Search Results (79)

Recent technological developments in food packaging are directly related to the interaction of packaging with both food and consumers, reflecting the growing demand for safer, minimally processed, and more natural food products. This trend resulted in the emergence of interactive packaging which combines two functions, the active function and the smart function. Such innovations in food packaging aim to be commercially viable, meet increasing consumer expectations, deliver beneficial results, and remain cost-effective. Interactive packaging thus provides multiple benefits for the packaged product and the consumer. For this reason, the present review highlights recent advances in the field. A literature search was conducted in PubMed-Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles published up to November 2025. Nanotechnology, which has already achieved significant success in other fields, also plays a crucial role in food packaging. Beyond its benefits in enhancing packaging properties, nanotechnology contributes to the detection of pesticides, pathogens, and toxins, thereby strengthening the food quality monitoring process. Full article

Recent advancements in food packaging have transitioned from passive containment toward innovative smart systems that integrate active and intelligent functionalities to improve product preservation, safety, and consumer interaction. This review examines the evolution of these technologies, focusing on biodegradable polymers and nanomaterial-enhanced substrates that combine environmental sustainability with superior barriers and antimicrobial performance. Developments in embedded sensing systems, including chemical, temperature, and humidity sensors, enable the continuous monitoring of food quality and environmental conditions, supporting extended shelf-life and early contamination detection. Intelligent packaging further incorporates indicators, sensors, and data carriers that enhance transparency and traceability across supply chains. These systems are often connected through blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms for real-time data analysis. The review also addresses consumer engagement via interactive labels and personalized nutritional feedback, along with the economic, behavioral, and regulatory aspects influencing large-scale adoption. Life cycle assessments are analyzed to evaluate trade-offs between enhanced functionality and environmental impact, emphasizing recyclability and end-of-life strategies within circular economy frameworks. Finally, the article discusses current technical challenges while highlighting emerging trends such as AI-driven predictive analytics and IoT-enabled connectivity as key enablers of sustainable, efficient, and safe food packaging systems. Full article

A significant challenge in e-commerce is the inability of consumers to physically inspect products, forcing them to rely on perceived quality derived from other consumers’ experiences. However, gaps remain in understanding which dimensions of perceived quality are most frequently mentioned and influential for customer satisfaction, particularly in emerging markets like Indonesia. This study investigates these gaps by identifying key perceived quality aspects and examining their impact on satisfaction, with a specific focus on the moderating role of logistics delivery services. Using a large language model (LLM), specifically Google’s Gemma 2, we performed aspect-based sentiment analysis on 5000 smartphone reviews from Indonesian e-commerce. Logistic regression models incorporating interaction variables were employed to evaluate the relationships. The results identify the most frequently mentioned aspects of perceived quality: Logistics delivery services, Functionality, Originality, Responsiveness, and Packaging. While Logistics delivery services was the most mentioned aspect, Packaging had the most significant direct influence on satisfaction. Notably, Logistics delivery services also play a significant moderating role, enhancing the positive effect of other perceived quality aspects on satisfaction. These findings suggest that Logistics delivery services contribute directly to satisfaction and amplify other aspects, resulting in greater customer satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating LLM-driven aspect-based sentiment analysis methods and expanding the concept of perceived quality to include service aspects, thus promoting a more complete consideration of perceived quality in e-commerce. Full article

The need for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastic packaging has prompted interest in biodegradable biopolymer films. This study developed edible composite films using minimally refined chitosan from American lobster (Homarus americanus) shell waste combined with fish gelatin, glycerol, and sunflower oil. A Box–Behnken design within a response surface methodology (RSM) framework was used to investigate the effects of these formulation variables on ten key film properties, including mechanical strength, water sensitivity, barrier performance, and optical characteristics. High-quality empirical models (R² ≥ 0.88) captured nonlinear, synergistic, and antagonistic interactions among the components, revealing trade-offs between competing attributes. Simultaneous multi-response optimization identified balanced formulations suited to various food packaging needs, including perishable, fresh, and dry products. Experimental validation of selected formulations confirmed model predictions within 5% error under laboratory conditions. Up to 68% of the inhibition activity against Escherichia coli was retained in a few composite formulations when compared with neat chitosan films, thus supporting their potential for active packaging. The key highlight of the present work is the use of crude chitosan derived from lobster shell waste, a low-cost, sustainable alternative to highly purified commercial sources, demonstrating the practical viability of marine byproduct valorization. Overall, this study advances the development of high-performance, application-specific biopolymer films and highlights RSM as an effective tool for optimizing multifunctional edible packaging materials. Future work should focus on enhancing antimicrobial functionality, evaluating real-world performance, and assessing consumer acceptance to support industrial adoption. Full article

