Search Results (434)

To reduce food waste and mitigate health risks from accidentally consuming spoiled food, freshness-indicating technologies are increasingly demanded. However, conventional colorimetric-based freshness-indicating packaging is limited by instability, subtle color changes, and complex production processes. This study presents a curcumin-based ink suitable for eco-friendly polylactic acid (PLA) food packaging films enabling real-time shrimp freshness monitoring via integrated intelligent packaging. The ink comprised curcumin as the indicator, ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) as binders, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) to regulate permeability. Excellent printability was demonstrated by fineness, initial dryness and fluidity tests. It also demonstrated good thixotropic, viscosity, and flow curve properties. Printing minimally affected the PLA films’ mechanical and barrier properties. The indicator label showed high sensitivity, rapid response, and excellent reversibility to ammonia vapor. Practical application in monitoring shrimp spoilage at 25 °C and 4 °C revealed a strong correlation between the distinct color transition of the label and the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content and pH value, providing a reliable visual warning before obvious spoilage signs appeared. This work provides a viable integrated indicator packaging strategy for developing intelligent packaging, offering significant potential to reduce food waste and enhance supply chain transparency for perishable goods. Full article

Plastic manufacturing depends heavily on petroleum-derived monomers like terephthalic acid, the main component of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the depletion of fossil resources and increasing environmental concerns have heightened the need for sustainable alternatives. Lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a promising resource due to its renewable, abundant, and eco-friendly nature. Understanding its chemical composition enables conversion of this biomass into platform chemicals, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and lactic acid, derived from cellulose and hemicellulose. These can be polymerized into bio-based plastics such as polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), offering greener alternatives to fossil-based plastics. PEF features rigid furan rings that enhance thermal stability, mechanical strength, and barrier properties, and reduce gas permeability compared to PET. PLA is a renewable, biodegradable plastic widely used in packaging and medical applications. This review covers the chemical composition of lignocellulosic biomass cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and various pretreatment strategies, chemical, physicochemical, and physical, to overcome biomass recalcitrance and improve conversion efficiency. It also highlights recent catalytic advances in transforming cellulosic carbohydrates into bio-based plastic precursors such as FDCA and lactic acid. Lastly, this review discusses polymerization pathways for producing PEF and PLA, emphasizing their role in reducing the environmental impact of polymer manufacturing and promoting green chemistry principles. Full article

Protein-based hydrogels composed of gelatin, whey and glycerol were functionalized with red cabbage extract (RCE) to develop natural colorimetric pH sensors for intelligent food packaging. Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed amorphous, hierarchically organized networks where RCE molecules interact with protein chains. The resulting microstructure, consisting of compact surface domains and a porous internal network, may regulate the diffusion of volatile amines into the hydrogel matrix, enabling gradual and stable pH-dependent color transitions. The resulting biocomposite hydrogel exhibited a stable and time-resolved optical response to meat spoilage, correlating structural relaxation with colorimetric sensitivity. Color difference values (ΔE₀₀) calculated based on recorded images indicated strong chromatic changes in the presence of spoilage-related volatiles. Under refrigeration, ΔE₀₀ remained below five, suggesting negligible color shifts. At room temperature, ΔE₀₀ exceeded 20 after 48 h, confirming significant anthocyanin transformation linked to increased alkalinity (pH 7.2–7.5). A positive correlation between ΔE₀₀ and pH was observed, highlighting the hydrogel’s high sensitivity to environmental changes. These findings confirm the potential of RCE-loaded hydrogels as eco-friendly, visual freshness indicators suitable for intelligent packaging applications. The hydrogel films demonstrated a distinct color transition within the pH range of 5.75–7.5, corresponding to the freshness variation interval of chicken meat. Full article

Growing consumer awareness of environmental issues has led to heightened interest in environmentally responsible personal care products, with notable growth in the green beauty market. Despite this trend, consumer evaluations and purchasing decisions are shaped by numerous elements, particularly the trustworthiness of environmental information provided by brands. While elements such as eco-labels, environmentally friendly packaging, and individual concern for the environment are generally associated with favourable views of green marketing, they can also trigger doubt among consumers. This study investigates how eco-labeling, green packaging, and environmental concern influence consumer attitudes toward green beauty products and how these attitudes affect purchase intentions for them. The study included 500 South African consumer participants, and data were collected through an accredited research organization. The results indicate that eco-labeling, green packaging, and environmental concern each have a significant positive effect on consumer attitudes toward green beauty products. In addition, consumer attitudes were found to strongly influence purchase intentions among South African consumers. The study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the complex role of informational cues and potential perceptual barriers in sustainable consumption of green beauty products. It also provides practical insights for marketers, highlighting the importance of enhancing the credibility of eco-labels and reducing consumer doubt through clear, transparent communication strategies in the South African context. Full article

