A steady-state finite element model of moisture transport in corrugated fibreboard is presented and solved using experimentally determined values of moisture permeability in Kraft and recycled paperboard. The model shows reasonable agreement with experimentally measured moisture fluxes. The model also demonstrates that the majority of moisture flux occurs through the air phase. Simplified models based on the sum of resistances in series are shown to be in good agreement with the more complex finite element model and may have some practical utility in the design of packaging for specific applications where the internal moisture environment and/or structural integrity of the packaging is important. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Many young females have difficulty opening jars. Although previous studies have attempted to clarify the body posture effect during such a task, the experiments therein focused on a single digit or actions with unnatural finger positions and were further restricted to upper extremity postures. A further study is required to investigate the fingers’ coordination, as well as each subject's natural and self-selected upper extremity posture and finger grasp location when opening a jar. This study focused on the forces and coordination of the right hand fingers during a jar opening movement under both vertical and free-way opening postures. A jar simulator was set up to record the forces applied by finger groups (the thumb, the index–middle finger group, and the ring–little finger group) of the right hand. A self-selected finger position and free-arm posture of each subject were allowed. Results show that the force vectors of the finger groups were all in the counterclockwise direction for both postures. The total force and overall torque of the right hand decreased in the vertical opening posture. The thumb produced greater tangential and resultant forces in the vertical opening posture. Despite normal forces being 1.82–3.54 times the tangential forces for both postures, no difference was found for the normal force to tangential force ratio for each finger group between the two opening postures. The index–middle finger group had similar torque contributions for both postures. The torque contribution of the thumb increased (26% and 21% for vertical and free-way posture, respectively), while the ring–little finger group torque contribution decreased (35% and 42% for vertical and free-way posture, respectively) in the vertical opening posture. As such, the free-way opening posture is the better strategy for young females to open a jar. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study investigated the influence of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the migration of Irganox 1076 from low-density polyethylene films to 10 and 95% ethanol as food simulants. Pouches made from the low-density polyethylene films were pressured at 600 and 800 MPa for 5 min at 25 and 75 °C. Control samples were not high-pressure processed. The mass transfer of Irganox 1076 from the films towards the ethanol was monitored over a 40-day period and quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography method. The results showed a lower level of Irganox migration from the films to the ethanol at lower when compared with higher pressure treatments. At the processing temperature of 75 °C, the migration appeared higher when compared with the samples treated at 25 °C. The migration in the HPP samples was higher than that of the controls. The results of this study showed that HPP at higher temperatures caused a higher level of chemical migration from polyethylene when compared with samples not treated by this technique. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) florets were packaged in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags with or without ethylene adsorber under passive modified atmosphere and then stored at 4°C for 20 days. LDPE films with (8% Tazetut® masterbatch, M2) or without ethylene adsorber (M1) were tested. The effects of modified atmosphere packaging treatments on gas concentrations (O₂, CO₂ and ethylene) in the headspace, the mass loss, colour, texture, pH, total soluble solids, chlorophyll content, total phenolic content and sensory quality of packaged broccoli were determined by comparing with unpackaged (control) florets. Results revealed that deterioration occurred quickly in control broccoli, manifested mainly by mass loss, chlorophyll degradation and stem hardening. Also, it was found unacceptable by sensory panel after 5 days. Conversely, in those florets packaged under modified atmosphere packaging, especially for LDPE with ethylene adsorber (M2), all changes related with loss of quality were significantly reduced and delayed with time. Additionally, total soluble solids and total phenolic content remained almost unchanged during the whole period. Ethylene concentration was determined as 61.8 ppm in M1 and 0.33 ppm in M2, respectively, at the end of the storage. Thus, broccoli packaged with M2 films had prolonged storability up to 20 days with high quality attributes, this period being only 5 days in unpackaged control broccoli. Oxygen concentration decreased below 1% after 5 days of storage in M1, and the shelf life of broccoli in these bags was limited to 5 days because of risk for anaerobic fermentation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The past 130+ years of research into the production of corrugated packaging has produced a tremendous wealth of information about the structural dynamics of corrugated boxes in use and in failure. Most of the studies in this area were published in the journals of the paper industry. However, much of the current work on corrugated fiberboard packaging now comes from individuals with a focus on corrugated packaging as a whole rather than on the corrugated paper or structures that comprise the packaging material. Because of the difficulty in accessing or identifying some of the previous art, more recent studies may tread ground well covered by others decades earlier. This review focuses on the process of box compression and the utility of box compression testing, bringing previous work back to the fore to provide useful background for current studies. It examines the conditioning and testing process in detail, discusses the state of the art in compression estimation, and explores various parameters that affect box compression strength that are not captured in most current industry models. It also looks at how box compression results are related to field performance of boxes in unit loads. In the process, it identifies many areas for fruitful new research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study