holistic approach in terms of their disposal. Organic recycling enables the disposal of biodegradable packaging along with food remains that are difficult to remove. The article presents a study on the degradation of biocomposites of polylactide with cork in various environments (water, buffer, and compost). The obtained results indicate a clear influence of the presence of the filler and its amount on the degradation profile of the composites. In addition, the effect of sample shrinkage was observed, especially during degradation in water, where the pH decreases during the process due to the appearance of degradation products. This effect may be important not only for the degradation profile of the packaging but also during its use. Packaging distorted due to shrinkage may be a sign of improper product storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this work was to produce biodegradable film based on polyvinyl alcohol/vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)/grapefruit peel powder (GF) (PVA/GF/V2O5). Grapefruit peel powder and V2O5 effects on the physicochemical/structural properties of the films was evaluated. The properties like, solubility, thickness, antioxidant activity, humidity, water vapor permeability (WVP), color indices, FTIR, TGA, SEM and XRD tests were investigated. According to the results, increasing of grapefruit peel powder led to an increase in the color indices (a and b) and thickness of the films, and on the other hand, a decrease in the solubility and L index was observed with the addition of V2O5 nanoparticles in the samples. Addition of V2O5 to the film increased the index a and b of the samples. The antioxidant properties of the samples increased with the addition of grapefruit peel powder and V2O5. The electrostatic interaction between polyvinyl alcohol, grapefruit peel powder, and V2O5 nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR. According to the SEM images, films containing grapefruit peel powder and nanoparticles have a granular heterogeneous film. The TGA results showed that the thermal stability of films containing grapefruit peel powder and nanoparticles was better than the control sample, and the results obtained from XRD showed that with the addition of grapefruit peel powder, there were slight changes in the intensity of the peaks, and addition of V2O5 led to the increasing of peak intensity, which has the highest percentage of impact on the film's crystallite structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems for reusing packaging (e.g., refillable bottles for laundry detergent) have the potential to reduce plastic waste and lower the environmental impact of delivering products to consumers. However, despite the potential of reusable packaging, uptake of reuse systems is typically low and so the present research investigated whether informing consumers about these benefits increases their willingness to engage with reuse systems. A total of 969 participants were asked to imagine buying consumer products, such as laundry detergent in refillable bottles, and were then randomly allocated to either receive information on the potential environmental benefit of (i) their using the scheme, (ii) the scheme as a whole, or (iii) no information. The findings suggested that the information increased consumers' awareness of the environmental impact of reuse systems but did not increase their willingness to use such systems. This finding underscores the need for strategies that go beyond mere dissemination of information, to circumvent obstacles that prevent willing consumers from enacting desirable behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food loss and waste have been identified as significant contributors to existing environmental challenges. Previous studies have extensively quantified losses and waste throughout the value chain. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the influence of packaging design on food residue quantities. This study analyses the technical emptiability of dairy product packaging, building upon previously described methods and proposing new methods for a standardized analysis. The results demonstrate significant variations in residue amounts depending on product type, fat content, viscosity, packaging type and design, as well as consumer handling. The findings indicate that residues of high-viscosity products, such as yoghurt drinks and buttermilk, can accumulate to a level exceeding 4% of the total filling weight in the packaging; meanwhile, the residues of low-viscosity products, such as milk, collectively represent less than 1% of the total filling weight. Consumer handling instructions on packaging significantly reduce residues, as shown by the instruction to shake before opening, which notably decreases the residues of high-viscosity products. Future legislation to minimize food waste and reduce the environmental impact of packaging will necessitate that the packaging industry produces easy-to-empty packaging. This will improve sorting, recycling, recyclate quality, and environmental impact, consequently enhancing the sustainability of dairy packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The findings from this research may have a specific and so far unique application in creating new packaged food products that are not traditionally distributed as such. The results show that the selection of proper packaging material with good thickness, transparency and permeability characteristics along with favorable storage conditions can help to preserve the antioxidant compounds of fresh-cut nettle leaves for 14 days. Green leafy vegetables are very challenging in terms of storage and preservation, while packaging in controlled conditions with the selection of appropriate polymer material is crucial for maintaining their nutritional value and quality. Various packaging materials have different gas and water vapor permeability as