In this study, rice-husk fiber (RHF) extracted via alkali hydrolysis was used as a reinforcing material (0–10 wt%) in a pectin-sodium alginate (PE/SA) matrix to develop biofilms by the casting method. These biofilms were characterized by using FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC. The thickness, moisture content, water solubility, swelling behavior, water-contact angle, water-vapor permeability, optical transparency, and mechanical properties of biofilms were investigated. It was observed that the PE/SA/RHF film loaded with 5% RHF had better visual attributes, and a further increase in reinforcement was not found to be as favorable. The addition of 10 wt% RHF significantly enhanced the thickness from 0.094 to 0.127 mm, water solubility from 49.25 to 56.13%, water-contact angle from 48.4 to 62.6°, and tensile strength from 4.17 to 10.23 MPa. However, decreases in water-vapor permeability from 1.94 × 10⁻⁹ to 1.32 × 10⁻⁹ g·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹·s⁻¹ and in elongation at break from 19.24 to 2.87% were observed in the biofilms. Structurally, FTIR confirmed intermolecular hydrogen bonding between components. XRD revealed that the films remained predominantly amorphous, without significant crystalline alterations. Furthermore, thermal stability improved with the addition of RHF. Finally, these PE/SA/RHF composite films may be potential eco-friendly biodegradable packaging candidates for food industry applications. Full article

The global demand for sustainable and effective food preservation techniques has spurred significant interest in biodegradable packaging materials, with chitosan films emerging as a promising solution for extending the shelf life of highly perishable seafood products such as shrimp. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the development, characterization, and functional enhancement of chitosan-based films for shrimp. Chitosan, derived from chitin, has inherent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and biodegradable properties, making it an ideal candidate for eco-friendly packaging. The key physicochemical and functional properties of chitosan films, including their mechanical strength, barrier performance, and structural characteristics, are discussed. Functional enhancements, such as the incorporation of natural bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils and plant extracts) and nanofillers, have been shown to significantly improve the antimicrobial efficacy, oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, and mechanical stability of films. A critical aspect of this progress is the synergistic effect achieved by combining chitosan with other antimicrobials, which broadens the spectrum of activity against various bacterial strains and enhances overall preservation efficacy. Recent studies have demonstrated that functionalized chitosan coatings effectively inhibit microbial growth, retard lipid oxidation, and maintain sensory and nutritional quality during refrigerated storage of shrimp. In addition, this review evaluates current limitations related to large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approval for commercial applications. Overall, chitosan-based preservation systems represent a promising approach for sustainable seafood packaging. Future research may focus on industrial scalability, multifunctional film design, and integration with smart/active packaging technologies. Full article

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived nanofillers, yet their industrial application remains limited by poor dispersion control and trade-offs between loading, optical clarity, and mechanical performance. Here, we present a molecular architecture-driven design framework that systematically decouples polymer network physics from nanoparticle dispersion in poly(vinyl alcohol)/LNP nanocomposites. Through eco-friendly self-precipitation, we synthesize uniform LNPs with size tunability, overcoming persistent reproducibility challenges. Systematic investigation across PVA molecular weights and LNP loadings reveals entanglement-controlled dispersion behavior. Combined rheological and small-angle X-ray scattering analyses demonstrate that macroscopic suspension rheology is governed exclusively by polymer chain overlap, remaining invariant across LNP loadings. Conversely, the nanoscale LNP microstructural organization—ranging from depletion-driven clustering in weakly entangled networks to network-confinement stabilization in densely entangled systems—fundamentally dictates the film’s optical clarity and mechanical toughness. This rheology-microstructure decoupling establishes critical processing windows for industrial formulations, where polymer entanglement ensures suspension processability while the LNP dispersion state enables optical–mechanical tunability. The entangled network’s structure-filtering effect provides robust protocols for fabricating sustainable, transparent bio-composites suitable for packaging, optics, and functional films. Our quantitative composition–structure–performance framework advances fundamental understanding of entanglement-mediated interfacial phenomena while delivering practical design rules for next-generation sustainable bio-composites. Full article

