Influence of packaging material on bread characteristics during ageing

One of the priorities of today's bread‐making industry is to find suitable packaging solutions to satisfy the peculiar requirements of bread, mostly appreciated by Italian consumers for its crispy crust. The packaging material should allow for both rapid heat exchange with the environment and water vapour evaporation to prevent condensation inside the package. Perforated orientated polypropylene (OPP) films are currently the best materials available for satisfying the industry's requirements. Recently, our group demonstrated that bread wrapping with perforated films is efficacious against bread contamination. The aim of this work was to verify whether these types of films could also influence the trend of phenomena related to product ageing. In particular, variations in the moisture inside the loaf during storage and their influence on changes in crumb softness were investigated. Three OPP films and one double‐layer film bag with different hole size characteristics were chosen for this study and their performances were compared with those of a paper bag. Because of the considerable differences in the hole size characteristics, the films showed very different barrier effects to water evaporation. The C250 OPP film (hole mean diameter = 0.54 mm and density = 21.4 holes/cm²) played an interesting role in modulating moisture variations. Wrapping bread in this film enabled both crust crispness and crumb softness to be maintained during 48h of storage. Such performances cannot effectively be obtained by using alternative industrial bread packaging materials, such as paper bags. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Social aspect of sustainable packaging

Sustainability is one of the ‘buzz’ words that is highly discussed in the area of packaging nowadays. For many product manufacturing business, incorporation of sustainability principles into their business practice can only be visualized by others in the end product through packaging. Besides the criteria, underlying concepts and principles, most discussions towards achieving goals for sustainable packaging are focused on details of models and practices adopted by the industry, and the effectiveness and practicality of these practices in balancing the economic profits and environmental benefits. While the economic and environmental bases of packaging sustainability have been examined and discussed in great detail, the same is not true of social consideration. Although the success of sustainable packaging development actually relies on both technological development and social considerations, many of the social aspects of sustainable packaging are often overlooked. Although many companies have been putting the efforts and initiatives to elevate sustainability from an abstract goal into an immediate priority, relatively little is known about the consumers' insights of packaging sustainability. Recognizing the consumers as the final arbiter of the success of sustainable packaging, this paper will explore consumers' perceptions on the sustainable packaging concept, their perceptions of the impact to the environment and discuss factors that drive consumers' preferences and purchase decision. Discussion and information gathered in this paper is aimed to stimulate understanding on the importance of the social dimension of packaging sustainability and its role in supporting the efforts to improve sustainability practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Active packaging as an opportunity to create package design that reflects the communicational,functional and logistical requirements of food products

The packaging of industrial food products is the most important means of transmitting a product's image and taste value. When the nature of its interface and its contents are the product of carefully planned imaging, the product has notable advantages in defining its image and product identity. Modern food trends dictate an ever‐increasing amount of services: The so‐called ‘functional packaging’ and ‘active packaging’ are prime examples of this service. The greatest innovation within this category of products consists literally of their interaction with food. These features create numerous fallbacks within all stages of the life‐cycle of a product, requiring a complex and multidisciplinary evaluation. The evaluation strategy of services which this packaging will offer to the consumer is still to be defined, and still to be identified within the key applications are the interests of the intermediary links of the production process. This requires the evaluation of the semantic and communicative aspects of the packaging which tend to be confused with the foodstuffs, the individualization of appropriate user profiles, control of logistical and location aspect of production, and a careful analysis of a comprehensive environmental balance, all issues that are parts of the objectives of the European project, Actipak. It is hoped, therefore, that the elaboration of these packaging systems will become a motive to try out a more knowledgeable and systematic design process for foodstuffs, in which innovative technology is used to provide effective benefits to the consumer. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Requirements for single-use sterilization papers and paper packaging used for medical devices

The concept of using paper in medical packaging has been accepted widely. as it provides the essential permeability to allow ingress of the sterilising media whilst preventing the post-penetration of bacteria. thereby maintaining sterility of the medical device itself. In Europe this widespread application of paper has demanded the introduction of proper standards for sterilization papers and converted items, such as bags and pouches. In this article these standards are discussed, i.e. British Standards, German DIN 58953, French Pharmacopoeia and Eucomed (European Confederation of Medical Suppliers Association). Comparisons of these standards, including results of our testing, also are presented t o underline the essential differences between specifications for the same grade of paper. In particular, special note is made in the case of air permeability of papers used for gas sterilization. The most reasonable solution is put forward by Eucomed, in which permeability performance is more fully addressed. The principles of various methods for the determination of microbial barrier performances of sterilization papers also are described and some comments in this respect are given.     

