Selection of Nanomaterial‐Based Active Agents for Packaging Application: Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a Tool

The interest for using metallic nanoparticles for active packaging derives from its superior antimicrobial efficacy, no negative impacts on the food sensory properties and compatibility with harsh polymer processing conditions. There are a few candidates for this purpose, and the selection of which can be assisted by considering the packaging's environmental impacts. As a case study, three packaging films incorporating different active agents (silver nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles and a mixture of both) were evaluated using life cycle assessment and the associated impacts were calculated and compared. The functional unit was set in such a way that it directly focuses on the function that the antimicrobial packaging is supposed to deliver: to ensure food safety and quality. To this end, the antimicrobial efficacy of each agent was integrated in the environmental impact calculation. The results show that the film incorporating the mixture of nanoparticles had the lowest environmental impacts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

生命周期评价在整体包装解决方案中的应用

论述了包装生命周期评价的实施步骤和过程,为整体包装解决方案提供依据。在分析整体包装解决方案设计开发和生命周期分析的基础上,总结了方案设计应遵循的包装总成本最低、包装减量化和无毒无害、包装可重复利用或回收再生原则,提出方案设计应满足现代绿色物流和绿色包装制度对包装的要求及节能环保和低碳经济的要求。     

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Packaging Systems for Extended Shelf Life Milk

The aim of this study is to carry out a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of different packaging systems used for extended shelf life milk. The analysis, carried out exploiting the life cycle assessment approach, takes into account the packaging manufacturing process, the food packaging process, the transport phases and the end‐of‐life management of the different packaging systems. The packaging end‐of‐life is modelled by considering three possible options, such as recycling, thermo‐valorization with energy recovery and landfill. One litre of extended shelf life milk is used as the reference unit, while multilayer cartons, polyethylene terephthalate bottles labelled with shrink sleeve film and high‐density polyethylene bottles are analysed as the packaging types. The key characteristics of each component of the three packaging systems were either provided by packaging manufacturers or derived from data available in literature. The evaluation of the end‐of‐life impact was performed considering the Italian scenario, exploiting, in particular, the data provided by specific Italian consortia. Other data for the inventory analysis phase were extrapolated from the SimaPro databases (e.g. Ecoinvent or Plastic Europe Database). Cumulative energy demand and CML2001 were adopted as the impact assessment methods. The results obtained show that the multilayer carton system is the less environmentally impactful option for almost all the considered impact categories and that its environmental impacts are, on average, more than 12% lower than high‐density polyethylene system and more than 34% lower than polyethylene terephthalate with shrink sleeve label. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Choice of Life Cycle Assessment Software Can Impact Packaging System Decisions

A number of software packages are available that are designed to facilitate making environmental comparisons between different packaging options, to facilitate ‘green’ packaging design and assessment of the environmental aspect of sustainability. Some of these (e.g. SimaPro and GaBi) are full‐fledged ISO 14040/14044‐compliant programs for life cycle assessment (LCA). Others are more limited, but are designed to be much simpler to use (e.g. COMPASS and Package Modeling). A systematic comparison of the evaluation of several packaging systems using COMPASS, SimaPro, GaBi, and Package Modeling found significant discrepancies in LCA results from different software systems. Availability of common impact categories among the software limited comparisons to four categories: greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel/non‐renewable energy, eutrophication, and water depletion. Given a common set of basic packaging containers as input, results from the LCA software systems being studied disagreed on which container had the greatest environmental impact, and in some cases results were more than an order of magnitude different between software. Discrepancies in results occurred in all four impact categories, and all four software systems disagreed with each other at multiple points in the comparisons. If there is to be increasing use of LCA analysis in guiding packaging design, this issue must be fully understood and resolved. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Role of Household Food Waste in Comparing Environmental Impacts of Packaging Alternatives