Background: Beef tenderness is a key quality attribute that significantly influences consumer satisfaction; however, it exhibits considerable variability due to both genetic and environmental factors. While genomic selection based on Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) has improved the accuracy of predictions, a substantial portion of tenderness variability remains unexplained. Metabolomics has emerged as a valuable approach to address this gap, as metabolites reflect gene–environment interactions and may serve as biomarkers for complex traits such as meat tenderness. Objectives: This study aimed to integrate genomic and metabolomic data to identify genetic loci associated with serum metabolites in Nellore calves, offspring of sires with contrasting EPDs for meat tenderness. Methods: Ninety-five male calves were evaluated and divided into two groups according to the sires’ genetic merit: FA-T (favorable EPD for tenderness, n = 45) and UN-T (unfavorable EPD for tenderness, n = 46). Blood serum samples were analyzed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy to quantify 40 metabolites, and genotyping was performed using a medium-density SNP panel. Metabolite quantitative trait loci (mQTL) were identified using the MatrixEQTL package, and metabolic enrichment analysis was performed in MetaboAnalyst 6.0. Results: In the FA-T group, SNPs were associated with metabolites such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and succinate, suggesting enhanced oxidative metabolism and preservation of proteolysis. In the UN-T group, associations of pyruvate, creatinine, and glutamine with distinct SNPs indicated greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis and early ATP consumption, potentially impairing phosphorylation and postmortem proteolytic activity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that genetic selection for tenderness may induce early divergent metabolic profiles, likely leading to persistent differences in postmortem biochemical pathways, with important implications for meat tenderness. Full article

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely employed exogenous plasticizer, has become pervasive in the environment and living organisms due to its extensive use in food packaging, medical devices, and daily consumer products, and is established as a typical endocrine-disrupting chemical. Growing evidence indicates a strong association between DEHP exposure and the incidence of chronic bone disorders, including osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA), and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenic effects across these diseases remain poorly defined. In this study, we applied an environmental network toxicology approach to integrate predicted protein targets of DEHP with known disease-associated targets of the three bone disorders using multiple databases. Through Venn analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, we identified core targets and key signaling pathways. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were further employed to validate the binding modes and stability between DEHP and the core targets, thereby elucidating common and distinct mechanisms of DEHP across these bone diseases. A total of 109 overlapping targets of DEHP and the three bone diseases were identified, among which 7 core targets—AKT1, SRC, ESR1, CASP3, MMP9, BCL2, and BCL2L1—were common to all three disorders. These are implicated in critical biological processes such as apoptosis regulation, inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and estrogen signaling. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, TNF, and estrogen signaling pathways across all three diseases. Molecular docking and MD simulations confirmed stable binding of DEHP to key targets including AKT1, ESR1, and MMP9, supporting its potential to disrupt bone metabolic homeostasis via multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms. Further analysis indicated that DEHP exerts both shared and disease-specific effects: it disrupts osteoblast/osteoclast balance in OP, amplifies inflammatory responses and matrix degradation in OA, and contributes to impaired angiogenesis and osteocyte necrosis in ONFH. This study systematically reveals how DEHP disrupts bone homeostasis through a multi-target and multi-pathway network, constructing a cross-disease osteotoxicity framework. It is the first to delineate the common and distinct molecular mechanisms of DEHP in OP, OA, and ONFH. Although these insights are derived from computational models and require further experimental validation, they provide a novel theoretical basis for combined intervention strategies targeting multiple bone diseases and for environmental health risk assessment. Full article

The transition to a circular economy (CE) in plastic packaging faces persistent barriers, including regulatory fragmentation, technological limitations, and supply chain disconnection. This study examines how multinational companies address these challenges by leveraging enablers such as advanced policies, technological innovation, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Based on a PRISMA-guided systematic review and a descriptive–explanatory case study, semi-structured interviews with senior managers were analyzed through thematic coding and data triangulation. Findings reveal that regulatory measures like virgin plastic taxation and post-consumer recycled material (PCR) incentives are effective only when synchronized with technical capacities. Investments in recycling infrastructure and circular design, such as resin standardization, enhance the quality of secondary materials, while local supply contracts and digital traceability platforms reduce volatility. Nevertheless, negative consumer perceptions and inconsistent PCR quality remain major obstacles. Unlike prior studies that examine barriers and enablers separately, this research develops an integrative framework where their interaction is conceptualized as a systemic and non-linear process. The study contributes to CE theory by reframing barriers as potential drivers of innovation and provides practical strategies, combining policy instruments, Industry 4.0 technologies, and collaborative governance to guide multinational firms in accelerating circular transitions across diverse regulatory contexts. Full article