well as physicochemical properties that can create a specific environment inside the package, therefore affecting the chemical composition, sensory characteristics, and overall quality of packed leafy vegetables. Stinging nettle is an edible plant with a high antioxidant content, making it a valuable leafy vegetable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of four packaging materials (biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE), and polylactic acid (PLA)) on the antioxidant content of packed fresh nettle leaves during 14-day storage. Ascorbic acid content was the highest after 6 days of storage, equally well preserved in all tested films, with an average of 86.74 mg/100 g fm (fresh mass). After 14 days of storage, the total phenolic content was best preserved when packed in LDPE. The content of caffeoylmalic and chlorogenic acids was the highest in LDPE after 6 days. In addition, leaves packed in LDPE after 6 days of storage had the highest content of all photosynthetic pigments. According to FRAP analysis, the antioxidant capacity was best maintained in LDPE (at the 14th day, the measured capacity was 43.61 µmol TE/g). This study shows that the type of packaging material (BOPP, LDPE, PA/PE, and PLA) and storage duration (6 and 14 days) have a great impact on the level of antioxidant compounds in the nettle leaves, where LDPE and BOPP can be highlighted as the most favorable for the preservation of total and individual phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine quality and safety is affected by the food contact materials (FCMs) used. These materials are expected to protect the beverage from any chemical, physical, or biological hazard and preserve its composition stable throughout its shelf-life. However, the migration of chemical substances from FCMs is a known phenomenon and requires monitoring. This review distinguishes the migrating chemical substances to those of (i) industrial origin with potential safety effects and those of (ii) natural occurrence, principally in cork (ex. tannins) with organoleptic quality effects. The review focuses on the migration of industrial chemical contaminants. Migration testing has been applied only for cork stoppers and tops, while other materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with aluminum cups, paperboard cartons, stainless steel vats, and oak casks have been examined for the presence of chemical migrating substances only by wine analysis without migration testing. The dominant analytical techniques applied are gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for the determination of organic compounds and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and ICP-MS for elemental analysis. Targeted approaches are mostly applied, while limited non-target methodologies are reported. The identified migrating substances include authorized substances like phthalate plasticizers, monomers (bisphenol A), antioxidants (Irganox 1010), known but non-authorized substances (butylparaben), break-down products, oxidation products (nonylphenol), polyurethane adhesive by-products, oligomers, ink photoinitiators, and inorganic elements. A preliminary investigation of microplastics' migration has also been reported. It is proposed that further research on the development of comprehensive workflows of target, suspect, and non-target analysis is required to shed more light on the chemical world of migration for the implementation of an efficient risk assessment and management of wine contact materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer films are widely used in the food industry because they allow the combination of properties of different materials to increase product shelf life without sacrificing product value. Despite the associated benefits, these films are difficult to recycle due to material immiscibility and difficult layer separation. Thus, the purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility of incorporating recycled plastic material from the multi‐material film industry into extruded films for food packaging. To simulate the thermomechanical recycling, two different post‐industrial polymeric wastes of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) (with linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) or with ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)), were reprocessed four times in a single‐screw extruder. Moreover, these polymeric wastes were blended with virgin LDPE to improve the extrusion process control and to assess their effect on the blend properties. The extrusion experiments demonstrate that reprocessing of multilayer films and processing of their blends with virgin LDPE is feasible. Moreover, the mechanical and thermal properties of the corresponding films are not negatively affected when compared with those of virgin LDPE films. Nevertheless, the optical properties of recycled EVOH films, were lower than those of virgin LDPE or recycled LLDPE, with high haze and low gloss. Highlights: Two multilayer film scraps were reprocessed and blended with virgin LDPE.Thin film samples were produced by blown film extrusion.Films containing EVOH presented the worst optical properties.The presence of EVOH did not negatively affect the extrusion process.Mechanical and thermal properties were not significantly affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overwhelming use of non-biodegradable plastics derived from petroleum has resulted in serious environmental pollution and ecological concerns, which has spurred the development of biodegradable and renewable alternative materials. As the most abundant aromatic polymer with excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, lignin possesses huge potential for the production of a variety of functional and sustainable materials that can serve as plastic substitutes. In recent years, lignin-derived biodegradable films have attracted a great deal