It is the International Scientific Review of the Ethical Packaging Charter Foundation. A bimonthly publication in which 7 multidisciplinary articles are presented, relating to packaging, selected by several magazines of the digital science world
In this Number:
Coated High-Performance Paper from Bacterial Cellulose Residue and Eucalyptus Pulp: Enhanced Mechanical Strength, Water Resistance, and Air Barrier Properties
Cellulose-based paper products derived from agro-industrial waste have attracted considerable interest due to their potential in sustainable material development. In this study, bacterial cellulose (BC) residue from the food and beverage industry was employed as a reinforcing agent to fabricate high-performance paper composites by blending with eucalyptus pulp (EP) at various ratios and basis weights. These papers were coated with a cationic modified starch solution (MS) using a rod coater, followed by hot pressing. Mechanical strengths (TAPPI Standard), water resistance (Cobb test and water contact angle), and air permeability (ASTM D737) were evaluated to assess material performance. The results showed that incorporating 50 wt% BC produced paper with outstanding mechanical performance, characterized by a high tensile index and excellent tear resistance. The application of the MS coating significantly boosted water resistance and air barrier performance, underscoring the effectiveness of this approach in creating high-performance paper materials. The resulting coated composites demonstrated excellent mechanical strength and barrier properties, positioning them as promising candidates for filtration applications such as personal protective face mask membranes.
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/6/720
Towards the Rational Use of Plastic Packaging to Reduce Microplastic Pollution: A Mini Review
Plastic pollution has been recognized as an emerging risk for the aquatic environment. Shifting from the prevailing linear “take-make-dispose” model to a “circular” economy framework is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of plastics. Microplastics (MPs) in the natural environment are formed when synthetic polymers are fragmented and micronized to a size ≤ 5 mm. MPs are a global environmental problem, particularly within aquatic ecosystems, due to their persistence, accumulation, and uncertain long-term effects. This review examines the degradation pathways of polymers that result in MP formulation, their rate and distribution across ecosystems, and their potential entry into food systems. Key challenges include a lack of standardized detection methods, specifically for nanoparticles; limited evidence of long-term toxicity; and the inefficiency of current waste management frameworks. Emphasis is placed on the cradle-to-grave lifecycle of plastic materials, highlighting how poor design, excessive packaging, and inadequate post-consumer treatment contribute to MP release. The transition from Directive 94/62/EC to the new Regulation (EU) 2025/40 marks a significant policy shift towards stronger preventive measures. In line with the waste hierarchy and reduction in unnecessary packaging and plastic use, effective recycling must be supported by appropriate collection systems, improved separation processes, and citizen education to prevent waste and improve recycling rates to minimize the accumulation of MPs in the environment and reduce health impacts. This review identifies critical gaps in current knowledge and suggests crucial approaches in order to mitigate MP pollution and protect marine biodiversity and public health.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/7/1245
Sustainable Water- and Oil-Repellent Coating for Disposable Meal Boxes Based on Highly Deacetylated Chitosan
To mitigate the serious environmental impact caused by the persistent accumulation of plastics, replacing conventional plastics with paper-based alternatives has emerged as a promising trend. In response to the environmental and health concerns associated with petrochemical-based plastic meal boxes and fluorinated water- and oil-repellent agents, this study proposes a sustainable, fluorine-free coating technology based on chitosan to enhance the water and oil resistance of molded-paper pulp meal boxes. By adjusting the degree of deacetylation and the solution concentration of chitosan, coated meal boxes were fabricated via a spraying method. The results demonstrate that coatings prepared with highly deacetylated (>95%) and concentrated (4% w/v) chitosan significantly improve barrier properties, achieving a water contact angle of 114.9° ± 3°, the highest oil-resistance rating (12/12) according to TAPPI standards, and stable resistance to 95 °C hot oil for up to 30 min without leakage. In addition, the coated samples exhibit enhanced mechanical strength (21.26 MPa) and excellent biodegradability. This work provides a cost-efficient and eco-friendly disposable food packaging solution, facilitating the sustainable substitution of petrochemical-based plastics.