investigated the influence of high pressure processing on the thermal and mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films used for food packaging. This was carried out by monitoring the thermal and mechanical properties of the materials before and after the pressure treatments. Pouches made from the LDPE films were pressured at 200, 400 and 800 MPa for 5 and 10 min at 25 and 75°C. The storage and loss moduli, tensile strength and elongation at break and yield of the film samples were then measured using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and an Instron® Universal Tester (Canton, MA, USA), respectively. The DMA was performed at −130 to 85°C, whereas the tensile and elongation analyses were carried out at room temperature. Results of the DMA experiments showed that the storage modulus increased with increasing pressure intensity. The tensile analysis showed that the tensile strength increased but the elongation decreased with increasing pressure treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

As high-pressure processing is used increasingly for the treatment of packed products, different packaging has been investigated with respect to their structural behaviour and stability under high-pressure processing. Often, failures and changes of the polymeric structure occur. Common damage symptoms of high-pressure-treated packaging materials are defined and classified in this review. These damage symptoms are allocated to the physico-chemical effects that created them. The effects may be separated into direct effects induced by the action of the high-pressure alone and indirect effects that are mediated via compressed contents of the package, i.e. filled product and gaseous headspace. The direct effects split up again in reversible and irreversible structural changes. The indirect effects are generated by compressed headspace gases, other compressed substances and the consequences of increased amounts of gases dissolved in the polymers. If applicable, current theoretical approaches have been allocated to the different categories of damage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/clay nanocomposite samples were prepared by melt blending PET and Cloisite 20A nanoparticles. A stretch blow-moulding machine was used to produce bottles from neat PET and PET nanocomposite. Tests were performed on the migration of aluminum and silicon from PET nanocomposite bottles into acidic food simulant. The samples were stored at room temperature (about 25°C) and 45°C for time durations ranging from 7 to 90 days. A specific surface of sheets (prepared from PET/clay nanocomposite) immersed in acidic food simulant, and two-sided migration of Al and Si was investigated. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the nanoclays show intercalated structure in the PET matrix. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy micrographs displayed both intercalation and exfoliation morphology for PET/clay nanocomposites. Inductively coupled plasma was used to quantify amounts of Al and Si that had migrated into the acidic food simulant. It was observed that the migration process is dependent on storage time and temperature, and the molar ratio of aluminum and silicon in the acidic aqueous solution (Al/Si)_aq to the ratio in the solid phase of prepared nanocomposites (Al/Si)_solid was about 23% higher in the samples stored at 45°C. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The objective of this study was to examine the quality characteristics of packaging materials and packaging units, and the viability and acceptability of the colour and sensorial properties of fresh pork meat during storage in low oxygen and high carbon dioxide modified atmosphere packaging up to 16 days at two temperatures (0°C and 4°C), as well as the sensorial properties of cooked meat. Packaging materials had good mechanical and barrier properties and were suitable for packaging in selected atmosphere. The concentration of oxygen during the whole storage period was less than 0.5% at both temperatures. The proportion of red colour (a*) was successfully maintained although the colour was slightly darker (L*) and the sensory value was lower when evaluated at the end of the storage period. Based on the obtained results and discussion, it can be concluded that samples packaged in a modified atmosphere with 40% CO₂ and 60% N₂ can be stored at 0°C for 15 days and at 4°C for 10 days. Samples had a good sensory quality until the 16th day, with the best results achieved on the 7th day. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The profile of major biogenic amines was investigated in Indian mackerel packed in modified atmosphere for up to 12 days at 5 ± 1°C. Beheaded and gutted Indian mackerel was packed under different carbon dioxide compositions to study the effects on biogenic amines formation. The treatments were control air (C), vacuum packaging (VP), 30% CO₂/65% N₂/5% O₂ (M30C), 60% CO₂/35% N₂/5% O₂ (M60C), 80% CO₂/15% N₂/5% O₂ (M80C) and 100% CO₂ (M100C). Each amine responded differently to different CO₂ levels. After 12 days of storage, concentrations of histamine were reduced by 6.4%, 8.5%, 70.3%, 78.8% and 90.2% in fish packed under VP, M30C, M60C, M80C and M100C, respectively as compared with control air. Changes in putrescine and cadaverine showed a similar pattern. Gas mix of M30C and VP stimulated the formation of tyramine reaching 203 and 172 ppm, respectively. Higher composition of CO₂ had a significant inhibitory effect on tyramine concentration (p < 0.05). There were parallel increases of putrescine and spermidine in C, VP and M30C. No significant effect of CO₂ was observed on spermine (p > 0.05). After 9 days of storage, more than 300 ppm of histamine was detected in mackerel packed in VP and M30C; therefore, these atmospheres pose a histamine intoxication risk. