DOCSLIB.ORG

Plastic Film Permeability to Fumigants

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Plastic Film Permeability to Fumigants PlasticPlastic FilmFilm PermeabilityPermeability toto FumigantsFumigants HuseinHusein A.A. AjwaAjwa andand WonsookWonsook HaHa UniversityUniversity ofof CaliforniaCalifornia--Davis,Davis, Salinas,Salinas, CACA IntroductionIntroduction Plastic tarp (film) is usually used to reduce fumigant volatilization losses from soil. Quantifying fumigant mass transfer through plastic films is important for the development of practical management practices to reduce volatilization losses and enhance weed and pathogen control. VIFVIF VirtuallyVirtually impermeableimpermeable filmfilm PE Polyamide PE VIF film is about 200 to 300 times less permeable to methyl bromide than HDPE TIFTIF TotallyTotally impermeableimpermeable filmfilm PE ADMER™ Adhesive EVAL™ resin ADMER™ PE Adhesive New film by Eval/Mitsui that was tested recently The film is 1.38 mil multilayer with an EVAL™ resin SIFSIF SemiSemi--impermeableimpermeable filmfilm Semi-impermeable LDPE Polymer PE LDPE Tri-extruded, low density polyethylene film RelativeRelative PlasticPlastic PermeabilityPermeability Tarping can change film permeability FilmFilm permeabilitypermeability afterafter tarpingtarping /hr) 14 2 Watsonville Santa Maria 12 Oxnard 10 8 6 4 2 Relative permeability to MB (mg/m permeability Relative 0 VIF 1 VIF 2 SIF HDPE Rimini Klerk's ObjectiveObjective TheThe objectiveobjective ofof thisthis studystudy waswas toto determinedetermine filmfilm (tarpaulin)(tarpaulin) permeabilitypermeability toto fumigantsfumigants (as(as massmass transfertransfer coefficient,coefficient, MTC)MTC) forfor commercialcommercial filmsfilms usedused inin strawberrystrawberry andand cutflowercutflower productionproduction systems.systems. MeasuringMeasuring FilmFilm PermeabilityPermeability FourFour soilsoil fumigantsfumigants werewere tested:tested: methylmethyl bromidebromide (MB),(MB), iodomethaneiodomethane (IM),(IM), 1,31,3--DichloropropeneDichloropropene (1,3(1,3--D),D), andand chloropicrinchloropicrin (CP).(CP). TheThe permeabilitypermeability ofof commercialcommercial filmsfilms toto fumigantfumigant vaporsvapors waswas measuredmeasured usingusing staticstatic sealedsealed chamberschambers atat 2020 ±± 22oC.C. Plastic Permeability Measurement Plastic film is mounted between two chambers. Fumigant is applied to the lower chamber. Plastic Permeability Measurement Fumigant is measured by GC in both chambers. The Mass Transfer Coefficient (MTC) was calculated. Diffusion of MB through standard LDPE 100 90 S-Modeled 80 Source (lower) chamber R-Modeled 70 S-Measured R-Measured 60 50 40 Relative con'c Relative 30 Receiving (top) chamber 20 10 0 012345678 Time [hr] Diffusion of MB through metalized film 100 90 Source (lower) chamber 80 70 60 S-Modeled 50 R-Modeled S-Measured 40 R-Measured Relative con'c 30 20 10 Receiving (top) chamber 0 012345678 Time [hr] Diffusion of MB through Bromostop VIF 100 90 Source (lower) chamber 80 70 60 S-Modeled 50 R-Modeled S-Measured 40 Relative con'c Relative R-Measured 30 20 10 Receiving (top) chamber 0 012345678 Time [hr] MassMass TransferTransfer CoefficientsCoefficients (cm/h)(cm/h) (High(High permeabilitypermeability film)film) Cis Trans Film type MB IM CP 1,3-D 1,3-D Pliant black embossed 4.57 4.11 18.12 18.94 10.95 (1.25 mil) Pliant white/black white/black 4.48 3.09 17.21 17.51 10.75 embossed (1.25 mil) MassMass TransferTransfer CoefficientsCoefficients (cm/h)(cm/h) (Low(Low permeabilitypermeability film)film) Cis Trans Film type MB IM CP 1,3-D 1,3-D PolyPak Std 4.95 0.46 3.80 5.28 1.60 (1.5 mil) PolyPak SIF 0.82 0.42 1.42 1.50 0.67 (2.0 mil) Metalized /stripe 3.53 0.55 3.84 5.68 1.67 (1.3 mil) Metalized /shiny 2.61 0.50 4.82 6.02 2.24 (1.3 mil) MassMass TransferTransfer CoefficientsCoefficients (cm/h)(cm/h) (Impermeable(Impermeable film)film) Cis Trans Film type MB IM CP 1,3-D 1,3-D Pliant (B-A) 3.60 0.02 1.17 2.28 0.22 (1.25 mil) C&B, micro- embossed 4.42 0.02 0.86 1.65 0.11 (1.25 mil) T&F, micro- embossed 3.05 0.04 1.18 1.51 0.21 (1.25 mil) MassMass TransferTransfer CoefficientsCoefficients (cm/h)(cm/h) (Virtually(Virtually impermeableimpermeable film)film) Cis Trans Film type MB IM CP 1,3-D 1,3-D IPM clear VIF 0.13 0.01 0.17 0.36 0.001 (1.38 mil) Bromostop 0.18 0.02 0.16 0.32 0.05 VIF (1.38 mil) Eval/Mitsui film (1.38 mil) 0.20 < 10-13 < 10-13 < 10-13 < 10-13 TIF AverageAverage MassMass TransferTransfer CoefficientCoefficient forfor CPCP 8 7 6 ] 5 -1 4 [cm h [cm 3 2 1 0 Averaged mass transfer coefficient transfer mass Averaged High Low Impermeable VIF permeability permeability film Film permeability groups AverageAverage MassMass TransferTransfer CoefficientCoefficient forfor 1,31,3--D,D, andand CPCP 8 7 6 5 ] -1 4 [cm h [cm 3 2 1 0 Averaged mass transfer coefficient transfer mass Averaged High Low permeability Impermeable film VIF permeability Film permeability groups AverageAverage MassMass TransferTransfer CoefficientCoefficient forfor MB,MB, 1,31,3--D,D, andand CPCP 8 7 6 5 ] -1 4 [cm h 3 2 1 Averaged mass transfer coefficient 0 High Low permeability Impermeable film VIF permeability Film permeability groups SUMMARYSUMMARY TheThe averageaverage massmass transfertransfer coefficientcoefficient (MTC)(MTC) ofof IMIM waswas generallygenerally smallsmall forfor allall films,films, exceptexcept forfor thethe embossedembossed highhigh permeabilitypermeability film.film. TheThe averageaverage MTCsMTCs ofof allall otherother fumigantsfumigants were:were: • >> 44 cmcm hh-1 forfor highhigh permeabilitypermeability filmfilm • << 4.04.0 cmcm hh-1 forfor lowlow permeabilitypermeability filmfilm • << 2.02.0 cmcm hh-1 forfor impermeableimpermeable film,film, andand • << 0.20.2 cmcm hh-1 forfor VIF.VIF. Thank you very much AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements California Strawberry Commission USDA-ARS, PAW program USDA-CSREES PolyPak TriCal Mark Lauman Bruno Rimini Eval/Mitsui.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Assessment of the Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid) Sheets with Different Amounts of Post-Consumer Recycled Poly (Lactic Acid)
    ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPERTIES OF POLY (LACTIC ACID) SHEETS WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED POLY (LACTIC ACID) By Chaiyatas Chariyachotilert A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Packaging 2011 ABSTRACT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPERTIES OF POLY (LACTIC ACID) SHEETS WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED POLY (LACTIC ACID) By Chaiyatas Chariyachotilert The main objective of this research was to evaluate the properties of sheet containing mechanically recycled post-consumer polylactic acid (PLA) bottle flakes blended with virgin PLA resin. PLA bottles were flaked, cleaned, blended with virgin resin and then extruded and thermoformed into trays. The molecular weight, physical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of sheet containing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 wt.-% recycled content were evaluated. Cleaning conditions were evaluated using response surface methodology, and conditions of 15 min, 85 °C, 1 wt.-% NaOH, and 0.3 wt.-% surfactant were adopted for cleaning the PLA flake. Virgin PLA sheet possessed superior properties to recycled sheet with statistically significant differences at α=0.05. PLA sheets were darker and absorbed more UV light in the 260 to 285 nm range when 20% or more recycled content was added. At 40% recycled content, the sheet had increased blue and red tones and the mechanical properties in the cross-machine direction decreased. At 60% recycled content or above, reduction of weight average molecular weight (Mw), tensile strength and tensile strength at yield in the machine direction (MD) were found. At 80% recycled content, the melting temperature and modulus of elasticity in the MD decreased.
