UV-blocking biodegradable film based on flaxseed mucilage/pectin impregnated with titanium dioxide and calcium chloride for food packaging applications.

A UV blocking and potentially biodegradable composite films are fabricated from flax seed mucilage and pectin with different concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and crosslinked with calcium chloride (CaCl2). This study aimed to evaluate the physical, surface, and optical properties including color, potential biodegradability, and absorption kinetics of the developed film. From the observations made, addition of 5 wt% TiO2 enhanced UV barrier property with a total color change (ΔE) of 23.441 ± 0.54 and increased its crystallinity to 54.1 % from 43.6 %. Crosslinking agent and TiO2 resulted in a prolonged period of biodegradation of >21 days when compared to neat film. Also, swelling index of crosslinked film was reduced by 3 times of non-crosslinked films. Surface of the developed films has no cracks and agglomerates as observed from scanning electron microscope. Moisture absorption kinetic study reveals that all the films have best-fit data following a pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a correlation coefficient ≥0.99 and the rate was controlled by inter-particle diffusion. The film with 1 wt% TiO2 and 5 wt% CaCl2 showed the lowest rate constants (k1) of 0.27 and (k2) of 0.029. The results suggest that this film can be potentially used in food packaging as a UV-blocking layer with potential biodegradability and good moisture resistance as compared to pure flax seed mucilage or pectin films.

Bio-based materials for barrier coatings on paper packaging.

Research into alternative packaging materials is becoming more and more popular as a result of growing eco-friendly concerns regarding the usage of some petroleum-based polymeric packaging materials and coatings, as well as growing buyer demands for products with nutritious quality and extended shelf lives. Barrier coatings made of naturally renewable biopolymers can be applied to paper packing materials. These biopolymer coatings have the potential to replace the current synthetic paper and paperboard coatings, are strong oxygen and oil barriers, and may prevent the unintended moisture transfer in food goods. An appealing method of controlling the growth and spread of microorganisms in food packaging is the integration of antimicrobial compounds into coatings to create active/functional paper-based packaging materials. Here, in this review of the oxygen/moisture barrier, mechanical, and other characteristics of paper coated with bio-based materials. Examples are used to discuss the current and future uses of bio-based material coatings on paper packaging materials to improve barrier performance.

Package design as a branding tool in the cosmetic industry: consumers' perception vs. reality.

The product packaging plays a crucial role in attracting consumers, persuading them to buy the product, and serving as a vehicle for brand communication. Around 73% of purchasing decisions are made at the point of sale. An enhanced appeal and attractiveness of the product make the selection process easier for consumers. Design and marketing are two major areas that are inextricably linked to each other. Good design distinguishes brands and makes products stand out from the crowd, instilling a certain perception in consumers' minds. Brands that meet the criteria for creating a lasting impression may dominate the market on a global scale in reality. The consumer must perceive the quality that the brand has built into the package, which may be accomplished through various design elements. Colour, shape, images, material, and package convenience are all important design elements in cosmetic branding. These elements are combined well together in a design, but there is a lack of a holistic approach in the design elements that are in line with the consumers' perspective. These aspects are highlighted in the review paper, which also looks at the importance of product packaging in cosmetics branding, and tries to highlight a few ways in which brands can minimize the gap between desired brand message and consumer perception about the brand.

Guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose based antioxidant film incorporated with halloysite nanotubes and litchi shell waste extract for active packaging.

The incorporation of bioactive extract from the food waste into biopolymers is a promising green approach to fabricate active films with antioxidant activity for food packaging. The present study developed bioactive antioxidant films based on guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose incorporated with halloysite-nanotubes (HNT) and litchi shell extract (LSE). The effects of combining HNT and LSE on the physical, mechanical, and antioxidant properties of the films were analyzed. The results showed LSE caused a reduction in tensile strength; however, the elongation at break substantially improved from 29.93 to 62.12%. FTIR revealed covalent interaction and hydrogen bonding between guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose and LSE. The XRD and SEM study confirmed interactions among the polymer matrix and LSE compounds. The addition of LSE to guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose films notably increased the UV-light barrier properties. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of all GCH/LSE substantially improved from 9.46 to 91.52%, more than a ten-fold increase compared to composite neat GCH film. Finally, the oxidative stability of roasted peanuts packed in fabricated GCH/LSE sachets improved after 8 days. Guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose containing LSE as an antioxidant agent could be applied as food packaging for low water activity oxygen-sensitive food.