of attention in both fundamental research and practical applications, and there have been several noteworthy advances in this sector. Here we review lignin as UV blocking, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent for food packaging applications. The most recent advancements in the preparation and advanced applications of packaging film materials derived from lignin are reviewed here from a sustainability perspective. The structural and chemical characteristics of lignin are introduced, followed by an extraction and incorporating techniques in polymer matrix. Finally, the food packaging applications of lignin from wood and non-wood sources of lignin-derived biodegradable film materials are discussed, along with potential future routes for sustainable and environmentally friendly lignin-derived film materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because arthritis and limited dexterity affect at least 25% of the US adult population (1) and these issues can make packaging more difficult to open, there has been an overall increase in interest about inclusive packaging (2). Inclusive packaging is designed to ensure that the largest number of consumers possible will be able to open a package without serious difficulty. When designing for those with arthritis, testing is often done using simulation technologies that impair hand and joint movements, such as the Cambridge Simulation Gloves (CSG). However, not all packages have been evaluated for inclusive design, and as such, the goal of this study was to use CSG to evaluate several representative packages currently in the marketplace for inclusivity and to redesign the one deemed most challenging for those with impaired dexterity. The study evaluated product packages that were deemed non‐inclusive, identified common trends between these products, including the necessity for fine finger movements, existence of small gripping areas, and opening mechanisms with little clearance between the two surfaces. Of the products examined, a common aspirin package, was found to be the most difficult to open—it was nearly impossible to lift the seal while wearing the CSG and the package required the most time to open. As such, this product was selected to undergo redesign, and this redesign focused on the tamper evident induction seal. The redesign process involved prototyping an included finger loop and then testing the prototypes using the CSG. This led to a final design consisting of a loop attached to the induction seal, which was then tested with the CSG to evaluate its effectiveness. This study shows the utility of incorporating the CSG into the preliminary design process as opposed to only at the final test of the product. Furthermore, the findings of the study strongly suggest that in designing inclusive packaging for those with limited dexterity, decreasing the required fine finger and joint movements and increasing the gripping areas, especially those involved in the opening mechanism of the package, are the most useful changes to make. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of packaging conditions on the properties of peeled garlic during storage, and the results have been evaluated using statistical analysis and artificial neural network (ANN). Peeled garlic was packed with polyethylene (PE) film and polyethylene film equipped with nanoparticles (2% nanoclay) and filled into the packages using ambient and modified atmospheres (1% O2, 5% CO2 and 94% N2). A group of packages was also packed under vacuum conditions. The packaged samples were stored at 25°C, 4°C and −18°C for 35 days. Colour indices (a*, b* and L*), chemical properties (pH and TSS) and mechanical properties (Fmax and Emod) of the peeled garlic were measured during the storage time. The final results showed that the use of nanofilm and modified atmosphere had a positive effect on maintaining the quality of peeled garlic during the storage. On the other hand, the temperature changes showed that the freezing temperature had a negative effect on the garlic quality (properties) during the storage period. The statistical analysis results of the data showed the significant effect of treatments and their interactions on properties at levels of 1% and 5%. The results of ANN showed that the peeled garlic properties (physical, chemical and mechanical) could be predicted with the highest performance scores. The most successful ANN models were identified for each property, with the Trainbr learning algorithm and Tansig transfer function yielding the highest prediction scores for physical (R2 > 0.90) and chemical properties; on the other hand, Logsig was most successful for mechanical properties (R2 > 0.84). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent packaging systems can contribute to easily informing the quality of products. Tools such as artificial neural networks (ANN) have the potential to be used in the development of intelligent packaging. The objective of this work was the development and training of an ANN to facilitate the control of foods from the pH variation based on a sustainable colorimetric indicator of chitosan‐anthocyanin. The pH intelligent films were prepared with different concentrations of chitosan (Cch, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%, w/w) and anthocyanin (Cath, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%, w/w). The films were characterized by water solubility, mechanical properties, and thermal analyses. The colorimetric efficiency of the pH intelligent films was measured by immersing the material in a wide pH range (1.20–12.58) buffer solution, determining the color parameters L*, a*, and b*. From the experimental results, a database was built to develop an empirical multivariable model based on ANN. Higher Cch increases the solubility and resistance of intelligent films. Color variation was better identified in films containing Cath = 0.5%. The ANN presented