This paper examines the environmental impacts of food waste and the influence that packaging alternatives can have on causing food waste. This paper presents the results of three life cycle assessment case studies on packed food products. The life cycle assessments were conducted for ham, dark bread and Soygurt drink (fermented soy‐based drink). In each case study, the environmental impacts of the products were assessed with different assumptions about the packaging sizes and alternative materials. The studies especially considered the environmental impacts resulting from food waste generated by consumers as a function of the variable packaging options. The food waste of other parts of the production chain of the studied products was also taken into account. A consumer survey was carried out to estimate the amounts of product waste generated in Finnish households connected to the three investigated products. The environmental impacts of the food products, household food waste and packaging were modelled by scenarios with varying rates of household food waste and different waste management options. The results indicated that the significance of the production and post‐consumer life of packaging was relatively low for climate change, eutrophication and acidification, in comparison with the production chain of the ham, dark bread and Soygurt. According to the results, packaging solutions that minimize the waste generation in households as well as in distribution and retail will lead to the lowest environmental impacts of the entire product‐packaging chain. Therefore, it is important to design packages that protect the food properly and allow the consumer to use the product fully. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

两款木包装箱的生命周期影响分析及对比

目的 研究木包装箱在全生命周期过程中对环境的影响,对比钢边箱和传统木箱对环境的影响.方法 通过全生命周期分析软件eBalance分析2款木包装箱从产品生产、物流运输到使用后的废物管理整个生命周期的物耗、能耗及向环境中的排放,对其数据清单进行分类、特征化和归一化计算,得到木包装箱3个流程的主要环境影响类型和对应指标值.结果 传统木箱在产品生产、物流运输和废物管理流程的LCIA加权综合指标分别为6.87514×10?9,1.93549×10?12,5.20×10?13,其中胶合板生产在产品生产过程中的占比为99.86％,胶合板处理在废物管理过程中的占比为99.82％;钢边箱在产品生产、物流运输和废物管理流程的LCIA加权综合指标分别为6.53463×10?9,3.57256×10?13,2.96531×10?13,其中胶合板生产在产品生产过程中的占比为97.43％,胶合板处理在废物管理过程中的占比为99.38％;钢边箱对环境影响的总量比传统木箱小约5％.结论 木包装箱全生命周期的环境影响主要体现在胶合板的生产和废物管理过程中,木包装箱在设计、生产加工、运输、废弃物处理等方面都有较大的改进余地,钢边箱比传统木箱更具有环境友好性,对木包装箱绿色化的生产设计具有参考意义.     

瓷质餐具全纸包装生命周期评价案例研究

以瓷质餐具全纸包装为研究对象,采用生命周期评价中分类、特征化和量化“三步走冶方法对全瓦楞纸包装进行了从原纸的供给到产品销售等各过程的环境影响评价,总环境影响潜力为1. 83×10-2 。结果表明,瓷质餐具全纸包装对环境的影响主要来源于包装产品的运输过程,消耗了资源并使全球变暖,并提出了产品的生产厂商应就近寻找包装产品的生产商,以减小其产生的环境影响。     

Active Packaging Films from Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer and Clove Essential Oil as Shelf Life Extenders for Grass Carp Slice

Active packaging provides a way to prevent the food putrefaction effectively . Various studies provide information on the actual preservation effect of active packaging or the migration of active agents from active films into various food stimulants separately. However, there is little related data available regarding the combined analysis of release and preservation effect. In this work, we examined the properties of active food packaging films successfully produced by extrusion of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) films with clove essential oil (C). The characterization of mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of the packaging polymers film showed that the addition of clove essential oil did not decrease their properties and C as plasticizer improved process fluidity of EVOH resin. The release of C from film to various food stimulants was measured by using HPLC, and Fickian diffusion models were used to fit the data with appropriate equation. The effects of E/C (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer/clove essential oil) films on quality assessment of Grass Carp slice based on sensory analysis and biochemical indices during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C) were examined over the period of 10 days. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), total viable counts, pH, TBA, water holding capacity (WHC) and texture properties were evaluated. The results indicated that the active film containing 3% clove essential oil had different release parameters in four food stimulants and it could effectively maintain the fish freshness and extend the shelf life to 7–8 days during cold storage compared with control group, which was only 4 days. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