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The evaluation of package branding is important to determine its ability to connect with consumers on an emotional level. In the past, focus groups have been the traditional method used to evaluate branding; however, focus groups can be seen as an inaccurate method of gathering data due to purely qualitative data collection. This paper presents a retail shopping experiment conducted in CUShop™, a consumer experience laboratory, to determine whether consumers prefer a public label product versus a private label product, utilizing eye tracking to analyse the decision-making process. Results illustrated that purchase decision as well as time spent observing packaging indicates that participants preferred public branded packaging with respect to its private label competitor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) films containing relatively low [0.75 ± 0.08% (w/w)], intermediate [1.08 ± 0.04% (w/w)] and high [3.20 ± 0.29% (w/w)] levels of the antimicrobial (AM) agents carvacrol, linalool and thymol were prepared, and their physico-mechanical and optical properties were evaluated. Addition of these AM agents to TPS film reduced the tensile strength with increasing AM agent content, with a significant effect observed at the highest AM agent concentration. The Young's modulus and elongation at break increased with increasing AM agent concentration, especially at the highest formulation concentration of AM agent. Films having a low or intermediate formulation concentration of AM agent exhibited no significant effect on their water vapour permeability, transparency and thermal properties when compared to the control film. Although scanning electron microscope imaging suggested a significant and progressive change in the surface morphologies of the films with AM agent concentration, the overall effects on the tested properties were not significant. This suggests that the direct incorporation of AM agents into TPS films did not adversely affect the films, particularly at lower AM agent concentrations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz) fruit has a unique aroma; along with its pleasant sweet flavour, this has stimulated its commercial development in international markets. This development, however, requires the application of suitable conservation methods. Five different packaging treatments for murtilla fruit (Red Pearl-INIA variety) conservation were evaluated at 0 °C for 60 days. The treatments consisted of two types of packaging [polyethylene terephthalate (PET) punnets and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags] and the application of an edible coating of carboxymethyl cellulose to the fruits. The incorporation of the aqueous extracts of murtilla leaves from the 18-1 and 27-1 ecotypes into the carboxymethyl cellulose edible coating was also evaluated for its antimicrobial effects. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the moisture content, a significant weight loss and an increase in soluble solids when the murtilla fruit was packed only in a PET punnet. However, with the other four treatments, in which an LDPE bag and edible coating were used, the moisture content (76.8–74.4 g/100 g) and soluble solids (15.6–17.8 ºBrix) in the fruit remained stable during storage. Low weight loss (1.64–2.25%) occurred in the fruits that received treatments with the LDPE bag and edible coating. Under experimental conditions and from operational facilities, packaging in PET punnets with an LDPE bag was the best alternative to preserve the murtilla fruit at 0 °C for 60 days. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The recollection rates for postconsumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles and the recycling capacities are increasing year by year. The postconsumer PET bottles were recycled either to fibres or to new packaging applications. For packaging applications, the so-called super-clean recycling technologies are applied to decontaminate the postconsumer PET pellets. Most of these processes are based on solid-state polycondensation processes. Because experimental determination of the cleaning efficiency is a time-consuming and expensive procedure, it would be useful to predict the cleaning efficiencies, e.g. for process development and optimization. Within this study, the decontamination kinetics of a PET super-clean recycling process based on solid-state polycondensation was determined. From the decontamination kinetics, the diffusion coefficients were calculated. By use of the diffusion coefficients, the decontamination kinetics was simulated using migration modelling approaches for spherical pellets. The result of this study shows that the decontamination of PET pellets in solid-state polycondensation processes follows Fickian laws. The diffusion coefficients of the investigated migrants are not influenced by vacuum or inert gas process conditions. The diffusion equations used in commercially available software packages for migration calculation can be used for the simulation of the decontamination efficiencies of PET recycling processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study developed a method for simultaneous determination of 19 chemical elements (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Ga, As, Rb, Y, Zr, Cd, Te, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Er and Pb) in simulated foods [4%, 6% and 8% (w/v) aqueous acetic acid] by microwave-assisted digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We examined the migration of these chemical elements from ceramic packaging into the simulated foods and into two types of mature vinegar. The simulated foods showed matrix effects, compared with stock solution solvents (5% ultra-pure nitric acid). The migration of chemical elements from ceramic packaging into simulated foods was affected by migration time, temperature and acidity of the simulated food. The chemical elements showed different migration behaviours in black and white mature vinegar, and the amount of migration also varied depending on the inner surface of the ceramic packaging. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Efficient end-of-life solutions play an important role in developing sustainable packaging because they contribute to reducing resource wastage and environmental impact, whilst providing economic and social benefits. This paper briefly reviews current end-of-life solutions for fibre and bio-based materials for packaging in Europe. It also addresses current research in the field, as well as standardization, legislation and socio-economic aspects related to renewable packaging in Europe. This review focuses on the following groups of packaging materials: paper and board and bioplastics. With this hierarchy, recycling, organic recovery and energy recovery are analysed with regard to the processes and technologies that offer the most sustainable end-of-life options. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Beef steaks from Gluteus medius, Longissimus dorsi, Psoas major and ground beef from Triceps brachii were packed in master packages containing expanded polystyrene trays overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film under an anoxic atmosphere containing 0.2% CO, 60.0% CO₂ and 39.8% N₂ (T₁) or 0.2% CO/99.8% CO₂ plus oxygen scavengers. After 28 days of storage at 1 and 4°C, the meat quality was evaluated. The visual and instrumental colour of the beef steaks and ground beef were similar to that of fresh meat. Pathogenic bacteria were not detected, and psychrotrophic bacterial counts were lower than 7.5 log CFU/g. