Search Results (6,092)

The global lithium supply balance has been under pressure since the recent increase in demand for electric vehicles. Conventional techniques for lithium extraction from natural resources are solar evaporation and hard-rock mining, which both have their limitations in view of sustainability. The question arises whether these methods will suffice for a responsible supply to provide the necessary materials for the emerging green economy. While new technologies for the valorization of lithium from unconventional resources like geothermal brines, salt lakes and seawater are in the pipeline, they are yet to be proven on an industrial scale. Membrane technology, ion-exchange adsorption and electrochemical methods are the current focus of several players in the pilot stage of their announced lithium carbonate or hydroxide production process. These technologies have various advantages and disadvantages in terms of energy consumption, selectivity and process costs, and the optimal choice remains dependent on local factors such as brine composition, energy availability and reagent cost. There are currently several DLE projects in the pilot phase, which is a significant step towards more sustainable lithium supply. Proving the economic and technical viability of these methods for extracting lithium from unconventional sources would increase the amount of globally proven reserves while diversifying and de-risking the supply chain, which is currently heavily dominated by a small number of countries. Full article

The use of food packaging derived from petroleum-based polymers has developed significant environmental problems, as these materials require centuries to degrade and release hazardous pollutants. Consequently, the food industry is shifting toward biodegradable alternatives developed from agro-industrial by-products, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids. Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese industry, which is emerging as a promising material for producing edible and biodegradable films with effective barrier properties. Whey-based films can be incorporated with bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds. These substances, naturally present in fruits, legumes, and vegetable waste, possess potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that are essential for extending the shelf life of perishable foods. This review provides a systematic evaluation of how the incorporation of phenolic compounds influences the physicochemical and bioactive properties of whey-based films. Thus, an analysis of film-forming methods, the interaction between protein matrices and phenolic compounds, and a critical discussion of the challenges remaining for their industrial application as active food packaging were evaluated. The discussion focuses on how the incorporation of phenolic extracts influences the physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier properties of the films, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial efficiency. The novelty of this review lies in its comprehensive focus on the sustained release of phenolic compounds from a whey protein film and their application in real food systems. By utilizing these natural additives, the industry can provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Active whey protein packaging represents a viable strategy to inhibit food spoilage, prevent lipid oxidation, and maintain sensory quality, while reducing the environmental problems. Full article

As organizations strive to balance environmental stewardship with economic competitiveness, understanding the performance implications of Green Innovation (GI) has become increasingly important. Although the nexus between Green Product Innovation (GPI), Green Process Innovation (GPrI), and organizational outcomes has attracted sustained scholarly attention, empirical evidence remains inconclusive. To reconcile these inconsistencies and delineate boundary conditions, this study synthesizes data from 48 empirical investigations (2012–2025) via a random-effects meta-analysis with the Hartung–Knapp adjustment and trim-and-fill procedures to strengthen statistical inference. Results reveal significant small-to-moderate positive associations between GI and environmental (r = 0.172), financial (r = 0.191), and innovation performance (r = 0.143). Notably, moderator analyses demonstrate a synergy premium, where Integrated GI measures significantly outperform isolated GPI or GPrI approaches (r = 0.353). Substantial heterogeneity exists (I² = 91.2%), which is significantly moderated by innovation type, industry pollution intensity, geographic region, and research design. Our findings reinforce the Natural-Resource-Based View (NRBV) and the Dynamic Capabilities framework, highlighting that strategic returns depend on asset orchestration and contextual factors. We conclude that firms should adopt a holistic approach, integrating both product and process innovations to enhance competitive advantage in an incremental and context-contingent manner, while interpreting innovation-performance results cautiously given the limited evidence base. Full article

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have gradually been applied in various practical scenarios, mainly focusing on core areas such as wearable motion monitoring devices, medical security systems, and natural resource exploration technology. However, they have the problem of low output energy and have not yet formed effective integration with mature commercially available products, which has hindered the industrialization process. This situation still significantly limits its global promotion and application. In this study, TENG was used as the sensing module for intelligent automotive airbags. We tested the voltage and current output characteristics of the system under different impact forces and frequency conditions. During the testing process, the electrical energy generated under different operating conditions is transmitted to the control system via Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) circuits. The system will quickly determine whether to trigger the airbag deployment based on the received electrical signals, and activate the ignition device when necessary to achieve rapid inflation and deployment of the airbag. Compared with traditional triggering mechanisms, the airbag system based on this designed sensor has higher sensitivity and reliability. The sensor can stably capture collision signals, and experiments have shown that as the collision speed increases, the slope of its open-circuit voltage gradually approaches infinity. Applying TENG to automotive airbags not only effectively improves the triggering efficiency and accuracy of airbags, but also provides more reliable safety protection for drivers and passengers. Finite element simulation of the automotive airbag was conducted to provide specific data support for evaluating its safety performance. With the continuous advancement of TENG technology and further expansion of its application scenarios, we believe that such innovative safety technologies will play a more critical role in the future automotive industry. Full article