Food safety can be regarded as a critical aspect of consumer protection, and there is a clear need for related research within the context of food delivery apps. In addition, food safety is a multidimensional concept, and its definition may vary depending on the specific context in which it is examined. Therefore, this work investigates food safety in the case of food delivery apps from the perspective of consumers in the Korean market. Food safety was conceptualized through four sub-dimensions: food healthiness, eco-friendly packaging, review information, and hygiene. The study examined the effects of these four factors on trust in food delivery apps and the influence of trust on continuance intention. Also, this work inspects the moderating role of hygiene in the relationship between trust and continuance intention. The survey participants were recruited via an online survey conducted through a professional research firm, yielding 300 valid responses. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and Hayes’ Process Macro Model 1. The results show that trust is positively influenced by eco-friendly packaging, review information, and hygiene. Additionally, trust significantly affects continuance intention, with hygiene demonstrating a significant moderating effect. This research contributes to the literature by clarifying the definition of food safety in food delivery apps and elucidating the relationships among its key sub-dimensions. Full article

This study presents an integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach to select the most suitable sustainable packaging for logistics operations under uncertainty. The aim of this study is to identify the most suitable eco-friendly packaging options for reducing packaging waste, by considering several criteria. The methodology combines the SWARA and TOPSIS methods within a Fermatean Fuzzy Set (FFS) framework to address the ambiguity in expert evaluations and the qualitative nature of decision-making criteria. The research considers various sustainable packaging alternatives, including recycled cardboard, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, and compostable plastic, while incorporating criteria such as production cost, environmental impact, reusability, and material specifications. The approach offers a robust and comprehensive decision-making tool for companies aiming to improve sustainability in their logistics operations while mitigating the environmental impact of packaging waste. The results demonstrate that the direct incorporation of fuzzy numbers notably influences the ranking outcomes compared to traditional methods, and comparing the considered approach with different MCDM methods yields various recommendations for sustainable packaging selection. Full article

The purpose of this research is to explore the relationships among food healthiness, price fairness, and loyalty in the context of Subway sandwich restaurants. Another objective of this study is to examine the moderating effects of temperature, personalization, and eco-friendly packaging on the relationship between food healthiness and loyalty. To achieve these objectives, an online survey was conducted. Data were analyzed based on 283 valid responses collected from consumers in the U.S. market. The findings indicate that food healthiness positively influences both price fairness and loyalty. In addition, price fairness exerts a positive effect on loyalty. Furthermore, the results empirically confirmed the significant moderating roles of temperature, personalization, and eco-friendly packaging. This research holds significance in that it empirically clarifies the relationships among the six variables through the case of Subway, providing meaningful marketing insights into consumer perceptions and loyalty in the food service industry. Full article

Biofilm production by foodborne pathogens poses significant challenges to food safety and quality, leading to contamination, deterioration, and substantial economic losses for the food industry. Traditional biofilm control methods, such as chemical disinfectants, antibiotics, and preservatives, are sometimes ineffective against persistent biofilms, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance and the accumulation of chemical residues. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have emerged as attractive natural biocontrol agents due to their ability to produce a wide range of antimicrobial secondary metabolites, including bacteriocins, organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and biosurfactants. This paper thoroughly examines the effect of LAB and their metabolites in preventing and destroying biofilms generated by bacteria relevant to food systems, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. The processes causing LAB-mediated biofilm attenuation are thoroughly investigated, including competition for nutrients and adhesion sites, interference with quorum sensing (QS), and metabolic inhibition. Furthermore, recent breakthroughs in LAB-based techniques for food preservation and facility hygiene are discussed, including the creation of LAB-derived antimicrobial coatings, biosurfactant-based cleaning agents, and probiotic bio-coatings for industrial sanitation. The incorporation of nanotechnology has enhanced LAB applications by enabling the creation of LAB-mediated metallic nanoparticles and encapsulated formulations that improve metabolite stability and facilitate controlled release. The combination of LAB metabolites, natural preservatives, and eco-friendly materials in active packaging provides sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Overall, this review emphasizes the potential of LAB and their bioactive derivatives as environmentally friendly and practical tools for controlling biofilms and preserving food, thereby promoting safer food production systems and accelerating the food industry’s transition to green, sustainable technologies. Full article