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Acrylic acid-based and methacrylic acid-based monomers are widely used for the manufacture of polymers, for polymer dispersions or for other specialty resins. Some of these applications cause interactions between the polymer and contact medium such as food contact materials, eyeglasses, contact lenses or toys. More specifically, migration of monomers from the polymer into the contact medium may occur, which needs to be evaluated for safety purposes. The objective of this study was to investigate the basic diffusion properties of acrylic polymers with respect to representative monomers in order to establish a scientific basis for migration modelling simulating the mass transport of monomers from the polymers when they are in contact with foods, human skin or body fluids such as sweat and saliva. For this purpose, 11 representative acrylic polymers containing five different acrylic monomers (MA, EA, BA, MMA and nBMA) were studied in extensive kinetic migrations experiments in contact with five different contact media (simulants) at three different temperatures (20°C, 40°C and 60°C). The simulants were selected according to the applications: toys were simulated by saliva simulant and articles coming in contact with human skin by sweat simulant. For food contact applications, water (aqueous foods), Miglyol 840 (Sasol, Witten, Germany) (fatty food) and Tenax® (Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Munich, Germany) (an adsorbent simulating dry foods) were selected. The diffusion coefficients (D) of the monomers in the polymer as well as partition coefficients between polymer and contact media were derived. It was found that those acrylic polymer materials used for rigid plastics applications exhibit extremely low diffusion behaviour, whereas acrylic polymer resins used for coating applications showed somewhat higher diffusion behaviour but this still at very low rates in comparison with other typical polymers used for the manufacture of food packaging materials. As a result, conservative polymer-specific constants in support of migration modelling were established, and the specifications for the model general applicability were determined and specified. The parameter related to the polymers' intrinsic mobility is applicable to model migration of any other organic chemical substances, which may be present in acrylic polymers as potential migrants when they have comparable or higher molecular weights than the studied monomers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The antimicrobial potential of alginate films (AFs) and alginate/chitosan composite films with two different mass proportions of the biopolymers, 82.5:17.5 (CF1) and 65:35 (CF2), containing potassium sorbate (KS) or natamycin was evaluated. At the practical limit of KS addition (0.17 g KS per gram of alginate) for pure AFs, no inhibition zones were observed against Debaromyces hansenii, Penicillium commune and Penicillium roqueforti by the agar diffusion test. Above this concentration, films became opaque, brittle and showed a whitish precipitate over their surface, making them not suitable for use. However, alginate and alginate/chitosan composite films containing natamycin were able to inhibit the growth of the three microorganisms listed above. Natamycin was effective at concentrations as low as 0.005 g per gram of biopolymer for AF and 0.01 g per gram of biopolymer for both composite films, alginate/chitosan 65:35 (CF1) and alginate/chitosan 82.5:17.5 (CF2) against all microorganisms tested. The inhibitory zone diameter increased as concentration of natamycin increased. Active films containing 0.04 g natamycin per gram of biopolymer obtained in the present study exhibited suitable functional attributes and showed excellent perspectives as active antimicrobial films intended for food protection applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger of the antimicrobial (AM) agents linalool, carvacrol and thymol incorporated in the coatings of starch-based films was investigated. The activity was initially determined on a solid medium using the modified microatmosphere method and then examined on Cheddar cheese. On the solid media, all the AM films demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect against A. niger growth. The inhibitory effect of the AM films containing 2.38% (w/w) AM agents is reflected by the colony diameters that were 29.3, 25.4 and 21.3 mm for linalool, carvacrol and thymol, respectively, at 25°C after 7 days incubation compared with the control sample where the colony diameter was 85.3 mm. The AM films containing 2.38% (w/w) linalool, carvacrol or thymol reduced the population of A. niger on the surface of Cheddar cheese by 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 log CFU/g, respectively, after 35 days of storage at 15°C. The results suggest that starch-based film coated with an AM agent has the potential for being used as a fungicidal packaging system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effects of incorporating ε-polylysine (ε-PL) on mechanical, barrier, optical properties and the antimicrobial activity of edible films from silver carp surimi were investigated. The mechanical properties of surimi films could be improved using ε-PL below the level of 0.15% in surimi film-forming solutions, whereas these slightly declined with increasing addition of ε-PL. However, accelerated polymerization of surimi myosin heavy chain by the addition of ε-PL was too low to be observed from sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns. It is of interest to notice that surimi films containing ε-PL revealed a wide range of antimicrobial activity, especially against gram-positive bacteria. For preservation of fresh fish meats with the help of edible films, the increase of total viable counts and total volatile basic nitrogen values was suppressed during storage at 4°C, indicating that the application of surimi films containing ε-PL could prolong the shelf life of fresh fish meats. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In beverage bottling plants, buffering conveying systems are used to decouple the various machines. They avoid propagation of machine breakdowns along the plant by assimilating or releasing bottles or containers. Today, they are controlled in steps by mechanical jam switches. In many cases, they enable an enduring filling process, which is necessary to gain good product quality and high plant efficiency. But with longer faults, the filling process still has to stop or slow down. Additionally, today's conveyors run very noisy. This affects the operator's health and conflicts with legal regulations.

