Collection – the foundation for flexible packaging’s circular economy

Website Link (Article by Packagingeurope) Collecting flexible packaging is key for a circular economy because it sources the feedstock for future sustainable products and CEFLEX, an industry-led project, thinks minor adjustments to Europe’s existing waste systems can help send more of these soft plastics where they need to go. Around 26 million tonnes of plastic waste are

‘Potatoes with purpose’: First carbon neutral spud produced for UK market

Website Link (Article by Flora Southey) Grown using sustainable farming practices and packaged in plastic-free bags, the carbon neutral spuds will be the first of many products to tackle the food industry’s ‘huge impact’ on climate change, hopes Puffin Produce CEO Huw Thomas. Grown by Puffin Produce in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Root Zero potatoes have achieved

Controlling Moisture in Foods Using Packaging

Website Link (Article by Claire Koelsch Sand) Moisture content affects food texture, nutrient, and flavor profiles and impacts the quality and safety of food. The reaction rates of lipid oxidation, microbial growth, and browning are altered when food moisture content changes. Moisture loss can result in economic loss too, in foods such as produce that

Natural antimicrobials and antioxidants added to polylactic acid packaging films. Part I: Polymer processing techniques

Website Link (Journal by Velásquez et. al.) ABSTRACT Currently, reducing packaging plastic waste and food losses are concerning topics in the food packaging industry. As an alternative for these challenges, antimicrobial and antioxidant materials have been developed by incorporating active agents (AAs) into biodegradable polymers to extend the food shelf life. In this context, developing

Mondi: How to Solve the Materials Puzzle

Website Link (Article by Packagingeurope) The challenge of providing packaging that balances resource efficiency with the lowest possible environmental impact is one that every member of the packaging industry is familiar with. There is no ‘perfect’ solution, but in this exclusive article Mondi Group looks at some of the strategies the industry could be employing to help

Cambridge University invents vegan spider silk to replace single-use plastics

Website Link (Article by Ingredientsnetwork) Xampla, a spinoff from Cambridge University, is working on commercializing a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics that is made out of plant products but where the molecular structure is manipulated to resemble spider silk. The polymer film is comprised of crystalline and amorphous chains that have been genetically engineered to

Finalist interview: PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber

Website Link (Article by PackagingEurope) In the latest of our Sustainability Awards finalist interviews, PulPac talks us through their patented and market ready manufacturing technology for single-use packaging based on fibre moulding. Congratulations on being selected by the international judging panel as a Sustainability Awards 2021 finalist! Could you please introduce your successful entry and what’s innovative

Electrohydrodynamic processing of natural polymers for active food packaging: A comprehensive review

Abstract The active packaging materials fabricated using natural polymers is increasing in recent years. Electrohydrodynamic processing has drawn attention in active food packaging due to its potential in fabricating materials with advanced structural and functional properties. These materials have the significant capability in enhancing food’s quality, safety, and shelf-life. Through electrospinning and electrospray, fibers and

Metal oxide nanoparticles for safe active and intelligent food packaging

Highlights •Easy to fabricate, safe and cost-effective nanomaterials for food smart packaging. •Antimicrobial biomaterials for food packaging are developed from metal oxide nanoparticles. •Oxygen and ethylene molecules from the headspace of food packaging are absorbed. •The safety of packaging material is evaluated on human cells, intestinal barrier, and microbiota. •Packaging for indicating food quality are

Removing the forever chemicals from packaging

To keep hot water and greases from leaking through fiber-board containers, PFAS chemicals have been used, but the FDA has recommended the phase-out of all PFAS chemicals for food contact. Therefore, Solenis, a global supplier of specialty chemicals, and Zume, a provider of non-plastic containers and packaging, have created an open-source project to eliminate PFAS