Survey of packaging professionals in the USA

A survey on packaging professionals in the USA was conducted by the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. Subjects of the survey were the School's alumni and Food Packaging Division members of the Institute of Food Technologists. The eight-page questionnaire addressed issues pertaining to their education, training, attitude and opinion about packaging disciplines, employment characteristics, and other aspects of their professional experiences. Out of 4000 people contacted, over 20% responded. The paper examines the general characteristics of packaging professionals in the USA in 1986.     

Consumer complaints and accidents related to food packaging

This study investigated consumer complaints related to food packaging design and the occurrence of injuries associated with the opening of various types of containers. Each study participant (245) took a 15 min fact‐to‐face interview and was asked attitudinal questions about 10 different categories of packaging including cans, glass and plastic bottles and jars, and paper‐based composite packages. The subjects were also asked whether they had been injured while opening these packaging types. The survey showed that cans which needed a tool for opening were most difficult to enter. In some cases the tool was the source of injury. The respondents were also most concerned about deformation, spillage and product wastage associated with these types of containers. This included brick‐type composite packages without a peelable seal over the pour spout. A large percentage of the respondents felt that more information was needed on the various methods of opening packages in general. Glass bottles and jars were most likely to be used for storage of products after they were emptied of their original contents. The results of this study could be used by manufacturers to assist them in the design and development of packaging with a lower potential to cause accidents and injuries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

色彩心理在包装设计中的应用解析

目的探索色彩心理作用下的包装设计思路与策略。方法以包装设计中的色彩元素为中心,从现实中色彩与包装设计结合的几个问题与不足出发,客观审视两者结合的重要作用和意义,指出色彩对包装设计的感应、指示、宣传等方面的促进作用,然后结合商业、时尚和民族三个方面展开具体的应用路径和策略的探析,并进一步细化色彩在面对不同商品特点、消费群体、企业理念,以及迎合时代发展和展现民族特色等要求时的具体表现,归纳未来应用及发展的可能性。结论色彩在包装设计中的应用有着重要意义,不仅可以提高包装设计的商业价值,而且能在一定程度上影响甚至决定消费者是否购买,只有科学应用色彩,最大化地发挥色彩的作用,才能达到宣传企业、品牌、销售产品的目的。     

A model for two-step ageing

In commercial practice, two-step ageing is commonly used in Al-Zn-Mg alloys to produce a fine dispersion of η′ precipitates to accentuate the mechanical properties and resistance to stress corrosion cracking. While this is true in Al-Zn-Mg alloys, two-step ageing leads to inferior properties in Al-Mg-Si alloys. This controversial behaviour in different alloys can be explained by Pashley’s Kinetic model. Pashley’s model addresses the stability of clusters after two-step ageing. In the development of the model, the surface energy term between cluster and matrix is taken into account while the coherency strains between the cluster and matrix are not considered. In the present work, a model is developed which takes into account the coherency strains between cluster and matrix and defines a new stability criterion, inclusive of strain energy term. Experiments were done on AA 7010 aluminium alloy by carrying out a two-step ageing treatment and the results fit the new stability criterion. Thus it is found that the new model for two-step ageing is verified in the case of Al-Zn-Mg alloy.     

A simplified environmental evaluation tool for food packaging to support decision-making in packaging development

Packaging developers in the food industry must consider several, sometimes conflicting, environmental requirements on packaging along with an already complex combination of marketing, logistics and production requirements. Existing methods for the environmental evaluation of packaging either focus on a limited amount of environmental packaging criteria (such as recyclability or renewable content) or rely on life cycle assessment methodology requiring expert competence. To support the food industry in their efforts toward developing product and packaging combinations that reduce the total environmental impact in food supply chains, this article presents a simplified environmental evaluation tool for food packaging. The presented tool was developed through an iterative process in a collaborative research project with the food industry. It evaluates packaging systems based on packaging criteria sorted into four areas that represent the life-cycle steps packaging material production, transport, household and end-of-life. A comparison of the tool results and screening LCA results for three packaging cases showed no major differences. From the practitioners' perspective, the main advantages of the suggested tool are that it does not require LCA-competence, that the required input data is commonly available in packaging development projects and that its overall structure invites several functions of the company to participate. The theoretical benefits of the suggested tool are that it allows for a parallel assessment of eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness criteria in a life cycle perspective and that it considers littering risk as well as the influence of packaging on food waste in households     

Consumer Perceptions of Food Packaging: Contributing to or Counteracting Environmentally Sustainable Development?