Research is presented that investigates whether the amount of physical product visible from the primary display panel of a package has an effect on consumer attention and purchase decision in the category of grill ware. It is hypothesized that a package providing the most physical product exposure will be preferred by consumers over alternative structural designs. To test this, three similar products were placed in four distinct package structures varying the amount of visible product exposure (0%, 40%, 90% and 100%). The packages were positioned on the shelves of the fully immersive simulated shopping environment CUshop™. A total of 127 participants were fitted with eye-tracking glasses and presented a shopping list that included one of the three grill ware products (fork, spatula and tongs). Participants were asked to shop as they normally would, and data concerning their visual attention in the store and final purchase selection was collected. Purchase patterns showed that the packaging that revealed the most physical product possible was chosen more than the other three configurations tested. Analysis of eye-tracking data supports expected behaviour, suggesting that consumers prefer to see at least some of the product, with the 0% visible product receiving significantly fewer fixations, a slower time to first fixation and lower total fixation durations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An analytical screening was undertaken with the aim of investigating the occurrence of di-isobutylphthalate (DIBP) in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling films for food contact applications and its source of contamination throughout a converting process. Although raw plastic materials used by producers are free from phthalates and analytical evidences confirm their absence after the extrusion process, DIBP can be found in final rolls packaged into cardboard packaging during storage.

This article presents the results of investigations to determine how process settings and crimp geometry affect the seal strength and integrity of traditional polyolefin and biopolymer flexible packaging materials. The results show agreement with previous studies where temperature and dwell time are found to be the dominant factors for both polyolefin and biopolymer films. Pressure and crimp geometry are shown to be secondary factors in the process, up to the point of squeezing the film into molecular contact. In general, it is shown that biopolymers exhibit similar sealing characteristics to more traditional films. Regarding the sealing crimp geometry, it is shown that the crimp pitch has little or no effect on sealing integrity for films with gauges between 25 and 40 µm. However, for the same gauge material, crimp angles more than 80° offer the greatest potential to gain higher seal strengths. It is further shown that with the cellulose and polylactic acid films tested, a higher seal strength can be produced with crimp pitches of 2 mm and lower. Also presented are some more general implications for guiding the selection of sealing crimp geometry and their usage with biopolymers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mineral oil migration from cardboard packaging into foodstuffs is recognized as a serious problem for the consumers. Within this study, a fast automated method for the determination of mineral oil permeation through barrier films was developed. The method is using 15 defined standard substances representing mineral oil chemistry instead of complex mineral oil mixtures. The developed method can be used for the evaluation of the barrier properties for polymer films regarding mineral oil components from paper and cardboard packaging materials. For all investigated permeants and polymer films, the logarithm of the permeation rates and the logarithm of the vapour pressure result in a linear correlation. The correlation can be used to compare the permeation properties of different barrier films. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that 12 µm oriented polyethylene terephthalate or 15 µm oriented polyamide are effective barriers towards mineral oil components. The barrier effect of pure polyolefin films is negligibly poor because the permeation is too fast and the lag time is in the range of a few hours at 40°C. As a consequence, the migration of mineral oil components from cardboard can be significantly reduced if inner layers of good barrier materials such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide are used. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Safety risks may ensue when the chemicals contained in polyethylene packagings^a age and damage them. To prevent subsequent accidents, the European Dangerous Goods Regulations have laid down requirements for testing the chemical compatibility of liquid dangerous goods transported in polyethylene packagings. The test procedures include 6 months in which the chemical is prestored in the packaging. After this time, the respective design-type tests are performed. Alternative methods with so-called standard liquids, simulating the different types of damaging effects, are also possible. If a packaging has successfully passed the design type tests with a standard liquid, other dangerous goods may also be transported in this packaging, as long as it is demonstrated that they have a less damaging effect than the standard liquid. However, in this area there is only little information and research available.

