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Packaging is a leading factor determining the total environmental effect of food products. This study investigated consumers’ awareness, behavior and expectations in relation to the environmental sustainability aspects of food packaging. Using an online survey, responses from 646 participants were collected. The effect of socio-demographic characteristics on all variable responses was explored by ANOVA models and t-tests. Participants were segmented according to a visual approach based on a principal component analysis applied on the consumers’ behavioral data. Gender, age, and education level affected consumer awareness, behavior and expectations differently. Four groups of consumers were distinguished on the grounds of their behavior in relation to food packaging: (1) More sustainable—packaging-role-oriented; (2) More sustainable—packaging minimizers; (3) Less sustainable; and (4) Medium sustainable. The most sustainable groups were mainly composed of females, while less sustainable consumers were mainly the youngest. The four groups differed in terms of expectations for sustainability-related information that can be communicated through food labels. In conclusion, this work provided new knowledge that is useful to understand the factors that influence consumer behavior and to promote the consumers’ packaging-related sustainability choices through food packaging.

This study is aimed to fabricate and characterize the seaweed- biodegradable films incorporated with varying concentrations of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) which was extracted from two bamboo sources: Schizostachyum brachycladum (BLMCC) and Gigantochloa scortechinii (BSMCC). Pure biodegradable seaweed film was directly fabricated from red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii). In this demonstrated work, commercial MCC (CMCC), BLMCC and BSMCC were used to reinforce the pure seaweed bio-degradable film at different loading concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15%) based on the dried-weight of seaweed, for packaging applications. There was substantial improvement in the tensile strength and contact angle values while reduction in the water vapor permeability and elongation at break values with the incorporation of the CMCC, BLMCC and BSMCC into the seaweed pure film matrix, which is highly desirable for the packaging material in the current scenario. The morphology of the fabricated films confirmed that there was good dispersion of the 7% of CMCC, 5% of BLMCC and 3% of BSMCC in the pure seaweed films, which resulted in the enhanced mechanical properties. So far, this is the first report on the microcrystalline cellulose based seaweed films with excellent mechanical properties, which makes them suitable for packaging application. The demonstrated work proved that both BSMCC and BLMCC based seaweed composite films have the huge potential to be used as biodegradable packaging material for wide range of applications.Graphical Abstract

An innovative approach was pursued for sustainable packaging design using Cycle Generative Adversarial Networks (CycleGANs), tailored for wood packaging engraving. The methodology includes four phases: user participatory design, assembly scheme design, detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) optimization, and computer numerical control (CNC) engraving production. Each phase targets sustainability from design to final product, minimizing environmental impact and economic costs. Emphasizing early user participation helps adapt designs to user needs and environmental standards. Innovations such as real-time updates of packaging patterns via cloud-based iterations and an FEA optimization system enhance durability and aesthetics. This approach improves the environmental footprint and recyclability of conventional wood packaging. The research aims to shift perceptions in the packaging industry towards more sustainable practices, showcasing the practical applications of advanced digital tools in traditional manufacturing. It offers a scalable model for integrating sustainability into packaging design, providing valuable insights and inspiring future innovations in environmentally friendly practices across the industry.

Research background. Biodegradable packaging is gaining immense research interest as conventional non-biodegradable food packaging has led to significant environmental pollution. In response to this, this study aims to develop biodegradable films based on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as potential food packaging material. Experimental approach. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) homopolymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] and copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)], known microbial biodegradable biopolymer plastics, were layered in different mass ratios using the dispersion coating technique over the brown kraft paper as a food packaging material. PHA are known to be safe, non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic, with a remarkable ability to biodegrade in the environment. The P(3HB) and P(3HB-co-3HV) were synthesised from carbon sources of palm olein and a combination of palm olein with 1-pentanol, respectively, using Cupriavidus malaysiensis USMAA2-4ABH16, a transformant bacterial strain with acquired lipase genes. Results and conclusions. Contact angle analysis indicated that brown kraft paper coated with P(3HB-co-3HV) had a higher contact angle than uncoated brown kraft paper and paper coated with P(3HB). The biodegradation analysis of brown kraft paper coated with P(3HB) showed that it degraded 100 % within 9 days compared to all samples of brown kraft paper coated with P(3HB-co-3HV), which were completely degraded by day 12. Novelty and scientific contribution. The results show that brown kraft paper coated with P(3HB-co-3HV) was more hydrophobic than uncoated and P(3HB)-coated brown kraft paper. This study encourages further investigations of brown kraft paper coated with PHA to develop biodegradable food packaging, paving the way for a sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable packaging material.

Nanomaterials play a pivotal role in food preservation and its safety, offering ingenious solutions for sustainable food packaging. Nanomaterials enable the creation of packaging materials having unique functional properties. It not only extends the shelf life of the foods by releasing preservatives but also enhances food safety by preventing microbial contamination or food spoilage. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the various applications of nanotechnology in food packaging, highlighting its key advantages. We also delve into the safety considerations and regulatory issues involved in developing nanotechnology-based food packaging materials. Additionally, advancements in the field of nanotechnology-based packaging have the potential to create safer, more sustainable, and high-quality packaging with greater functionality that delivers essential benefits to manufacturers and consumers.