Packaging has a fundamental role in ensuring safe delivery of goods throughout supply chains to the end consumer in good condition. It also has great potential to contribute to sustainable development. This paper explores and provides insights on Swedish consumer perceptions and knowledge of environmental aspects of food packaging and elaborates on how these can contribute to or counteract environmentally sustainable development. A study based on a consumer survey carried out in Sweden is presented. A review of recent packaging research emphasizes the protective function of packaging as its most important contribution to the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Contrary to this, consumers almost exclusively refer to the packaging material when it comes to their perceptions of the environmental impact of packaging. Paper‐based packaging is strongly understood by the surveyed consumers to be environmentally advantageous, whereas plastic and metal are not. This study further indicates that a majority of the Swedish consumers surveyed are aware of their shortcomings in judging the environmental status of food packaging, indicating a need for guidance; otherwise, consumer choices can unintendedly counteract environmentally sustainable intentions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Towards an optimised lab procedure for long-term oxidative ageing of asphalt mix specimen

Ageing of bitumen leads to increased stiffness and brittleness. Thus, bituminous bound pavements become more prone to failure by low-temperature and fatigue cracking. Therefore, the ageing behaviour of bitumen has a crucial impact on durability, as well as recyclability of pavements. To assess ageing of bitumen, the rolling thin film oven test and pressure ageing vessel are standardised methods for short-term and long-term ageing in the lab. For lab-ageing of hot mix asphalt (HMA), various methods have been developed in the last decades. This paper presents a study on the potential of employing a highly oxidant gas for simulating the long-term oxidative ageing of asphalt mix specimens in the lab. Based on the results, an optimised lab-ageing procedure (Viennese Ageing Procedure – VAPro) for compacted HMA specimens to assess mix performance of long-term lab-aged specimens is developed. Thus, it is possible to optimise mix design not only for short-term performance but to take into account effects of oxidative ageing during its in-service life. VAPro is based on a triaxial cell with forced flow of a gaseous oxidant agent through the specimen. The oxidant agent is enriched in ozone and nitric oxides to increase the rate of oxidation. It is shown by stiffness tests of unaged and lab-aged specimens, as well as by Dynamic Shear Rheometer tests of recovered binder from aged specimens that asphalt mixes can be long-term aged at moderate temperatures (+60°C) and within 4 days and a flow rate of 1 l/min by applying VAPro. Thus, an ageing procedure is at hand that can simulate long-term ageing at conditions that are representative of conditions that occur in the field within an efficient amount of time.     

Towards patient‐centered packaging design: An industry perspective on processes,functions, and constraints

Medication packaging is essential to provide patients with guidance and correct use of their medicines for effective treatment. This research aims to increase knowledge about the medication packaging innovation process and its uptake towards patient‐centered packaging design. The study applied a qualitative research approach based on data from 25 in‐depth interviews with stakeholders involved in medication packaging design. The empirical data analysis revealed four themes that can improve and advance user‐centered packaging design: medication packaging innovation process, medication packaging functions and features, medication packaging design constraints, and patient‐centered medication packaging design. The findings suggest that medication packaging design is strongly affected by an emphasis on protective and safety packaging functions rather than on patients' needs. Packaging innovation usually is constrained by rigid incremental development processes, where compliance with regulations, extensive documentation, avoidance of manufacturing complexity, and considerations on cost prevail. These findings are discussed in relation to the three most evident trade‐offs for patient‐centered design: protection versus openability, utility versus cost, and complexity of manufacturability versus complexity of use. This research contributes with valuable input and additional evidence about the necessary shift to a user‐centered approach in a field that has not been design driven. This input complements previous research and provides an opportunity for industry decision makers and policy makers to lead patient‐centered packaging design that can benefit patients and relieve overloaded health care systems.     

Understanding the views of the UK food packaging supply chain in order to support a move to circular economy systems

This study set out to better understand the feelings of stakeholders from the UK food packaging supply chain towards a move to circular economy (CE) systems. The research areas studied included current and future challenges facing supply chain stakeholders, the consideration of transformative technologies (TT) to enable packaging solutions in the move to CE systems and what CE systems using TT would look like for the UK's chilled food packaging sector. A questionnaire was selected to obtain data from across the UK food packaging supply chain. Participants were selected from six industry stakeholder groups, with 24 completing the questionnaire. This study has clearly shown there is a large spectrum of solutions in a move to CE, each with their own benefits and limitations. TT has an ability to enable these, but in selecting the best one for a specific packaging solution, a decision maker must take into consideration business constraints of the supply chain and the consumer's behaviour towards new solutions.     