The aim of secondary packaging plants is to pick food products from a conveyor belt and to place them into boxes. The typical configuration of these packaging plants consists of a set of sequential robot stations, performing pick-and-place cycles from one conveyor to another parallel one, which transport the products and the boxes to be filled. Depending on the relative movement of the two conveyors, the plant operates in co-current or counter-current flow configuration. Undesired perturbations in the product flow rate from its nominal value can lead to critical events, i.e. unpicked product at the end of the first conveyor or not completely filled boxes. Even if the structures of co-current flow and of counter-current flow plants are very similar, their behaviour in non-nominal or perturbed conditions can significantly differ.

The effect of the wall thickness variation of blow-moulded bodies made of high-density polyethylene on an internal pressure test after prestoring the packaging with standard liquids was evaluated in experiments and simulations. The objects of the investigation were jerrycans used for the transportation and storage of dangerous goods.

Most experimental systems for measuring the permeability of microperforated polymeric films are static, mainly because in dynamic systems the small differences in pressure on both sides of the perforation may result in serious errors in the measurements. The O₂ and CO₂ transmission rate through microperforations of different sizes (from 40 × 30 to 350 × 110 µm) were determined in a static and in a dynamic system. In the latter case, rather than the diffusive flow, the hydrodynamic flow generated by the difference in pressure was measured (between 5 and 90 mbar). This was determined by applying Bernouilli's theorem and an experimental equation potentially relating the area of the microperforation with the transmission rate. A comparison of the transmission rates obtained in both cases gives coefficients of determination close to one (>0.993). This means that measuring the hydrodynamic flow can be considered as an alternative for the quantification of the diffusive flow through a microperforation. This is a simple and quick methodology that does not require expensive equipment. Furthermore, this feature enables commercial leak detection equipment to be used to quantify diffusive transmission rates through microperforations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Vibration testing of packaging is a critical part of the distribution packaging analysis process. The accuracy of simulated vibration is important for packaging optimization. Because of this, several researchers have developed improved simulation methods to produce more realistic vibration tests. Correlation studies are required to verify these methods, ideally using actual packaged products in transit. Unfortunately, cost, time and complexity issues make carrying out studies with actual product difficult.

An uninterrupted cold chain is a continual series of storage and distribution activities that maintain a specific temperature or temperature range. Cold chain solutions typically involve excessive packaging to ensure that the desired product temperature is maintained through the distribution process, thereby increasing the logistics-related costs. There is a myriad of solutions available for shipping temperature-sensitive products, including those constructed with a variety of packaging materials as well as refrigerants. Although static characteristics for thermally insulated packaging solutions such as the R-values of package systems as well as the melting points and heat absorption rates of various refrigerants have been studied in the past, none of the past studies have evaluated the effect of comprehensive distribution on the reliability of the cold chain packaging solutions. This research was undertaken to study the temperature profiles for factors such as different densities for a given thickness of thermally insulating material, wall thicknesses and distribution environments for four different types of materials—polyurethane, virgin expanded polystyrene, recycled content expanded polystyrene and vacuum-insulated panels. The temperature range of 2 °C–8 °C, critical for pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines, was targeted. An interesting regression-based finding was that the interaction between the R-value and the wall thickness significantly influenced the length of time the thermally insulated packages stayed in the desired range of 2 °C–8 °C. The findings of this study will be decisive in designing cost-efficient and practical single-use cold chain transportation solutions for temperature-sensitive products. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Four films were extruded in a pilot-plant scale blown extrusion machine: a monolayer low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film added with 2.90% of marigold (Tagetes erecta) extract, a two-layer high-density polyethylene/LDPE film added with 3.59% of the extract in the LDPE layer and the corresponding two control films without addition of the extract. More than 64% of astaxanthin contained in the extract was lost during the extrusion process. Spectroscopic, optical and mechanical properties of the films were affected by the addition of the marigold extract. The films showed to be light sensitive when exposed to commercial light at 25 °C; however, bags made of the films showed a positive effect on soybean oil stability when used as packaging. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The cellulose acetate butyrate/modified motmorillonite (Cloisite20A and Cloisite30B) nanocomposites were prepared by two different solvent casting methods. All antimicrobial nanofillers were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and antimicrobial components (carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde) included in the nanofillers were determined by gas and HPLC chromatography. These analyses confirmed the inclusion of antimicrobial agents in organoclay. The nanocomposite films were characterized by XRD, TGA, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Oxygen and Water Vapor Permeability, mechanical properties and antimicrobial behavior against E coli, L.innocua, S. cerevisiae. All films presented a reduction of at least 2.0 log cfu/mL when applied film nanocomposites procedure in which antimicrobial components are included in the last stage of the process and they are not previously included in the organoclay. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The classical sustainability perspective on packaging is to reduce the environmental impact or eco-burden of the packaging, using life cycle assessment to evaluate different design alternatives. Simultaneously, the classical marketing perspective on packaging is to generate value through differentiation, for instance, by providing additional convenience. These two perspectives often conflict. In business reality, there is currently no established method to deal with these conflicts. Life cycle assessment is methodologically incapable of incorporating the difference in convenience. This article uses the eco-costs/value ratio (EVR), as a method for dealing with the environmental assessment of packaging design alternatives with such unequal ‘soft’ functionality.

