Lucila M. Curi^*, Maria C. Area, Maria E. Vallejos

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2109-2137, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0069 - 24 November 2025

Abstract The global demand for renewable and sustainable non-petroleum-based resources is rapidly increasing. Lignocellulosic biomass is a valuable resource with broad potential for nanocellulose (NC) production. However, limited studies are available regarding the potential toxicological impact of NC. We provide an overview of the nanosafety implications associated mainly with nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) and identify knowledge gaps. For this purpose, we present an analysis of the studies published from 2014 to 2025 in which the authors mention aspects related to toxicity in the context of packaging. We also analyze the main methods used for toxicity evaluations and… More > Graphic Abstract

Ragava Raja R^1,2,*, Girish Khanna R³

Journal on Artificial Intelligence, Vol.7, pp. 301-327, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jai.2025.069693 - 22 September 2025

Abstract Packaging materials are indispensable in modern industries but also significantly contribute to environmental degradation, resource consumption, and waste generation. This systematic review critically assesses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) following ISO 14040 standards, and circularity mapping to overcome sustainability barriers in packaging. The study identifies environmental, economic, and social hotspots across the life cycle stages of packaging materials by examining real-world case studies such as Coca-Cola’s adoption of recycled PET bottles and Unilever’s commitment to 100% recyclable plastic. AI technologies highlight transformative tools for optimising resource allocation, enhancing waste… More >

Mariia Dmitrenko¹, Daniel Pasquini^2,*, Marcela Piassi Bernardo², João Marcelo de Lima Alves², Anna Kuzminova¹, Ilnur Dzhakashov¹, Andrey Terentyev³, Alexander Dyachkov³, K. S. Joshy⁴, Maya Jacob John⁵, Sabu Thomas⁴, Anastasia Penkova^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.6, pp. 1139-1168, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0023 - 23 June 2025

Abstract Petrochemical plastics are widely used for food protection and preservation; however, they exhibit poor biodegradability, resisting natural degradation through physical, chemical, or enzymatic processes. As a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging, edible films offer effective barriers against moisture, gases, and microbial contamination while being biodegradable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. In this study, novel active food packaging materials (in film form) were developed by incorporating starch, carrageenan, nanocellulose (NC), Aloe vera, and hibiscus flower extract. The effects of varying the matrix composition (26.5–73.5 wt.% starch/carrageenan), NC concentration (2.77–17.07 wt.%), and particle type (fibers or crystals) on… More > Graphic Abstract

María Fernanda Cardona Lunar¹, Ramón Ordoñez², Heidi Fonseca Florido³, Joaquín Hernández-Fernández^4,5,6, Rodrigo Ortega-Toro^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 311-327, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056639 - 20 February 2025

Abstract The extensive use of polymeric materials in single-use packaging has driven the need to develop biodegradable alternatives. This study investigates the incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) and Moringa oleifera seed oil (MOSO) into a gelatin matrix to create polymer films and evaluate their potential as active packaging materials. The properties of these films were evaluated using structural, thermal, mechanical, optical, and physicochemical methods to determine their suitability for food packaging applications. The results showed that GO and MOSO were homogeneously dispersed in the gelatin matrix, forming colloidal particles (around 5 µm in diameter). The addition… More > Graphic Abstract

Ke Shi^1,2, Luyang Wang^1,2, Ruige Qi^1,2, Chunxia He^1,2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.10, No.5, pp. 1257-1268, 2022, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.017891 - 22 December 2021

Abstract This work was aim to prepare a packing material from natural resources to reduce the environment pollution caused by plastics. Four bio-adhesives (guar gum, sodium alginate, agar and chitosan) were combined with lotus leaf fibers to prepare degradable composites, respectively. The mechanical properties, moisture absorption profiles and the thermal conductivity of the composites were studied and the cross section morphology and the thermal properties of the composites were analyzed. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that the polar groups such as –OH and –COO^– in bio-adhesives can form hydrogen bond with –OH in lotus leaf More >

Juanli Wang¹, Ming Cao², Jiaxin Li¹, Kaiyuan Li¹, Xiaolian Chao¹, Bingjie Mai¹, Yuhu Li^1,*, Jing Cao^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.10, No.4, pp. 1125-1136, 2022, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.018147 - 02 November 2021

Abstract Paper packaging materials like cardboards are widely used to protect archives which are a major kind of cultural relics. Unfortunately, paper is a combustible material, and thus exploring environment-friendly flame retardant for paper-based archive packaging material plays an important role. Herein, boric acid, borax and disodium octaborate are used to modify the craft paper-based packaging materials for archive conservation to improve fire safety. The modified craft paper exhibits much higher flame retardancy than the pristine one dose based on vertical burning tests, without much influence on mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation at More > Graphic Abstract

Jingjing Liao^1,2, Jinxing Li², Hongyan Wang³, Yan Zhu², Hisham Essawy⁴, Guanben Du^1,2,*, Xiaojian Zhou^2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.10, No.1, pp. 19-31, 2022, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2021.016152 - 27 July 2021

Abstract The current work explores the potential use of commercial Chinese bayberry tannin (BT) to develop antioxidant PVA-based films using solvent casting process for packaging applications. The effect of BT concentration on opacity, water resistance and antioxidant capacity of resulting films was investigated. Properties like tensile strength, thermal behavior, and morphological aspects were also characterized. The experimental results showed that PVA/BT films formed with uniformly brown color and generally good transparency, offering good antioxidant ability. The PVA film containing BT presented slightly higher water resistance according to the results of moisture content and water vapor permeability, More > Graphic Abstract

M. Čekon^*, K. Struhala, R. Slávik

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.5, Suppl.1, pp. 84-93, 2017, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634135

Abstract Cardboard-based packaging components represent a material that has significant potential as a renewable source for exploitation in buildings. This study presents the results of thermal and environmental analyses of existing packaging materials compared with standard conventional thermal insulations.
Experimental measurements were performed to identify the thermal performance of studied cardboard packaging materials. Real-size samples were experimentally tested in laboratory measurements. The thermal resistance and conductivity of all the analyzed samples were measured according to the procedure indicated in the ISO8032 standard. A life-cycle assessment according to ISO 14040 was also performed to evaluate the environmental More >