Agri-food supply chains, particularly in the rice sector, face persistent challenges in transparency, quality control, and sustainability due to their complexity and fragmentation. Blockchain technology provides a promising solution by ensuring secure, immutable, and verifiable records of production and supply chain activities, supporting both consumer trust and compliance with the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This study reports on the TRACE-RICE Mediterranean pilot project, which developed a blockchain-enabled traceability system for rice production in Portugal. A Rice Field Data Recording App, built with ArcGIS Survey123, digitized agronomic and compliance records from Integrated Production systems and linked them to blockchain-verified QR codes on consumer packaging. The pilot conducted during the 2023 harvest demonstrated the potential to enhance data consistency and streamline field recording processes, thereby improving transparency in farming practices. A total of 174 QR code interactions, primarily from Lisbon, revealed consumer engagement patterns valuable for future business analysis. The scaling phase during the 2024 harvest confirmed the system’s adaptability to different varieties and production contexts, positioning blockchain as a replicable model for sustainable and competitive rice supply chains. Full article

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology adopted by brands to innovate packaging and improve communication with consumers. Companies integrate AR features into their packaging, choosing between different approaches. However, it is still unclear how different AR typologies can influence consumers’ perceptions during the interaction. For this purpose, this exploratory study aims to analyze the differences between two types of AR—static vs. immersive—applied to packaging, evaluating their impact and effectiveness on consumers. A within-subjects design, on a sample of 20 participants, was employed using neuroscientific techniques (electroencephalography, heart rate, and skin conductance) to explore the cognitive and emotional engagement based on the AR interaction, as well as self-report measures (Augmented Reality Immersion, Perceived Informativeness and Authenticity). Neurophysiological findings indicated that the immersive AR application elicited a greater emotional and partially cognitive engagement, as well as a higher perceived immersion, according to self-reports. The study’s findings offer a deeper understanding of how consumers’ perceptions can change in response to different types of AR content. Although AR is not yet widely accessible as a marketing tool for brands, its growing technological feasibility makes it relevant to know its potential effects on consumers. Thus, this study will offer useful insights for companies to direct their investments toward AR applications in marketing campaigns. Full article

The increasing environmental concerns of plastic waste have encouraged more interest in environmentally friendly packaging, but consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for green alternatives in emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia is not fully explored. This research explores the relationship between awareness of sustainability and price sensitivity in determining WTP for green packaging in the Saudi retail market. The study utilizing a mixed method included both a Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and a Discrete Choice Modeling (DCM). In it, data was gathered and analyzed using a sample of 424 urban consumers in Saudi Arabia’s major cities. The findings of OLS regression indicated awareness of sustainability had a significant, positive effect on WTP, whereas price sensitivity had a negative effect. There was a marginal interaction effect indicating that awareness could overcome price aversion. Logistic regression supported awareness as a dominant factor in binary product choice, although price sensitivity was not significant in the said model. The multinomial logit model also showed that the type of package, environmental labels (more so the “100% recyclable” type), and price had significant effects on consumer preferences. These results indicate that there is acceptance of sustainable packaging by consumers in Saudi Arabia if the product is communicated effectively and priced competitively. Full article

A novel biodegradable food packaging material based on cassava thermoplastic starch (TPS) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) blends containing food preservatives was successfully developed using blown-film extrusion. This active packaging is designed to enhance the appearance, taste, and color of food products, while delaying quality deterioration. However, the incorporation of food preservatives directly influences consumer perception, as well as health and safety concerns. Therefore, this research aims to assess the risks associated with both intentionally added substances (IAS) and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) present in the developed active packaging. The migration of both intentionally and non-intentionally added substances (IAS and NIAS) was evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Fifteen different volatile compounds were detected, with the primary compound identified as 1,6-dioxacyclododecane-7,12-dione, originating from the PBAT component. This compound, along with others, resulted from the polymerization of adipic acid, terephthalic acid, and butanediol, forming linear and cyclic PBAT oligomers. Migration experiments were conducted using three food simulants—95% ethanol, 10% ethanol, and 3% acetic acid—over a period of 10 days at 60 °C. No migration above the detection limits of the analytical methods was observed for 3% acetic acid and 10% ethanol. However, migration studies with 95% ethanol revealed the presence of new compounds formed through interactions between the simulant and PBAT monomers or oligomers, indicating the packaging’s sensitivity to high-polarity food simulants. Nevertheless, the levels of these migrated compounds remained below the regulatory migration limits. Full article