瓦楞纸箱生产工艺生命周期评价案例研究

通过生命周期评价(LCA)技术框架,采用生命周期影响评价末端计量方法(LIME),对瓦楞纸箱生产过程的物耗、能耗及向环境排放的计算与特征化分析,对瓦楞纸箱生产工艺进行了环境影响评价。结果表明,其所导致的环境影响主要是化石能源消耗、全球变暖、酸化和富营养化。进一步对瓦楞纸箱生产过程中制板、印刷和成箱3工序的环境影响量化指标值做对比分析,指出了各工序导致环境影响的主要原因。并在瓦楞纸箱设计、生产工艺、废气和污水处理以及噪声治理等方面,为改善瓦楞纸箱生产工艺的环境性能提出了改进建议。     

Effect of Different Packaging Methods on Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh Reindeer Meat

The impact of different packaging methods [vacuum, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (60% CO₂ and 40% N₂) and MAP + CO₂ emitter] on the quality of fresh reindeer meat (M. semimembranosus) stored at 4°C for 21 days was investigated. Colour and odour of the meat, drip loss, pH, microbial content, antioxidant capacity and cooking loss were measured. The MAP + CO₂ emitter resulted in prolonged microbial shelf life compared with vacuum and MAP without CO₂ emitter as lower level of total viable counts was detected after 13 and 17 days. Samples stored with CO₂ emitter also had lower drip loss. Samples stored in vacuum had significant lower L*‐value, higher a*‐value and lower intensity of freshness (odour and colour) compared with those stored in MAP and MAP with CO₂ emitter. However, MAP with a gas‐to‐product volume ratio of 1 : 1 seems to be too low in quality preserving. Increased partial pressure by adding a CO₂ emitter improved bacterial inhibition compared with vacuum and traditional MAP. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于产品全生命周期的纸包装绿色生态发展模式

目的解决目前绿色包装研究领域对绿色包装生态发展模式研究尚不充分,缺乏经过企业实践检验的绿色包装发展模式研究的现实问题。方法以浙江大胜达包装股份有限公司为例,在企业中进行绿色包装管理创新并进行总结提炼。结果构建了由"2个体系"和"4个关键环节"构成的基于产品全生命周期的纸包装绿色发展模式的整体架构,并在企业中进行了绿色包装管理创新实践。实施后企业年利润总额较实施前增长14.8%,万元产值综合能耗下降11.8%,废水排放量和固废排放量较实施前分别减少17.41%和24.11%,对环境生态和人体健康有害的氨、四氯乙烯的排放量则较项目开始之初分别减少了17.73%和25%。结论提出了基于产品全生命周期的纸包装企业绿色生态发展模式,实施绿色包装管理创新之后,企业的经济效益和环境效益明显得到了大幅提升。     

中散包装与危险品包装生命周期评价比较研究

对中散包装与危险品包装生命周期进行了评价研究。利用Simapro 软件对2 种固体危险货物包装形式———一般包装(瓦楞纸箱)和中型散装容器(纤维板箱IBC)进行了生命周期分析,并将结果进行了对比。可以看出中型散装容器与一般包装相比优势明显,在分析所涉及的11 个环境类别的影响上均小于一般包装,其中,差距最大的为臭氧层耗竭损害,仅为一般包装的60%,最小的为酸化/ 富营养化,为一般包装的90%。结果显示IBC 优势明显,在大量货物运输的过程中,若2 种包装类型均能达到运输效果,应选取对环境影响较小的IBC 进行运输。     

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Active Packaging to Increase Shelf Life of Gluten‐Free Sliced Bread

This paper presents a complete study and comparison of the efficiency of three types of packaging system: active packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and combinations of both. To choose the best option, we must take into account microbiological results as well as sensory quality; therefore, a complete sensory study and an in‐depth statistical study were carried out, in order to evaluate each option and their interactions. The results showed that active packaging considerably increases the shelf life of packaged food, so it could be an attractive option to extend the shelf life. The active packaging provided better sensorial properties than the MAP option. Positive factors like characteristic flavour and spongy texture had higher values in the absence of MAP, and negative properties like cinnamon flavour, crumbly texture and hardness reached higher values when MAP was present in the packaged food. So when microbiological and sensorial properties are taken into account, the active packaging is a better option than MAP to increase shelf life because it inhibits microbial growth while maintaining the high quality of sensorial properties for gluten‐free breads. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

