Packaging Technology and Science

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the carbon footprint associated with canned tuna meat with a focus on packaging systems used to provide one single-serve meal. The manufacturing process of retort pouches and cups produced 60% and 70% less GHG emissions, respectively, than that of metal cans. However, the overall carbon footprint of canned tuna in retort cups was 10% and 22% less than when packaged in metal cans and retort pouches, respectively.

Both 10% whey protein concentrate (WPC) : 20% sucrose (Suc)-coated and polyethylene-coated solid bleached sulfate paperboards were excellent oil barriers compared with untreated solid bleached sulfate paperboard. Similarly, WPC : Suc coating matched the oil barrier provided by fluorinated hydrocarbon coating for pulpboard. WPC : Suc coating was shown in this study to have potential to replace synthetic materials as a grease barrier.

The presence of liquid contaminant(s) during the heat sealing of thermoplastic films can interfere with the formation of a robust seal. In this study, the effects of heat sealing process variables (dwell time, pressure, jaw configuration and temperature) on the interface temperature and seal strength characteristics of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film were investigated under different film–film interface conditions. This study showed that the contaminant layer interacted strongly with sealing parameters and affected the seal strength characteristics significantly.

Breakthrough periods are measured by fixing a donor pack containing printing ink oil and a volatile dye to one side of the barrier and a polyethylene film as a receptor to the other. The dye enables identifying gaps, cracks and holes in the barrier layer.

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for liquid dangerous goods require a ‘vibration test’ for type approval introduced in the United Nations Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods. The existing “bounce” test procedure is criticized based on experiments and a simple computational model of the test. An improved test procedure should more realistically simulate vibration and repetitive shocks.