    [Show full text]
  • BPF – Understanding the Debate About Plastic
    Understanding the debate about plastic At a time when a ‘climate emergency’ has been declared, it is important that people understand that ‘plastic free’ does not necessarily mean ‘better for the environment’. For example, researchers found that switching to alternative materials could quadruple what they dubbed ‘the environmental cost.’ Plastic will – and should – continue to play a vital role in all our lives going forward. That may surprise many of you. But this document helps explain why. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, British Plastics Federation recording and/or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers. While all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the information BPF House, 6 Bath Place contained within this document is correct, the British Plastics Federation can London, EC2A 3JE make no warranties or representations of any kind as to the content and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, accept no liability whatsoever for the First published in 2019 same including without limit, for direct, indirect or consequential loss, business © 2019 British Plastics Federation interruption, loss of profits, production, contracts or goodwill. Contents The enemy is not plastic, it is plastic waste 2 Key facts and figures 3 The right to choose (wisely) 4 Making a difference 5 Government proposals and the industry’s position 6 Why do we need single-use plastic? 8 Extended producer responsibility 10 Taxing plastic packaging based upon the amount of recycled content 12 Deposit return schemes 14 Exporting plastic waste for recycling 16 Biodegradable and oxo-degradable plastics 18 Marine litter 20 1 The enemy is not plastic, it is plastic waste Plastic brings many benefits, enabling many other cutting-edge technologies and keeping the weight and fuel emissions of vehicles down.
    [Show full text]
  • Year One of Positive Plastics Our Four-Point Plan for a Future with Less Waste
    Year one of positive plastics Our four-point plan for a future with less waste. # PositivePlasticsPledge 2 Klöckner Pentaplast Sustainable protection of everyday needs At kp we have always known the value We still have some way to go, but by of plastic – its unique place in the lives of collaborating closely with our partners in communities we are very much part of the community, governments and local and its irreplaceable attributes that protect authorities, business and industry, and and package our products – in particular environmental groups we are quite literally dramatically avoiding food waste, delivering closing the loop when it comes to plastic medication and protecting the integrity packaging. We are helping reduce leakage of countless other products. Embedded in and littering of plastics into the environment, the fabric of our company is our primary ensuring plastics are valued and packaging is purpose – the sustainable protection of optimally designed for circularity. everyday needs – it’s why we exist; it’s why In the last year, the world of plastics has we do what we do. changed at an unprecedented rate and We’re determined to help we continue our determination to help make the world of plastics make it a sustainable one for society and for our environment. It’s exciting, it’s been sustainable for society successful and we have learned so much and for our environment. in the process. We are proud to share our first year of achievements with you and we We are also fully aware of our huge look forward to another challenging and responsibility to design products and transformational year ahead – we hope packaging to achieve closed-loop solutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging
    Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging Document number – FPE-CG-01 Revision date – August 17, 2021 Introduction – Scope, significance and use This is a comprehensive laboratory scale evaluation, or protocol, that can be used to assess the compatibility of PE-based films and flexible packaging innovations with film reclamation systems sourcing post-consumer film from store drop-off collection points or, in some cases, curbside collection. This test can be used to evaluate the impact of innovative PE film packaging components for which recycling compatibility is unknown or for which data is notably lacking. As examples: mono- and multi-layer constructions, coatings, additives (including compatibilizers along with innovative material), printing inks and pigments, labels with polymer substrate (paper labels are out of scope for Critical Guidance), adhesives, or new PE resin co- polymer or multi-material compositions. This test requires assessment of the effect of the packaging in blown film. This test evaluates compatibility of the flexible packaging innovation with current, industrial-scale, film-to- film recycling processes. Plastic film is generally defined as plastic items with a thickness of less than 10 mils (i.e., 0.010” or 0.25 mm) that are at least 95 percent (by weight) plastic with up to 5 percent other closely bonded or impregnated material, which may include printing, coatings, or fillers. Film, when used in packaging, is referred to as flexible packaging. The shape of flexible packaging typically changes when it is full of a product compared to when it is empty, whereas the shape of rigid packaging generally remains the same.