Hong-Jam is a functional food product made from freeze-dried silkworms on the seventh to eights day of the fifth Instar stage, which are steamed for 2 h prior to drying. This study evaluated the storage stability of Hong-Jam under varying temperatures, product forms, and packaging conditions. By using the correlation analysis, novel quality indices that may complement or replace traditional lipid-oxidation markers in edible-insect products were identified. Peroxide value (POV) and acid value (AV), which are factors of lipid oxidation, significantly increased under high-temperature conditions. Dependency of temperature (D_T) analysis revealed that POV had a higher D_T than AV, and glass bottles exhibited higher D_T than polyethylene (PE) pouches. In the four-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis, the Fisher’s F-statistic (F-value) for single effects of individual storage conditions was notably higher than the interaction effects. During storage, the moisture content increased and the pH decreased, while the color remained relatively stable. The results of the correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant correlation between moisture content and pH with lipid oxidation indices such as POV and AV. This suggests that these two factors could be used as complementary factors in quality assessments. In conclusion, this research provides foundational data that can be used to develop improved storage standards and quality assurance protocols for Hong-Jam and similar edible insect foods. These advancements will contribute to extending shelf life, enhancing consumer safety, and promoting the broader acceptance of edible insects in the food industry. Through a comprehensive understanding of the stability factors, this study supports the development of reliable quality management practices that align with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and functional food options. Full article

Genetically modified (GM) foods have existed for decades, and governments internationally have legislated packaging disclosure statement language that typically incorporates the words genetic, modified, and organism. In 2018, the United States implemented the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) and introduced the term Bioengineered (BE) into GM disclosure language to help clarify consumer uncertainty regarding GM foods. Since then, the US consumer attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of genetically modified foods remain negative, reflecting a contaminated interaction. Current mandated disclosure labels, utilizing engineering and science-based signifiers, are associated with this negative interaction. This research assesses whether food disclosure labels based on the signifier Design, unassociated with current contaminations, can positively impact the consumer perception of GM foods compared to the negatively contaminated science and engineering signifiers currently used. Two online studies of 1931 participants analyzed GM/BE food disclosure labels comparing four existing and six newly created engineering and science-based signifiers against four new design-based signifiers across fifteen attributes, including Price, Purchase Likelihood, Environmental Impact, Fair Trade, Safety, Nutrition, Healthfulness, Quality, Eating Experience, Comforting, Inviting, Frightening, Understandable, Ethical, and Sustainable. Across both studies, design-related labels consistently outperformed traditional engineering/science-based terms in fostering positive perceptions. However, even the best-performing labels did not fully overcome the entrenched skepticism associated with GM foods, underscoring the need for complementary strategies beyond linguistic changes. Full article

This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in biodegradable active and smart packaging utilizing pectin from various origins for food applications. It critically examines the challenges and limitations associated with these developments, initially focusing on the structural influences of pectin on the properties of packaging films. Methods such as spray drying, casting, and extrusion are detailed for manufacturing pectin films, highlighting their impact on film characteristics. In discussing active pectin films, the review emphasizes the effectiveness of incorporating essential oils, plant extracts, and nanoparticles to enhance mechanical strength, moisture barrier properties, and resistance to oxidation and microbial growth. Smart biodegradable packaging is a significant research area, particularly in monitoring food freshness. The integration of natural colorants such as anthocyanins, betacyanins, and curcumin into these systems is discussed for their ability to detect spoilage in meat and seafood products. The review details the specific mechanisms through which these colorants interact with food components and environmental factors to provide visible freshness indicators for consumers. It underscores the potential of these technologies to fulfill sustainability goals by providing eco-friendly substitutes for traditional plastic packaging. Full article

The present research explores how sustainability practices affect customer relationship quality in retail stores. The study explores factors like sustainable product recommendations, smart energy efficiency displays, green certification, and eco-friendly packaging and their effect on customer engagement, customer perception, and loyalty. Using a cross-sectional approach, data was collected from 745 retail customers through structured surveys to understand their views on sustainability initiatives and their behavior patterns. The study employs Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) using SMART PLS4 for data analysis laying the foundation of the study on Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT). The findings reveal that sustainable retail practices enhance customer interactions and highlight the importance of consumer perceptions in evaluating the effectiveness of these initiatives making it significant to improve customer relationship quality, leading to better business performance and increased loyalty. The significance of the study extends to its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG12), partnerships for the Goals SDG 17, and industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG9). The conceptual framework built on ECT and architected by SEM-PLS aligns with SDG making the study highly relevant and novellas it integrates advanced sustainability practices with customer relationship quality, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature. Full article