Food packaging plays an important role in attracting consumers' attention and generating expectations in the consumer that in turn affect their product perception and buying behaviour. In the present study, ‘categorizing’ and ‘perceptual mapping’—diametrically opposed methods (predefined criteria vs consumer criteria)—were used to study the influence of packaging design on consumer perceptions of dairy products. Eighty-nine images of milk, yoghurt and yoghurt drink with different graphical designs, sizes, shapes and materials were presented to the participants. The participants were randomly divided in two groups, each of which evaluated the samples using one method: categorizing or perceptual mapping. Both categorizing and perceptual mapping have been demonstrated to be useful, simple and user-friendly methods to determine the packaging design cues that influence the perception of dairy products. However, perceptual mapping provided more subconscious perceptions than the categorizing task. The results of perceptual mapping are objective and provide representative information. Furthermore, it fosters better understanding of the potential for product packaging to be misinterpreted and supports packaging designers in developing packages that better align with consumer perception. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The purpose of this article is to develop an evaluation model for the selection of packaging systems in supply chains from a sustainability perspective.

A new dynamic accumulation method for measuring the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packages and packaging films using robust and inexpensive fluorescence oxygen sensing technology has been developed. The method allows for oxygen to transfer through a given area of packaging or sample film and accumulate over time. The test volume incorporates a fluorescence-based oxygen sensor that does not consume oxygen and therefore does not interfere with the real-time measurement of oxygen concentration. The new method was tested against a widely used, commercially available instrument (Mocon Oxtran 2/20; Mocon, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) designed around the steady-state gas permeation measurement approach described by ASTM D3985. Sample films were chosen to provide comparison over several orders of magnitude of OTR. Specifically, sample films with OTR values in the range of 10¹, 10³ and 10⁴ ml O₂/m²/day were measured, and results using the two methods were compared. Results showed that the new dynamic accumulation method provides comparable results with the steady-state method (ASTM D3985). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The target of this study is to investigate the correlation between surface properties and heat sealability of flame-treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) coating because it is vital to know how to modify the surface properties of LDPE coating without losing the heat sealing properties. Flame treatment showed a significant effect on the heat sealing properties of LDPE-coated paper. For example, the heat sealing temperature of LDPE coating decreased or alternatively doubled, depending on the equivalence ratio (air–propane ratio) of flame treatment. In addition, the hot tack strength was significantly enhanced by flame treatment, which broadened the hot tack window of LDPE-coated paper. The reason for the heat sealing performance of flame-treated LDPE coating was believed to be related to the simultaneous reactions, that is, cross-linking and chain scission, occurring on the LDPE surface. The molecular weight of LDPE surface increased or decreased, depending on the dominating reaction during flame treatment. This affected the chain mobility and the amount of chain interdiffusion across the seal interface and finally defined the heat sealing performance of LDPE-coated paper. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The environmental impacts of packages have been found to be relatively small compared with the food items they contain. Furthermore, from the environmental and operational point of view, the most significant task of the package is to protect the product, which is important to acknowledge in the packaging design process. This study introduces a guiding framework for designing sustainable food packaging. In this approach, the entire life cycle of the product–package combination is taken into consideration. The emphasis is on the prevention of food losses in packaging design as a major environmental criterion. Consideration of the properties of both the package and the product itself when designing the final package will lead to a better end result with smaller product losses and environmental impacts. By using different assessment methods in the different stages of the packaging design, the sustainability of the package can be enhanced. The decision making of the packaging designer is facilitated with methods that are introduced step by step and in a certain order that will also allow for corrective measures through back-loops in the design process. The purpose is to integrate sustainability aspects at all stages firmly into the design process. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Reverse Multiple Input–Single Output (R-MISO) identification technique was implemented to determine vibration transmissibility frequency response functions (FRFs) of a cushion-product system that accounts for nonlinearities known to exist in such systems. The signed quadratic x|x| nonlinear term was used. The results were compared with the classical linear approximation FRFs calculated with the single input–single output identification method. Comparisons were made for five types of expanded polystyrene (EPS) cushions with varying density and two levels of band-limited random excitation. It was shown that vibration transmissibility FRFs obtained with the R-MISO method and with the inclusion of a signed quadratic x|x| nonlinear term significantly (up to ~70%) improved the total coherence of the nonlinear vibration transmissibility FRFs for the EPS cushions subjected to the static load selected to coincide with the optimum of their respective cushion curves. The R-MISO technique was successful in accounting for some of the nonlinearities in the EPS cushion-product