Sustainable Bioactive Packaging Based on Thermoplastic Starch and Microalgae

This study combines the use of corn starch and Tetradesmus obliquus microalgae for the production of antioxidant starch films as flexible packaging material. Starch was plasticized with glycerol and blended with 1 w% polyallylamine chosen as an agent to modify the film physical properties. The addition of polyallylamine improved film water stability and water vapor transmission rate as well as mechanical stiffness and tenacity. The dried Tetradesmus obliquus microalgae, which showed an EC50 value of 2.8 mg/mg DPPH (2.2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), was then used as antioxidant filler. The addition of microalgae provided the films with good antioxidant activity, which increased with microalgae content increasing. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the development of sustainable bioactive packaging films composed of almost 100% starch, and follows the European union’s goals on plastics strategy concerning the promotion of bio-based, compostable plastics and the setting up of approaches to prevent food waste with a simple plastic packaging.

Extrusion and Injection Molding of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx): Influence of Processing Conditions on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure

Biobased and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have great potential as sustainable packaging materials. However, improvements in their processing and mechanical properties are necessary. In this work, the influence of melt processing conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is examined using a full factorial design of experiments (DoE) approach. We have found that strict control over processing temperature, mold temperature, screw speed, and cooling time leads to highly increased elongation at break values, mainly under influence of higher mold temperatures at 80 °C. Increased elongation of the moldings is attributed to relaxation and decreased orientation of the polymer chains together with a homogeneous microstructure at slower cooling rates. Based on the statistically substantiated models to determine the optimal processing conditions and their effects on microstructure variation and mechanical properties of PHBHHx samples, we conclude that optimizing the processing of this biopolymer can improve the applicability of the material and extend its scope in the realm of flexible packaging applications.

Determining the Print Quality Due to Deformation of the Halftone Dots in Flexography

This paper researches the issues related to the print quality in flexography, especially the influence of the print run and inadequate printing settings on dot deformation. Dot deformation can lead to inconsistencies in print quality, such as a loss of highlight tones or an unpredictable increase in tonal value. This research was conducted on two concrete examples of flexible packaging printed on transparent films. All significant parameters of dot deformation were evaluated, including dot coverage, dot sharpness and the uniformity of the ink density. The increase in the coverage values in the midtones was linear throughout the entire print run, while in the light tones, it was more logarithmic. The overall percentage deviations from the reference value were 6.3% in the midtones and 52.6% in the light area. The increase in dot coverage was due to the wear of the polymer plate, which caused the side shoulders of the dot to become a part of the printing surface. An analysis of the ink density showed a much more homogeneous shape of the dot at the beginning of the print run. The correct ratio of the anilox roller line screen to the line ruling of the printing plate is important in order to ensure a minimum dot size in print.

UTICAJ DISRUPCIJA U LANCU SNABDEVANJA UNUTAR INDUSTRIJE FLEKSIBILNE AMBALAŽE UZROKOVANIH PANDEMIJOM VIRUSA COVID-19

In the packaging industry, disruptions occurring in the supply chain can impact all the segments and have huge consequences on the operations conducted by the distributors. We are witnesses of an unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has influenced all layers of the society and forced us to make changes and adjustments to our every-day routine, regulations, economy. Disruptions can undermine the stability of the supply chain, causing business losses. Therefore, identifying the impact of different disruptions on the supply chain is crucial. Here, a timely and quick reaction is of great importance. The current pandemic has caused many disruptions in the industry and has impacted all parts of the supply chains in ways that have not been yet recorded, therefore making it even harder for the companies to respond to new challenges. The changes have not skipped the packaging industry, forcing the manufacturers to rethink their strategies and the consumers to change their views of a safe and reliable product. With the economic expansion, the demand for flexible packaging and has been growing. There are many advantages to flexible packaging. Besides the fact that it creates less environmental impact, it also requires fewer resources compared to traditional packaging production. Disruptions in the supply chains of the flexible packaging industry are one of the major economic concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore the topic of this paper. Since the companies in the industry are in desperate need for a new approach regarding risk management and building business resilience, some strategies for overcoming the challenges of the crisis on the flexible packaging market have been presented here.

Hybrid Systems-in-Foil

Hybrid Systems-in-Foil (HySiF) is a concept that extends the potential of conventional More-than-More Systems-in/on-Package (SiPs and SoPs) to the flexible electronics world. In HySiF, an economical implementation of flexible electronic systems is possible by integrating a minimum number of embedded silicon chips and a maximum number of on-foil components. Here, the complementary characteristics of CMOS SoCs and larger area organic and printed electronics are combined in a HySiF-compatible polymeric substrate. Within the HySiF scope, the fabrication process steps and the integration design rules with all the accompanying boundary conditions concerning material compatibility, surface properties, and thermal budget, are defined. This Element serves as an introduction to the HySiF concept. A summary of recent ultra-thin chip fabrication and flexible packaging techniques is provided. Several bendable electronic components are presented demonstrating the benefits of HySiF. Finally, prototypes of flexible wireless sensor systems that adopt the HySiF concept are demonstrated.

Nanosilicates in Compatibilized Mixed Recycled Polyolefins: Rheological Behavior and Film Production in a Circular Approach

Currently, plastic packaging represents a global challenge and has become a key point of attention for governments, media and consumers due to the visibility of the waste it generates. Despite their high resource efficiency, the perceived non-recyclability of polymeric films risks precluding them from being a relevant packaging solution in a circular economy approach. In this regard, the aim of this study was to implement a strategy to try closing the loop, via the mechanical recycling of post-consumer flexible packaging of small size (denoted as Fil-s) to obtain new films. In particular, two lots of Fil-s were used, which are PE/PP blends differing for the PP content and the presence of polar contaminants. The suitability for film blowing extrusion of these recycled materials, as such and after the addition of a compatibilizer and/or a lamellar nanosilicate, was evaluated. It was first evidenced that the difficulty of producing blown films with the pristine recycled materials, due to the frequent bubble breakages, occurring even at low draw ratios. Moreover, the shear and extensional rheological behavior of all Fil-s based systems was usefully correlated with their processability features, evidencing the key roles of the nanofiller to stabilize the bubble and of the compatibilizer to ensure a uniform film deformation, avoiding its premature breakage. Even if the adopted upgrading strategies allowed the production of blown films with both types of Fil-s, the different components of the recycled matrices were proven to significantly affect their processability and final film performances.