The growing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has intensified research into sustainable, biodegradable alternatives for food packaging. Among bio-derived polymers, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) has attracted increasing attention due to its abundance, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and excellent film-forming ability. Nevertheless, the intrinsic hydrophilicity and limited mechanical strength of neat CMC restrict its direct application in packaging systems. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of recent strategies developed between 2015 and 2025 to enhance the performance of CMC-based films for food packaging applications. Emphasis is placed on physical and chemical modification routes, including polymer blending, polyelectrolyte complex formation, incorporation of functional fillers and nanomaterials, and ionic or covalent crosslinking approaches. The influence of these strategies on key functional properties, such as mechanical behavior, water barrier performance, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, is systematically discussed. Particular attention is given to CMC-rich systems, enabling meaningful comparison across studies. By highlighting structure–property relationships and identifying current limitations, this review aims to provide guidance for the rational design of advanced CMC-based materials as viable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. Full article

Recently, renewable biopolymers have gained growing attention as an alternative to petroleum-based materials in the packaging industry due to their eco-friendliness, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This study introduces an innovative method for producing active films, which uses natural bacterial cellulose (BC) films as the matrix and incorporates (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) through an immersion process. The incorporation of EGCG improves the barrier performance against oxygen and UV of the BC-based active films while preserving their tensile strength without compromising their opacity. More importantly, the active films exhibited significant antibacterial effects, with the efficacy increasing with the concentration of EGCG. Specifically, the diameters of the inhibition zones enlarged progressively against both S. aureus (from 13.88 to 16.25 mm, p < 0.05) and E. coli (from 12.38 to 14.13 mm). Correspondingly, the antibacterial rate of the active films increased from 61.4% to 80.61% (p < 0.05) against S. aureus and from 57.38% to 60.38% against E. coli. Additionally, the BC-based active films developed in this work exhibit excellent biodegradability, being capable of achieving complete biodegradation within 21 days of soil burial. This breakthrough exhibits considerable potential of BC-based active films as eco-friendly packaging materials, showing exceptional promise for sustainable active food packaging applications. Full article

Passion fruit deteriorates rapidly after harvest owing to fungal decay and quality loss. This study examined whether acidic electrolyzed water (AEW, pH 2.5) could strengthen host defense responses and thereby prolong the marketable storage period of passion fruit. Freshly harvested yellow passion fruits (without any prior storage) were immersed for 20 min in AEW containing 0 (control), 30, 60 or 90 mg/L available chlorine concentration (ACC) and then packaged in polyethylene film bags and stored at 25 °C for 15 days to simulate typical ambient handling/marketing conditions, where polyethylene packaging is commonly used to maintain a high-humidity microenvironment and reduce moisture loss; physicochemical attributes, decay parameters and disease-resistance-related enzyme activities were then monitored. AEW—particularly at 60 mg/L ACC—significantly lowered decay incidence, disease index and cell membrane permeability while preserving pericarp color (hue angle h, L*) and pulp titratable acidity, vitamin C, total soluble solids, and total soluble sugars. The same treatment elevated the concentrations of disease-resistant metabolites (total polyphenolics, flavonoids and lignin) and up-regulated the activities of peroxidase, cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate CoA ligase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase. These findings demonstrate that AEW mitigates postharvest deterioration of passion fruit by activating the metabolism of disease-resistant substances, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly technology for maintaining quality during ambient handling/marketing conditions. Full article

Polymer matrix composites derived from organic waste represent a viable solution for enhancing environmental sustainability. This study investigates the development and characterization of eco-friendly composite filaments using polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with orange peel particulates (OPPs), evaluating their potential for fused filament fabrication (FFF). PLA/OPP composites were fabricated with varying reinforcement concentrations (2.5–20 wt%) and different particle sizes. The materials were characterized through mechanical testing, thermal analysis (DSC), and FTIR spectroscopy, while functional performance was evaluated via DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assays. The experimental results indicated that a specific low OPP concentration (2.5 wt%) maintained the tensile strength of the neat matrix while significantly improving ductility by 16.67%, thereby enhancing the processability for fused deposition modeling (FDM). Conversely, reinforcement levels exceeding 10 wt% led to a decline in mechanical properties due to fiber agglomeration and matrix saturation. Thermal analysis revealed that higher OPP content influences the crystallization kinetics, while FTIR spectra confirmed good interfacial compatibility through hydrogen bonding. Notably, the incorporation of OPP imparted significant antioxidant activity to the composites, which increased proportionally with filler content. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that low-content PLA/OPP composites successfully balance mechanical performance with functional bioactivity, providing a sustainable material suitable for active packaging and 3D printing applications. Full article