system. However, its ability to deal with nonlinearities is not specific to the EPS but rather common to cushion-product systems subjected to vertical vibrations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The main objective of the present work was to determine whether a single agropolymer [wheat gluten (WG)] could fit the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) requirements of a range of six different fresh produce in key terms of oxygen permeation (Pe_O2) and CO₂/O₂ permselectivity (S) values. The required properties for optimal packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables were first evaluated using the Tailorpack MAP modelling software (UMR IATE, Montpellier, France) with packaging dimensions and respiratory and optimal atmosphere data as input parameters. Then, the modelled values obtained were compared with the properties of a range of WG composite films: monolayer self-supported or multilayer at microscale or nanoscale, cast or thermoplasticised, with different formulations (percentage of plasticisers or nanofillers). The experimental gas transfer properties that could be covered by these materials ranged from 0.05 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 2.00 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/m² s Pa for Pe_O2 and up to 18.0 for S. These ranges are much larger than conventional plastics that exhibit Pe_O2 from 0.10 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 0.20 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/m² s Pa and S up to 4.5. It was demonstrated from a food-requirements-driven (Tailorpack modelling) and a multiscale film structuring (WG-based composites) approaches, that transfer properties of WG-based films would fit the requirements of the six selected fruits and vegetables better than conventional plastics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nanocomposites based on cellulose acetate, a commercial organoclay (Cloisite30B), triethyl citrate and variable content of antimicrobial agents (thymol and cinnamaldehyde), were obtained using a solution casting technique. The properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and elongation at break), scanning electronic microscopy, global migration and microbiological testing. A reduction of glass transition (T_g), melting temperature (T_m) and melting enthalpy (∆H_m) was also observed when the content of thymol and cinnamaldehyde was increased in the cellulose acetate nanocomposites. In contrast, thermal stability, mechanical performance and morphology of material did not show important differences when the content was modified. Results of global migration were dependent of the kind of simulant used. Finally, the antimicrobial activity was dependent of the essential oil used and its content inside the nanocomposite. An important effect of organoclay on the antimicrobial activity was also observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Recycled paperboard is frequently used as a raw material for food packaging. As consumers are becoming more sensitive to off-flavours, paperboard packaging needs to contain a low-odour potential when brought in contact with food products. As paperboard manufacturers, printing companies and food producers have a lack of time for solving off-flavour problems, sensory testing and conventionally used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) techniques are frequently too time consuming. To meet the needs of fast and reliable odour analysis of recycled paperboard, MS-based electronic nose (MS-nose) technology was evaluated in this study. As this technique is based on MS identification, chemical information of the volatiles could be obtained. A hyphenated configuration, consisting of a headspace solid phase microextraction (HS–SPME) autosampler coupled to an MS-nose instrument, was discussed. The odorous volatiles of four recycled paperboard samples, obtained by GC–MS analysis, were used for feature selection of ion masses needed for statistical data analysis of the MS-nose results. Besides, the sensitivity and the reliability of the HS–SPME technique were tested by the statistical correlation of the obtained GC–MS data with descriptive sensory test results. The HS–SPME–MS-nose analysis of the paperboard samples resulted in an objective classification, based on differences between diagnostic mass fragments of lipid oxidation volatiles, volatiles formed by microbiological activity and residual ink and coating volatiles. On the basis of the obtained results, the MS-nose approach could be used as a fast odour characterization technique for product quality control of cellulose-based packaging materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Essential oils (EOs) are promising substances to be incorporated in food packaging materials as antioxidant and/or antimicrobial agents in active packaging systems. Once incorporated into the materials, their constituent compounds diffuse through the material. However, there is little information about the diffusion behaviour of EOs in plastics, and this is one of the major drawbacks in the design of active packaging relying on EOs as active agents. This study presents a new method for studying the diffusion of basil, citronella, oregano and rosemary EOs into plastic films. Diffusion assays of EOs from a coated polypropylene (PP) film into a stack of virgin PP films were conducted by the Moisan method using up to 10 layers of PP. Direct quantification of diffused analytes from the plastic sheets was performed by multiple headspace solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The fitting of experimental data for the main EO components with a Fickian model gave diffusion and partition (between active and virgin PP) coefficients, which are discussed under the light of some intrinsic factors contributing to the diffusion process. The results demonstrate the dependence of diffusion and partition coefficients on the initial concentration of EO components in the coated films, on their molecular weight and on their polarity. In particular, for similar molecular weight and initial concentration, a higher polarity is responsible for a faster diffusion, whereas lower polarity determines the retention of the EO component in the coating layer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.