Introduction of flexible packaging systems for toiletry products

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are rapidly gaining in importance for manufacturers throughout the industrialized world. Lion Corporation is no exception in its need of FMS because of the great variety of toiletry and household products it produces. Toiletry products, such as toothpaste, detergent and shampoo, are our mainstay products, which account for 75% of our total sales. On our production lines, therefore, it is essential that they can be changed flexibly for the manufacture of ever‐changing products. Introduced in this report are some of our flexible packaging systems, which use carriers, robots, standardized shampoo bottles, etc., without relying on special tools or new parts for line change. Innovation of our flexible packaging systems for greater flexibility and cost reduction will continue in the future. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Component migration from adhesives used in paper and paperboard packaging for foodstuffs

This paper presents the first results of research on the migration of adhesive components in the paper and paperboard packaging sector. It examines components that can migrate from a variety of commonly used adhesives in the framework of a ‘worst case’ scenario in respect of the contents. The report also explains the methodology used to analyse extraction and migration and the model used for calculating the transfers. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mass transfer from and through packaging materials

The use of polymer films for food packaging requires a knowledge of their transport properties under varying conditions. The permeability to gases and water vapour of the packaging films at the specific conditions of use, i.e. temperature, relative humidity and pressure gradient, are needed for selecting the optimum packaging system to ensure the required shelf-life of the packed product. Migration from, and absorption by, plastic films also play an important role in their selection. The 0₂ and CO₂ permeabilities of three plastic films at four different temperatures were evaluated and shown to follow the Arrhenius relationship in the range tested. The effects of four thicknesses of one film on its permeability are also reported. Three methods to evaluate migration from polymeric films were compared using different weight/volume ratios. The extraction method recommended by the FDA, using n-hexane in a stirred flask, was found to be best. The shelf-life of Matzoth (Jewish Passover bread) packed in polyethylene (stored at 25°C) was found to be longer than the shelf-life of those packed in the higher barrier PVDC/PE. This was apparently due to the absorption of undesirable oxidation compounds, given off from the Matzoth by the PE, which were not absorbed at detectable levels by the PVDC/PE.     

Infinite capacity planning for IC packaging plants

An infinite capacity planning system (ICPS) considering the capacity and capability of machines as well as the capacity of jigs is developed for an integrated circuit packaging plant. ICPS consists of five modules: work-in-process (WIP) pulling module, lot release module, resource selection module, workload accumulation module, and workload balance module. The WIP-pulling module pulls WIP from the end of the process route to meet the master production schedule (MPS). If WIP cannot meet the MPS requirement, the lot release module is executed to release new lots. The resource selection module helps a lot to select an appropriate resource, by taking into account the resource's capacity and capability, at each operation step and calculate the lot's planned start time and planned finished time at each step. The workload accumulation module accumulates the workload of each machine and each jig on each day. The workload balance module balances the loading of machines and jigs by adjusting the lot's start time using these resources. Simulation is used to evaluate ICPS performance, and results show that ICPS can effectively and efficiently balance the workload of production resources: machines and jigs.     

Formulation and process conditions for biodegradable/edible soy‐based packaging trays

Food packaging represents a large fraction of municipal solid waste and contributes to the expansion of landfill sites. Commonly used expanded polystyrene packaging trays are difficult to biodegrade. A potential alternative to this product is biodegradable/edible soy‐based packaging trays. Soy‐based tray formulations and fabrications were examined. Mechanical properties from a three‐point flexural test were used as the basis for process/ingredient selection. Soy protein isolate, glycerol and gellan gum or κ‐carrageenan were found suitable. Regression models relating ingredient levels to mechanical properties were obtained and process conditions were optimized. The optimum process conditions for gellan gum‐based trays were a heating temperature of 60°C, a heating time of 1min and a refrigeration setting time of 20min. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

关于战术导弹防护包装设计与试验要求的探讨

根据战术导弹的产品特征、寿命期剖面、寿命期环境剖面以及作战使用要求,在分析和对比国内外战术导弹防护包装特点的基础上,提出了我国战术导弹防护包装设计与试验要求,供战术导弹产品设计、包装研制以及标准化研究人员参考,也可供其他通用弹药产品设计和包装改进人员参考。