The global carbon cycle has become increasingly unbalanced over the past century as anthropogenic fluxes into the atmosphere far exceed the sequestration capacity of land and ocean systems. Data from 2025 show estimated annual anthropogenic emissions of ≈11.2 gigatonnes of carbon (GtC), while only ≈5.6 GtC are sequestered by land and ocean sinks mainly provided by photosynthetic CO₂ fixation. The resulting surplus of carbon emissions has led to a doubling of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations above pre-industrial values to ≈430 ppm, which is a major driver of increasingly erratic climatic phenomena. Recent data indicate that fossil fuel use will continue rising up to and beyond 2050, largely negating the drive to cut CO₂ emissions as recommended by the IPCC and other reputable transnational bodies. Hence, there is an urgent need to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels via carbon sequestration. This review focuses on the proven capacity of biological mechanisms to sequester CO₂ at a global scale with an annual capacity in the range of gigatonnes of carbon. New measures such as re- and a-forestation, plus improved and more sustainable management of tropical tree crops, can further increase the carbon sequestration potential of these plants. By implementing these and other nature-based solutions, the highly productive tropical vegetation belt could contribute an additional 1–2 Gt of carbon sequestration via natural forests and perennial tree crops. In order to expedite this process, we examine the use of new modalities of transparent carbon trading systems that include selected tropical crops. As highlighted at COP30 in Brazil and elsewhere, this would enable tropical countries to derive benefit for costs incurred in land management changes such as reforestation, regenerative farming, and intercropping to benefit smallholders and other rural communities. In particular, carbon finance is emerging as a critical driver, with appropriately regulated and transparent carbon credit schemes offering fungible monetary compensation for climate-positive land management. Full article

This study investigated Brazilian consumers’ perceptions, attitudes, and purchase intentions regarding traditional and reformulated chicken meat products (fresh sausage and burger) enriched with natural antioxidants obtained from avocado by-product extracts. A mixed-methods approach was applied, using a word association task, a Likert-scale attitudinal questionnaire, and purchase intention scales (n = 422). Word association revealed predominantly negative perceptions toward products containing synthetic antioxidants, while natural antioxidant formulations elicited positive associations related to health, naturalness, and sustainability. Attitudinal data indicated strong alignment between health consciousness, environmental concern, and openness to food innovation. Pearson correlations (p < 0.05) showed moderate-to-strong relationships (r ≥ 0.40) among beliefs about healthy eating, perceived benefits of natural antioxidants, and support for sustainable production. Contingency analyses demonstrated that belief in the health benefits of natural antioxidants significantly increased purchase intention for reformulated products, whereas consumers less engaged with healthy eating were more accepting of synthetic formulations. Noting sample limitations primarily comprising young, educated females, who correspond to the group of consumers who tend to be more sensitive to health and environmental responsibility claims, the findings highlight consumer interest in natural, functional, and sustainable meat products. These results reinforce the potential of using agro-industrial by-product extracts as natural antioxidants in meat formulations and underscore the importance of communication strategies emphasizing health, naturalness, and sustainability to improve consumer acceptance. Full article

This study aims to model and optimize the process parameters influencing the efficiency and yield of oil extraction from Mongolian sea buckthorn seeds using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). The experiments were planned using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) to evaluate the effects of extraction pressure, temperature, and time, while maintaining a constant solvent flow rate of 2.0 L/min to balance extraction efficiency and selectivity. Following data refinement and outlier exclusion, the developed second-order polynomial model exhibited excellent accuracy with a coefficient of determination R² of 0.9375. Among the parameters studied, pressure was identified as the most critical factor affecting oil yield. Furthermore, significant interaction effects were observed, particularly between extraction time and the other variables, pressure–time (A * C) and temperature–time (B * C), indicating the time-dependent nature of mass transfer. The predicted optimal conditions for maximum yield were determined to be 5075 psi, 70 °C, and an extraction time of 10 h. Validation experiments under these conditions resulted in an oil yield of 800 g, confirming the reliability of the model. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing supercritical CO₂ extraction for the industrial-scale production of high-quality functional oils and nutraceuticals. Full article