    [Show full text]
  • Recycling Roadmap
    BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION RECYCLING ROADMAP SUPPORTED BY The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the trade association representing the entire plastics supply chain in the UK, from polymer producers and distributors, converters, equipment suppliers and recyclers. The BPF works in close collaboration with its member companies and liaises closely with government departments, as well as a broad range of non-governmental stakeholders such as charities, brands and retailers. The plastics industry is one of the UK manufacturing sector’s biggest strengths, comprising around 6,200 companies and directly employing 180,000 people. This report has been produced by the British Plastics Federation. The BPF would like to thank Keith Freegard of Keith Freegard Consulting Ltd for all his work on this report and all other reviewers who have provided valuable comments and feedback during its production. This report does not necessarily reflect the views of individual companies mentioned in this report and information provided by companies does not necessarily reflect the views of the BPF. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording and/or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers. While all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is correct, the British Plastics Federation can make no warranties or representations of any kind as to the content and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, accept no liability whatsoever for the same including without limit, for direct, indirect or consequential loss, business interruption, loss of profits, production, contracts or goodwill.
    [Show full text]
  • Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics – Facts and Figures Focus on Food Packaging in the Netherlands
    Bio-based and biodegradable plastics – Facts and Figures Focus on food packaging in the Netherlands Martien van den Oever, Karin Molenveld, Maarten van der Zee, Harriëtte Bos Rapport nr. 1722 Bio-based and biodegradable plastics - Facts and Figures Focus on food packaging in the Netherlands Martien van den Oever, Karin Molenveld, Maarten van der Zee, Harriëtte Bos Report 1722 Colophon Title Bio-based and biodegradable plastics - Facts and Figures Author(s) Martien van den Oever, Karin Molenveld, Maarten van der Zee, Harriëtte Bos Number Wageningen Food & Biobased Research number 1722 ISBN-number 978-94-6343-121-7 DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.18174/408350 Date of publication April 2017 Version Concept Confidentiality No/yes+date of expiration OPD code OPD code Approved by Christiaan Bolck Review Intern Name reviewer Christaan Bolck Sponsor RVO.nl + Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs Client RVO.nl + Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs Wageningen Food & Biobased Research P.O. Box 17 NL-6700 AA Wageningen Tel: +31 (0)317 480 084 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.wur.nl/foodandbiobased-research © Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, institute within the legal entity Stichting Wageningen Research All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system of any nature, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability for inaccuracies in this report. 2 © Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, institute within the legal entity Stichting Wageningen Research Preface For over 25 years Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR) is involved in research and development of bio-based materials and products.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dynisco Extrusion Processors Handbook 2Nd Edition
    The Dynisco Extrusion Processors Handbook 2nd edition Written by: John Goff and Tony Whelan Edited by: Don DeLaney Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following people for their contributions to this latest edition of the DYNISCO Extrusion Processors Handbook. First of all, we would like to thank John Goff and Tony Whelan who have contributed new material that has been included in this new addition of their original book. In addition, we would like to thank John Herrmann, Jim Reilly, and Joan DeCoste of the DYNISCO Companies and Christine Ronaghan and Gabor Nagy of Davis-Standard for their assistance in editing and publication. For the fig- ures included in this edition, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of Davis- Standard, Inc., Krupp Werner and Pfleiderer, Inc., The DYNISCO Companies, Dr. Harold Giles and Eileen Reilly. CONTENTS SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO EXTRUSION Single-Screw Extrusion . .1 Twin-Screw Extrusion . .3 Extrusion Processes . .6 Safety . .11 SECTION 2: MATERIALS AND THEIR FLOW PROPERTIES Polymers and Plastics . .15 Thermoplastic Materials . .19 Viscosity and Viscosity Terms . .25 Flow Properties Measurement . .28 Elastic Effects in Polymer Melts . .30 Die Swell . .30 Melt Fracture . .32 Sharkskin . .34 Frozen-In Orientation . .35 Draw Down . .36 SECTION 3: TESTING Testing and Standards . .37 Material Inspection . .40 Density and Dimensions . .42 Tensile Strength . .44 Flexural Properties . .46 Impact Strength . .47 Hardness and Softness . .48 Thermal Properties . .49 Flammability Testing . .57 Melt Flow Rate . .59 Melt Viscosity . .62 Measurement of Elastic Effects . .64 Chemical Resistance . .66 Electrical Properties . .66 Optical Properties . .68 Material Identification . .70 SECTION 4: THE SCREW AND BARREL SYSTEM Materials Handling .
    [Show full text]
  • Making a Plastic from Potato Starch
    62 Inspirational chemistry Making a plastic from potato starch Index 3.1.7 7 sheets In this activity students make a plastic from potato starch and investigate the effect adding a ‘plasticiser’ has on the properties of the polymer they have made. Students can begin either with potatoes or with commercially bought potato starch. The practical is straightforward; the main hazard is the possibility of the mixture boiling dry. Timing Extracting the starch takes about 15–20 minutes and making the plastic about 20 minutes. Using the activity This can be used simply as a practical to enhance the teaching of a polymers or plastics topic, it can be used as an introduction to further work on biopolymers and bioplastics and/or it can be used as an example of the effects of plasticisers. A number of student sheets are provided so you can choose to do the whole activity or just selected parts of it. Extracting starch from potatoes For each group of students you will need: ■ 100 g potatoes ■ Grater ■ Tea strainer ■ Distilled water ■ 2 x 400 cm3 beaker ■ Pestle and mortar. Making the plastic film For each group of students you will need: ■ 250 cm3 beaker Inspirational chemistry 63 ■ Large watch glass ■ Bunsen burner and heat proof mat ■ Tripod and gauze ■ Stirring rod ■ Potato starch ■ Propan-1,2,3-triol (glycerol) ■ Hydrochloric acid 0.1 mol dm–3 (Minimal hazard) ■ Sodium hydroxide 0.1 mol dm–3 (Irritant) ■ Food colouring ■ Petri dish or white tile ■ Universal Indicator paper ■ Eye protection ■ Pipettes ■ Access to a balance ■ 25 cm3 measuring cylinder ■ 10 cm3 measuring cylinder.
    [Show full text]
  • Strategies to Manufacture Poly(Lactic Acid) Blown Films Without Melt Strength Enhancers
    STRATEGIES TO MANUFACTURE POLY(LACTIC ACID) BLOWN FILMS WITHOUT MELT STRENGTH ENHANCERS By Sonal Sanjay Karkhanis A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Packaging - Master of Science 2016 ABSTRACT STRATEGIES TO MANUFACTURE POLY(LACTIC ACID) BLOWN FILMS WITHOUT MELT STRENGTH ENHANCERS By Sonal Sanjay Karkhanis Poly (lactic acid) (PLA), a bio-based polymer derived from renewable resources, is an alternative to petroleum-based polymers because it reduces general dependency on oil availability and environmental concerns of common petroleum-based plastics, among others. Despite these attributes, PLA has relatively few commercial applications, concentrating mainly in the biocompatible biomedical device markets and as a commodity polymer for rigid containers and bottles used for packaging. However, its widespread applicability in flexible sheets/films is limited because of several drawbacks, among which its insufficient melt strength and low thermal stability, leading to narrow processing windows. Melt strength enhancers (MSEs) are often blended with PLA matrix to increase its melt strength, allowing the extrusion blowing and casting of the films. However, these additives are costly and not approved for food applications. Hence, there is a need to manufacture PLA films without any MSEs. Processing strategies were developed in this study to produce PLA blown films without any MSEs. Using a thermodynamic approach, the effects of various processing conditions and material characteristics on PLA’s melt rheology (zero shear, shear and elongational viscosities) and film’s blow-up ratio (BUR) were examined. Experimental results indicate that extrusion- blown PLA films could be successfully manufactured without MSEs, irrespective of PLA’s degree of crystallinity, by tailoring the melt rheology through processing temperature and controlling other processing conditions such as the film’s take-up ratio, as well as internal and external air pressures.