生物质增强聚乙烯醇在食品包装领域的应用研究进展

目的 研究定制猫眼彩盒的生产对环境的影响,为此类型包装材料对环境的影响评估以及生产工艺改进提供参考。方法 采用生命周期评价(LCA)方法定性、定量分析其对环境(9个环境因素)的影响,在e-Footprint软件上,在线完成全部生命周期评价,包括建模、计算分析、数据质量评估和LCA结果发布。结果 该类型产品对初级能源消耗、水资源消耗和气候变化的影响较大。每个彩盒消耗0.71 MJ初级能源和0.35 kg水,排放0.05 kg影响气候变化的气体。其中,白卡纸和定制猫眼膜的初级能源消耗占比分别为37%和35%,水资源消耗的79%来自白卡纸生产,影响气候变化气体的排放占比分别为29%和25%。结论 通过优化白卡纸和定制猫眼膜材料、结构以及生产工艺流程,可降低定制猫眼彩盒的能源消耗(含初级能源和水资源),减少温室效应气体的排放。     

LCA在铜工业中的应用现状及发展趋势

虽然我国是铜生产和消费大国,但依然面临突出的供需矛盾问题。同时,铜工业对环境造成的污染问题不利于我国的可持续发展。为了优化铜工业生产过程,实现资源的综合利用和提高经济效益,已有相关学者利用生命周期评价(LCA)这一国际认可的环境管理工具来评估铜工业的环境影响与能源消耗。总结分析了LCA在铜工业中的应用现状,针对应用过程中的不足之处,提出了未来的发展趋势,为推动铜工业节能减排的实施及标准体系的构建提供有力支持。     

Production and Application of Active Packaging Film with Ethylene Adsorber to Increase the Shelf Life of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica)

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) florets were packaged in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) bags with or without ethylene adsorber under passive modified atmosphere and then stored at 4°C for 20 days. LDPE films with (8% Tazetut® masterbatch, M2) or without ethylene adsorber (M1) were tested. The effects of modified atmosphere packaging treatments on gas concentrations (O₂, CO₂ and ethylene) in the headspace, the mass loss, colour, texture, pH, total soluble solids, chlorophyll content, total phenolic content and sensory quality of packaged broccoli were determined by comparing with unpackaged (control) florets. Results revealed that deterioration occurred quickly in control broccoli, manifested mainly by mass loss, chlorophyll degradation and stem hardening. Also, it was found unacceptable by sensory panel after 5 days. Conversely, in those florets packaged under modified atmosphere packaging, especially for LDPE with ethylene adsorber (M2), all changes related with loss of quality were significantly reduced and delayed with time. Additionally, total soluble solids and total phenolic content remained almost unchanged during the whole period. Ethylene concentration was determined as 61.8 ppm in M1 and 0.33 ppm in M2, respectively, at the end of the storage. Thus, broccoli packaged with M2 films had prolonged storability up to 20 days with high quality attributes, this period being only 5 days in unpackaged control broccoli. Oxygen concentration decreased below 1% after 5 days of storage in M1, and the shelf life of broccoli in these bags was limited to 5 days because of risk for anaerobic fermentation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use of Sodium Lactate and Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Extending the Shelf Life of Ready‐to‐Cook Fresh Meal

In this work, the combined effects of sodium lactate and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in extending the shelf life of a ready‐to‐cook fresh skewer, made up of raw pork chops and semi‐dried vegetable mix (i.e. zucchini, peppers and tomatoes), were investigated. In the first experimental step, a sodium lactate solution was used to dip pork chops at three different concentrations: 20, 40 and 60% w/w. The second part of the work was focused on the use of MAP. In particular, the following MAPs were tested: MA1 (50%O₂/30%CO₂/20%N₂), MA2 (70%O₂/30%CO₂), MA3 (30%O₂/70%CO₂) and MA4 (30%O₂/30%CO₂/40%N₂). Finally, the optimal concentration of sodium lactate and the best gas composition were combined. The samples were stored at 4 °C; their microbial and sensory qualities were monitored along the entire observation period. The results indicate that the shelf life of the investigated ready‐to‐cook meal can be extended by approximately 83%, if compared with the control skewer packaged in air. The best preservation strategy is the combination of dipping of meat pieces in 40% sodium lactate solution and packaging under MA1. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Packaging for the Distribution of Italian Fruit and Vegetables