Limonene is one of the most abundant, natural, bio-based monoterpenes. In recent years, it has attracted growing attention in both industrial and scientific communities due to its versatile physicochemical properties and wide spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its renewable origin and biodegradability make limonene an ideal candidate for sustainable development and as a key building block in green chemistry. The industrial relevance of limonene spans multiple sectors, ranging from its use as a solvent and flavoring agent to its application in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polymers, and renewable fuels. Nevertheless, despite its numerous advantages, certain limitations and safety concerns have emerged. Prolonged or high-level exposure may result in sensitization, irritant reactions, or secondary oxidation products that pose potential health risks. Moreover, its oxidative instability can lead to the formation of reactive compounds under specific environmental conditions that influence indoor air quality and may contribute to secondary organic aerosol formation. Current research focuses on several key challenges: improving extraction and purification yields through biotechnological and enzymatic pathways; enhancing oxidative stability via encapsulation or chemical modification; and standardizing toxicological assessment protocols for both occupational and clinical settings. In this review, we analyze and discuss studies published predominantly in the last five years that explore the dual nature of limonene, its valuable industrial applications and its potential environmental and health-related challenges. Full article

Natural fabrics such as cotton and silk have been widely used due to their excellent properties, but their tendency to wrinkle limits their value. Traditional anti-wrinkle finishing agents suffer from issues like formaldehyde release and performance imbalance. This paper reviews the advances in anti-wrinkle finishing of cotton and silk fabrics, analyzing from the perspectives of environmentally friendly finishing agents, physical properties balancing, sustainable anti-wrinkle finishing, and synchronized multi-functionality. Current research have developed various environmentally friendly formaldehyde-free finishing agents, such as carboxylated polyaldehyde sucrose and α-lipoic acid, through strategies including natural product modification and organic–inorganic hybridization. The application of these agents can enable fabrics to achieve a balance between wrinkle resistance, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and resistance to yellowing properties. Simultaneously, they also overcome the limitations of traditional processes, endow fabric with integrated application of wrinkle resistance alongside functions such as dyeing, flame retardancy, and antibacterial properties. Moreover, optimization methods such as response surface methodology (RSM) have facilitated the precise regulation of process parameters. Future research should continue to focus on greenization, high performance, and multi-functional coordination, deepen molecular design and process optimization, and provide support for the sustainable development of the textile industry. Full article

Industrial production is a cornerstone of modern economies but significantly impacts the environment. Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) aim to drive sustainable performance, yet their effectiveness remains questioned. This study quantitatively investigated the relationship between improvement objectives, allocated budgets, and environmental performance in 14 EMAS-registered natural gas thermal power plants in Italy (2014–2021). Using correlation analyses and a combined metric (CUF) encompassing improvement focus and plant utilization rate, the results show that investments alone did not directly drive performance improvements. However, increased plant utilization emerged as a critical factor, with strong correlations observed for CO₂ emissions and fuel efficiency. The CUF metric outperformed standalone measures, underscoring the interplay between operational efficiency and targeted investments. This study offers new insights into the effectiveness of EMSs, demonstrating their potential to drive environmental performance improvements when combined with operational strategies. Future research should explore long-term impacts and qualitative factors, such as technological and managerial practices, to refine EMS effectiveness further. Full article

The global population growth and the demand for agricultural food products have generated a significant volume of agro-industrial by-products which, inadequately managed, affect the quality of the environment. The construction industry, a large consumer of raw materials and energy, constitutes an important source of waste and greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the circular economy provides the right framework for the valorization of such natural materials, allowing us to obtain innovative sustainable building materials. The paper presents experimental research that led to the development of twelve plasters incorporating rice husks that were characterized by means of thickness (2.71–6.26 mm, when applied on concrete, and 4.20–10.29 mm, when applied on plasterboards), adhesion to the concrete surface (0.18–0.65 N/mm²), thermal conductivity (0.072–0.083 W/m·K), and impact on indoor air quality, in terms of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) emissions (3272–9470 µg/m³). The determined levels of the emissions suggest the possibility that by extending the monitoring for at least seven days after application, the information is more relevant. The findings confirmed that using the rice husks for the obtaining of such plasters represents a possible direction of valorization in construction; additional research is necessary for a more precise delineation of the characteristics of these products. Full article