assertiveness of 79%, showing that classification algorithms based on colorimetric measurements can be exploited to indicate alterations in food products resulting from pH variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the effect of functionalized silica, treated with organosilane (γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane), on the wettability loss of polypropylene (PP) film when exposed to surface oxidization treatment by atmospheric air plasma. The observed wettability loss results from the spontaneous process within the polymer matrix, which reduces surface energy, causing oxidized polymer molecules to move toward the bulk of the film. The effect of silica's functionalization on the initial wettability of oxidized PP film and its loss on storage time is measured by contact angle. Elemental analysis of the modified silica, employing acid catalytic processes, reveals the highest functionalization yield. Silicon nuclear magnetic resonance shows that the post‐condensation process negatively affects structures formed by the organosilane, eliminating three‐dimensional bonds and reverting it to its original and hydrolyzed state. The solvent extraction process and elemental analysis confirm that the concentration of organosilane in the chemically bonded layer, which was around 9 wt%, is not influenced by the post‐condensation treatment. Notably, silica functionalized with the highest concentration of organosilane has significantly improved initial wettability when oxidative treatment occurs within a shorter residence time (30 s), which achieved a contact angle of 53.8° against 59.1° for the film with untreated silica. However, the wettability loss rate of the materials remains unaffected by the presence of functionalized silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-design enables relevant stakeholders to participate in the design process and has been employed to examine social issues. Although most previous studies have identified the benefits and characteristics of collaborative work with specific case studies, there is a dearth of research on the topic of how co-design can influence children’s snacking behaviour. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore how co-design that involves parents and designers can be beneficial in the context of children’s unhealthy snack products. The primary data collection method involved a co-design workshop, followed by semi-structured interviews two months later. The findings show that one of the benefits of co-design is educating consumers on snack packaging that designers create to persuade them to buy unhealthy products. This study also suggests four packaging design strategies (information, affordance, fun and storytelling) that guide designers on how to make snack packaging for children. Furthermore, co-design with parents and designers has two characteristics: active consumer engagement and positive emotion creation. This study contributes to the co-design literature by providing insights into the benefits of collaboration between parents and designers and determining the attributes for healthy packaging for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable electronics commonly assemble multiple material modules with varied bulk moduli and surface chemistry on one packaging substrate. Preventing the strain-induced delamination between the module and the substrate has been a critical challenge. Here we develop a packaging substrate that delivers mechanically stable module/substrate interfaces for a broad range of stiff and stretchable modules with varied surface chemistries. The key design of the substrate was to introduce module-specific stretchability and universal adhesiveness by regionally tuning the bulk molecular mobility and surface molecular polarity of a near-hermetic elastic polymer matrix. The packaging substrate can customize the deformation of different modules while avoiding delamination upon stretching up to 600%. Based on this substrate, we fabricated a fully stretchable bioelectronic device that can serve as a respiration sensor or an electric generator with an in vivo lifetime of 10 weeks. This substrate could be a versatile platform for device assembly. Preventing the strain-induced delamination between the module and the substrate has been a critical challenge. The authors developed a stretchable packaging substrate that enables stable module/substrate interfaces under large deformation, preventing the interfacial delamination of stretchable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic packaging has been widely used in utensils, equipment, packaging, among others. However, the widespread use of plastic materials, which originate from non-renewable sources, has generated a global pollution crisis due to its non-biodegradable profile, thus leading the scientific community and consumers to evaluate their choices. Therefore, studies on alternatives to prevent environmental damage have been carried out. The development of biodegradable packaging, produced with raw materials from renewable sources, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and others, has shown to be a viable alternative to minimize these problems. However, many challenges arise when using biodegradable compounds as a polymer matrix; thus, techniques that allow better knowledge of the materials can contribute significantly to improving the properties of interest in these packages, with an emphasis on thermal analysis. This review addressed the use of thermal analysis and experimental conditions to evaluate biodegradable films of different compositions, with an emphasis on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Small variations were observed for the experimental conditions, which can be associated with the different film constituents (polymer matrix, presence of nanocomposites and essential oils, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]