Materials and technologies – August 2020

Extending the shelf life of food
Researchers at WUR are working on the design of antimicrobial packaging that enhances the shelf-life of food using mustard seeds as a natural antimicrobial. An article (1.94 MB) about the research is published in Foods.
In a review article (970 kB) published in the International Journal of Chemical Studies, CCSHAU researchers look at developments in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fruits and vegetables. In another article (295 kB) published in the Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, researchers at Punjab Agricultural University give an overview of recent advances in packaging and edible coatings for fruit.

Bioplastics
Researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences have published a review article (170 kB) in Polymers entitled ‘Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics: From Passive Barrier to Active Packaging Behavior.’ In another article (1.99 MB) also published in Polymers, researchers at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University give a review of bio-based packaging material including processing, and an evaluation of options for recycling.
The goal of the project BioSinn, realised by nova-Institute, is to find plastic applications for which biodegradation is the most environmentally friendly end-of-life option. Recently a final list of applications (205 kB) was published.
In an article (1.58 MB) published in Foods, researchers at the University of Foggia review recent research on the use of fruit and vegetable by-products to enhance the properties of packaging.
Ravensbourne University London graduating student Holly Grounds has designed edible, dissolvable packaging for ramen noodles. Flavourings and spices integrated in the film are released when the film dissolves.

New polymer that can replace polystyrene
With the support of an NSF grant, chemical engineers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute aim to develop a new polymer that can replace polystyrene, a plastic that is difficult to break down into its original components for reuse. The team is looking for materials that will depolymerize on their own when a specific chemical is introduced.

Nanomaterials
FPF reports that researchers from RIVM and INM-Leibniz have published an article (239 kB) in NanoImpact proposing a set of nano-specific human health safety aspects to consider during the innovation of nanomaterials. The study is an output of the NanoReg2 project. FPF also reports that ANSES has published a review (in French, 5.27 MB) on the presence of engineered nanomaterials in the food industry.

Applying a direct top seal on a metal container
On 9 July 2020, Andrei Botnariuc held a speech entitled ‘Exploration of the possibilities and limitations of applying a direct top seal on a metal container’ as part of his master assignment at the University of Twente. Chairman of the assessment committee was professor Roland ten Klooster who holds the NVC Chair Packaging Design and Management.

Prices for plastics
Dutch trade magazine Vraag en Aanbod publishes a weekly overview of the prices for plastics (in Dutch). The prices given are estimated averages between the gross prices published in the trade journals and the net prices.

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