The widespread use of petroleum derivatives in industrial settings poses a challenge due to their toxicity and the difficulty of removing them from tanks, pipes, and equipment. Conventional degreasers are generally expensive, toxic, and harmful to workers’ health and the environment. In this study, an environmentally friendly biodetergent formulated from natural ingredients was produced in a pilot plant with 480 L h⁻¹ capacity, in 250 L homogenizers, at 3500 rpm and 80 °C, and its performance evaluated under different operating conditions. Furthermore, the biodetergent efficiency was compared with that of commercial degreasers commonly used in industrial settings. Stability tests indicated 100% stable emulsion with 2.0% fatty alcohol and 1.0% stabilizing gum after one week of storage. In application tests, the biodetergent promoted up to 100% removal of heavy fuel oil (OCB1) and diesel from metal surfaces, both in concentrated and (1:1 v/v) diluted forms. In direct comparisons, the product performed equally or better than commercial degreasers, notably removing >95% of OCB1 in 10 min and maintaining efficiency after multiple reuse cycles. Unlike acidic or solvent-based formulations, the biodetergent did not induce corrosion on pieces or release toxic vapors when applied to heated surfaces. In summary, the developed bioproduct demonstrated industrial scalability and high efficiency, constituting a sustainable alternative for petrochemical cleaning operations in onshore and offshore environments. Full article

Sustainable business management in the food sector entails the systematic integration of social, environmental, and economic considerations into organizational decision-making, which has direct implications for food safety assurance systems. This study sought to evaluate how the maturity of an organization’s safety culture influences employees’ pro-quality and food-safety-related behaviors. A complementary objective was to examine employees’ understanding of pro-quality awareness in the context of the principles, goals, and operational procedures associated with sustainable management. The research was carried out in three food industry enterprises located in the Greater Poland region. The methodological framework consisted of internal audits assessing compliance with food safety and quality management standards, combined with a structured questionnaire survey. A total of 169 employees from various operational and administrative departments participated. The results indicate that employees’ professional qualifications and organizational roles significantly affect their awareness of how individual actions contribute to food safety and product quality outcomes. Moreover, the implementation of a sustainable, systems-oriented management approach supported a more comprehensive understanding of food production processes where employees recognize their impacts on public health, the socio-economic environment, natural ecosystems, and future generations. At the same time, this approach underscores the interdependence between employee well-being, organizational performance, and consumer protection. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an emerging field with potential as preservatives, sanitizers, and coating agents to improve food safety and quality. These small, cationic, and amphipathic peptide molecules act through various mechanisms, including pore or channel formation, disruption of cellular membranes, inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis, and interference with intracellular components and cell division. These cellular mechanisms enable the inhibition of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., offering a promising strategy. Their variable properties, including biodegradability, hydrophobicity, heat stability, and biocompatibility, make them strong candidates as alternatives to chemical cleaners and conventional antimicrobial agents. Despite these advantages, the use of AMP in the food industry remains limited due to environmental factors such as pH variability, enzymatic, and proteolytic degradation. In some cases, complex food matrices also reduce peptide stability and efficacy. This review synthesizes current knowledge on AMPs’ mechanisms and structural diversity and highlights their potential in food safety systems. It explores advances in molecular design and encapsulation technologies and examines key barriers such as large-scale production. Finally, it presents a comprehensive perspective on how AMPs can transition from natural peptides to broad-spectrum agents to ensure food safety and reduce reliance on chemical agents. Full article

To investigate the effect of a polysaccharide-based composite film (ASC) composed of Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide (its molecular weight was approximately 4.07 kDa, and the monosaccharide composition was predominantly glucose and galacturonic acid), sodium alginate, and calcium chloride on the storage quality of shrimp surimi, this study compared the preservation efficacy of the ASC film with that of treatments using chitosan, potassium sorbate, ascorbic acid, sodium alginate, Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide, and distilled water. Samples were stored at 4 °C for 12 days, and evaluations were conducted by measuring film structural characteristics and quality indicators of shrimp surimi. Results showed that the ASC groups (where Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide was added at 20%, 30%, and 40% of the sodium alginate mass, designated as ASC 20%, ASC 30%, and ASC 40%) significantly outperformed the control group across all quality indicators. The ASC 30% group demonstrated the best overall preservation performance, effectively delaying oxidative browning, protein degradation, lipid oxidation, and microbial growth in shrimp surimi. The ASC 40% group exhibited particularly strong antibacterial effects, while the ASC 20% group also showed stable preservation performance. The composite film combines the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Alpinia oxyphylla polysaccharide with the barrier and moisture-retention properties of sodium alginate, forming a stable three-dimensional network structure through calcium chloride cross-linking. It is superior to single/individual chemical preservatives in terms of film-forming ability, functionality, and safety, providing a natural, effective, and environmentally friendly preservation approach for shrimp surimi and other aquatic products. It also offers a theoretical foundation and practical reference for the development of natural preservation technologies in the food industry. Full article