Asian countries, despite being the largest producers and yielding a significant proportion of the world’s rice, have poor disposal facilities for the harvested rice straw (stubble). Due to higher costs in their handling relative to their value, local farmers prefer the burning of stubble fields, thus creating environmental problems. Even though the government has taken initiatives, no effective solution has been discovered to handle this large agro-waste problem efficiently. In this regard, the utilization of rice straw to develop nanocellulose (NC) products is of interest. Renewability and biodegradability, along with suitable mechanical and thermal properties required for the packaging functions, are key advantages of NC. The bio-nanocomposites prepared using NC and other bio-based polymers are also being widely considered for sustainable food packaging applications due to the reinforcement provided by NC and alternative petroleum-based packaging materials. This review provides an overview of process utilization for preparing NC products using rice straw, pulping methods, and isolation to produce bio-nanocomposites for sustainable food packaging applications. The challenges and future aspects covering the utilization of rice straw for producing NC and eventually producing active packaging materials are also discussed.

This study establishes a valid theoretical model for food and beverage sustainable packaging in Indonesia along with packaged product pre-, during-, post-consumption stages. Food and beverage product packaging dominates the total waste composition due to slow recycling rates and low recyclate supply, and packaging tends to be littered in the post-consumption stage. This study aims to address the sustainable packaging attributes and understand which consumption stage needs prioritizing for improvement. A hybrid method is employed. Fuzzy Delphi method is applied to eliminate and validate the attributes. The interrelationships among attributes are examined and visualized using fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory. The priority consumption stage is identified by applying Choquet integral method. The results show that post-consumption stage fundamentally aims to address sustainable packaging. This study finds that conservation proficiency, environmental communication, and cost consideration are the driving aspects in improving sustainable packaging. For practices, the top criteria are identified including recylates for packaging, multi-stakeholder interaction, waste disposal infrastructure, waste collection infrastructure and waste disposal management.

The growing interest of companies in sustainability affects various areas of logistic activities, including packaging. There is a clear tendency among industrial companies to enhance the sustainability of packaging for their products. In doing so, companies contribute not only to the environmental behaviour of society but also to its overall well-being. However, for ultimate success in both business and society, it is important that consumers can recognise and appreciate these packaging efforts. The paper addresses the challenge of identifying sustainable packaging from the perspective of consumers, particularly in relation to the purchase of household chemicals such as detergents and cosmetics. Based on the literature review and focus group discussion, the paper reveals packaging indicators that enable consumers to identify sustainable packaging. A subsequent questionnaire survey involving 400 Czech consumers defines the relative importance of these indicators. Through exploratory factor analysis, the paper identifies six main factors in recognising sustainable packaging, namely graphic design, amount of material, type of material, brand, labelling, and reusability. Furthermore, the paper reveals differences in the perception of sustainable packaging based on the socio-demographic characteristics of consumers. Reusability, type of material, and labelling emerge as the most significant factors in packaging recognition within the Czech consumer market for household chemicals. While the impact of labelling and type of material factors varies depending on the education, age, and environmental inclination of consumers, the reusability factor equally influences all Czech consumers, regardless of gender, age, education, or lifestyle.

Biodegradable polymers for food applications have emerged as a sustainable alternative to reduce plastic waste. In this work, compostable films based on blends of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and thermoplastic gliadins (TPG) were developed for packaging applications. Firstly, gliadins were extracted from wheat gluten and plasticized with glycerol. Then, PCL/TPG films were prepared by cast-extrusion processing at pilot scale and samples were characterized in terms of their structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical, barrier and optical properties. The addition of TPG increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PCL, reduced the oxygen permeability at 0% and 50% relative humidity values, and improved the seal strength properties of the films, having a minimal effect on the thermal stability, transparency, and the high stretchability characteristic of PCL. On the other hand, the presence of gliadins led to more water sensitive materials, resulting in a slight increase in the water vapor permeability. Finally, the home-compostability assessment of the films revealed that the presence of gliadins accelerated the aerobic biodegradation and the disintegration with respect to pristine PCL film, thus, showing the potential interest of the developed materials for sustainable packaging applications.

Modern production of packaging is characterized by great choice of packaging materials and the shape of the packaging. There is almost no product on the market that does not have highlighted symbols that should give information about the product and the packaging. Although most consumers pay attention to the symbols, a certain number never checks them, because they consider them irrelevant. The paper investigates consumer perception of the importance of green packaging of food products. A primary research on the sample of 115 respondents has been carried out investigating respondents' behaviour while making the choice on food product packaging. The findings suggest that concern for the environment and less danger for health are two major motives for buying food products in ecologically sustainable packaging. The respondents think that wood and paper have least influence on the environment, while plastic and glass harm the environment the most.