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/18/12/2741
Attachment and Biofilm Formation of Eight Different Salmonella Serotypes on Three Food-Contact Surfaces at Different Temperatures
Salmonella spp. represent a food safety risk in the production chain because of their potential for biofilm development. This study examined the biofilm formation of eight Salmonella serotypes from diverse foodborne outbreaks on three food-contact surfaces, stainless steel, silicone, and nylon, at 10 °C and 37 °C. The effect of temperature was observed in slower biofilm formation at 10 °C with about 5-log (cfu/cm2) after 24 h, contrasting with 7-log (cfu/cm2) at 37 °C. The material also influenced biofilm formation, with the strongest biofilms on stainless steel at 10 °C and silicone at 37 °C. The serotypes producing the strongest biofilms were S. Enteritidis, S. Saint Paul, and S. Montevideo. The weakest serotypes were S. Senftenberg, S. Anatum, and the avirulent S. Typhimurium. The production of extra-polymeric substances was evident with S. Enteritidis. The biofilm index showed the highest value for low temperature, nylon, and silicone, and for S. Montevideo, S. Enteritidis, and S. Saint Paul. The whole-genome sequencing of each serovar suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms in the curli (csg) genes may have contributed to the strong biofilm-forming ability of S. Montevideo and S. Saint Paul and the weaker ability of S. Senftenberg. These results can help with the correct development of sanitizing interventions based on the Salmonella strain of concern.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1446
Investigation of Surface Properties and Antibacterial Activity of 3D-Printed Polyamide 12-Based Samples Coated by a Plasma SiOxCyHz Amorphous Thin Film Approved for Food Contact
Microbial contamination and biofilm formation on food contact materials (FCMs) represent critical challenges within the food supply chain, compromising food safety and quality while increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Traditional materials often lack sufficient microbial resistance to contamination, creating a high demand for innovative antimicrobial surfaces. This study assessed the effectiveness of a nanosized deposited SiOxCyHz coating approved for food contact on 3D-printed polyamide 12 (PA12) disk substrates, aiming at providing antimicrobial and anti-biofilm functionality to mechanical components and packaging material in the food supply chain. The coating was applied using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and characterized through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements. Coated PA12 samples exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophobicity, with an average water contact angle of 112.9°, thus improving antibacterial performance by markedly reducing bacterial adhesion. Microbiological assays revealed a significant (p < 0.001) bactericidal activity (up to 4 logarithms after 4 h, ≥99.99%) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including notable foodborne pathogens such as L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, E. coli, and S. typhimurium. SiOxCyHz-coated PA12 surfaces exhibited strong antibacterial activity, representing a promising approach for coating additive-manufactured components and equipment for packaging production in the food and pharmaceutical supply chain able to enhance safety, extend product shelf life, and reduce reliance on chemical sanitizers.
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/12/1678
Development of Poly(L-lactic acid) Films Containing Curcuma lunga L. Extract for Active Cheese Packaging
Biobased packaging solutions with active functions for different food categories are a very attractive topic nowadays. This packaging provides suitable preservation of the food quality and extends the shelf life of packed items. In addition, this is a promising pathway to overcome global pollution, to protect human health, as well as to provide a better planetary wellbeing. In this work, a packaging composition based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with the addition of Curcuma longa L. (C) extract prepared by the solution casting method is promoted as a potential packaging option for the active food packaging of cheese. The dopant levels of the extract were performed at 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%, while the neat PLA film was used as a control. The obtained results are promising. By a thermal analysis, it is shown that C-extract has a plasticizing and nucleating effect on PLA molecules, as well as improving the barrier and other film properties. Moreover, this packaging was proven as a potential antimicrobial packaging for white cheese—it enables extending the shelf life by direct contact. This is a simple way of manufacturing biobased packaging doped with natural antimicrobials that could be used for other food categories that are prone to microbiological attack.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/13/6/1881
Recent Trends and Challenges on the Non-Targeted Analysis and Risk Assessment of Migrant Non-Intentionally Added Substances from Plastic Food Contact Materials
Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in plastic food contact materials represent a critical undercharacterized chemical safety concern, caused by their inherent diversity, potential toxicity, and regulatory challenges. This review synthesizes recent advances and persistent gaps in NIAS analysis, with a primary focus on analytical workflows for non-targeted analysis, alongside a consideration of risk assessment and toxicological prioritization frameworks. Conventional plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate) as well as emerging materials (e.g., bioplastics and recycled polymers) exhibit different NIAS profiles, including oligomers, degradation products, additives, and contaminants, requiring specific approaches for migration testing, extraction, and detection. Advanced techniques, such as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography or two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, have enabled non-targeted analysis approaches. However, the field remains constrained by spectral library gaps, limited reference standards, and inconsistent data processing protocols, resulting in heavy reliance on tentative identifications. Risk assessment procedures mainly employ the Threshold of Toxicological Concern and classification by Cramer’s rules. Nevertheless, addressing genotoxicity, mixture effects, and novel hazards from recycled or bio-based polymers remains challenging with these approaches. Future priorities and efforts may include expanding spectral databases, harmonizing analytical protocols, and integrating in vitro bioassays with computational toxicology to refine hazard characterization.
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/7/543
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