Effect of epichlorohydrin treatment on the coating process and performance of high-barrier paper packaging.

The fabrication of coated papers using hydrophilic and biodegradable polymers is important for developing sustainable packaging materials with high barrier and superior mechanical properties. However, water, which is used as the solvent in the paper coating process using hydrophilic polymers, deforms the shape of the paper and deteriorates performance. Therefore, we propose a new coating process that treats Kraft paper (KP) with epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a binder before the coating process. Crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol is coated on the ECH-treated KP using a solution casting method. ECH maintains the shape of the paper and improves coating uniformity; significantly enhances interfacial interactions, which increases barrier properties and sealing strength; and extends the shelf life of biscuits by reducing oxygen and moisture permeability. An ecotoxicity test using Lolium multiflorum demonstrates an insignificant phytotoxicity level for the as-prepared coated papers. Thus, ECH-treated KP is a potential candidate for high-barrier food packaging.

Bridging Three Gaps in Biodegradable Plastics: Misconceptions and Truths About Biodegradation.

In the wake of plastic pollution increasing around the world, biodegradable plastics are one of the fastest-growing segments within the global plastics market. The biodegradation of these plastics depends on diverse factors including, but not limited to, the physicochemical structure of the materials, environmental conditions, and the microbial populations involved in the biodegradation. Although laboratory-based biodegradation tests simulate natural processes, they cannot precisely mimic the natural biodegradation of biodegradable plastics due to the disparity of several factors. In addition, the biodegradation levels claimed and/or reported by individuals and studies in different environments vary to a great extent. Biodegradable plastics are considered a sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable conventional plastics and are being promoted as an eco-friendlier choice for consumers. However, biodegradable plastics might not be as biodegradable as commonly believed, particularly in natural environments. This mini-review aims to bridge the following three gaps in biodegradable plastics by elucidating the common misconceptions and truths about biodegradation: i) the gaps among reported biodegradation level of biodegradable plastics; ii) the gaps between the biodegradation conditions in the controlled laboratory system and in the natural environment; and iii) the gaps between public perception and the actual environmental fate of biodegradable products. These gaps are critically reviewed with feasible solutions. This work will ease the assessment of biodegradable plastics and provide sound communication on corresponding claims-a prerequisite for successful market performance.