Each year in Italy, millions of tons of fruits and vegetables are harvested, packed and transported to national and foreign retail outlets. Packaging is an essential component of this system, but what is its environmental impact? This study takes into consideration the delivery from the field to the retail outlet of 12 types of fruits and vegetables grown and harvested in Italy and sold in Italy and Europe. The study compares two different packaging and distribution systems: one‐way with corrugated boxes and reusable with plastic containers. A number of different scenarios were generated by combining the most diffused packaging sizes with the most important production and selling locations for each type of fruit and vegetable and by considering the specific route required to perform the transportation with each distribution system. The environmental impact of each system in each scenario has then been analysed using the life cycle assessment methodology. Two algorithms and a number of coefficients were derived to simplify data collection and impact analysis for all scenarios. This provides an easy tool to evaluate the potential environmental burden of the two alternative distribution systems in a specific scenario by taking into consideration only a few variables (such as size of packaging and transportation distance). These algorithms and coefficients are presented in the work, along with the process that led to their generation and with considerations about the main critical environmental aspects for both distribution systems. The work aims to suggest possible design solutions that can make each system more sustainable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

高阻隔HDPE包装对NFC橙汁品质和货架期的影响

目的 研究高阻隔HDPE包装对NFC橙汁品质和货架期的影响,为果汁生产加工企业提供信息和参考.方法 采用巴氏杀菌法对NFC橙汁进行灭菌处理,研究在4,25,37℃时PET包装、普通HDPE包装、高阻隔HDPE包装的NFC橙汁各项指标的变化情况,通过对抗坏血酸和整体接受度的结果分析,建立NFC橙汁的动力学模型,利用阿伦尼乌斯方程对其货架期进行预测.结果 高阻隔HDPE包装相较于其他2种包装的NFC橙汁褐变小、抗坏血酸和胡萝卜素损失少、喜好度高.以抗坏血酸含量损失50％为标准,温度为4,25,37℃时的货架期分别为152,55,31 d;以整体接受度5分为标准,温度为4,25,37℃时的货架期分别为183,44,21 d.结论 高阻隔HDPE包装可以有效地延长NFC橙汁的保质期,并保证其在保质期内的品质,在NFC果汁中有很好的应用前景.     

Shelf life prediction of oxygen‐sensitive products: The influence of moisture on prediction accuracy for freeze‐dried coffee

Optimised packaging requires that properties are matched to the protection requirements of food for its shelf life duration. Benefits include reduced packaging costs, use volumes, and potentially improved environmental performance. The ability to predict product shelf life in different materials can assist in selecting optimal packaging. However, the availability of such tools is limited, and risk for over packing exists. The aim with this work is to develop a prediction approach which can be applied to assist users to select more optimal packaging materials. Soluble coffee was used to develop the approach, where oxygen consumption of the product is used as a quality indicator. The effect of moisture content on O₂ consumption was studied to determine its influence on prediction accuracy. Samples were prepared with different levels of moisture content. O₂ consumption rates were measured, and a notable influence of moisture was observed. A model was developed to predict the O₂ consumption of the product when packed in a pouch. The model considers oxygen and moisture permeation properties of the packaging film, O₂ and moisture differential between the interior and exterior of the packaging, and the evolution of the O₂ consumption rate as a function of moisture increase. To test model accuracy, coffee samples were packed in flexible pouches, and O₂ consumption was measured which showed that predicted and measured values shared the same trend characteristics. We show that considering both moisture and O₂ ingress simultaneously leads to more precise shelf life prediction as oxidation rate is influenced by moisture content.