    [Show full text]
  • Production of Biodegradable Plastic Packaging Film from Cassava Starch
    IOSR Journal of Engineering (IOSRJEN) e-ISSN: 2250-3021, p-ISSN: 2278-8719 Vol. 3, Issue 10 (October. 2013), ||V5|| PP 14-20 Production of Biodegradable Plastic Packaging Film from Cassava Starch S. L. Ezeoha1 and J. N. Ezenwanne2 1,2Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Abstract: - Materials used for food packaging today consists of a variety of petroleum-derived plastic polymer, metals, glass, paper and board, or combinations thereof. Among these packaging materials, plastic is found to be the best because of its long life properties. Thus, its utilization is increasing every day by day. However, plastics cannot be degraded by natural processes in a short period of time; therefore, they are left as plastic waste, causing environmental problems. Methods normally used to destroy other types of waste such as burning and burying are not suitable for plastic destruction. In response to these problems associated with plastic waste, there has been considerable interest in the development and production of biodegradable plastics. In this work, a biodegradable plastic film was produced by blending cassava starch and a synthetic biodegradable polymer (PVA). The film produced was found to have a biodegradability of 41.27% compared to 10.33% and 85.99% for polythene and paper respectively. The film also has a tensile strength of 24.87N/mm2compared to 10.86N/mm2 and 8.29N/mm2 for polythene and paper. The potential of producing biodegradable packaging plastic film from cassava starch is encouraging and should be further explored especially in a country with high cassava productivity, like Nigeria.
    [Show full text]
  • Polybags in the Fashion Industry: Evaluating the Options
    POLYBAGS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY: EVALUATING THE OPTIONS FASHION FOR GOOD IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING COALITION. DECEMBER 2019 CONTENTS 02 Authors & Contributors 03 Executive summary 06 What are polybags, & why should we be focusing on them? 15 What things should we focus on? 16 Reducing the amount of material used 19 Closing the loop: Recycling 22 Decoupling from fossil fuel resources 23 Closing the loop: Composting 28 How can we evaluate the different material options? 33 What should be done? Our five key suggestions 38 What are we doing to encourage more sustainable packaging? 40 Bibliography 1 AUTHORS & CONTRIBUTORS LEAD AUTHOR Ashley Holding – Fashion for Good CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR Adam Gendell – Sustainable Packaging Coalition CONTRIBUTORS Scott Nelson – European Outdoor Group Erin Hiatt – Retail Industry Leaders Association Cover photo by Karina Tess on Unsplash 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Polybags are the ubiquitous packaging of the fashion industry – something that unites brands small and large, from sportswear to luxury, to fast fashion retailers. This is the clear plastic bag which covers every garment from manufacturing to retail stores or consumer homes. In some cases, it is removed before it gets to a consumer, but polybags are still present ‘behind the scenes’. Our report does not focus on other sources of plastic, including retail shopping bags or ecommerce mailers, which have been covered in other publications. POLYBAGS ARE SEEN AS PROBLEM – ALTHOUGH THE IMPACT IS NOT HUGE. There is a growing consumer focus on the reduction of plastics, especially single-use plastic packaging. Hundreds of billions of polybags are estimated to be produced for the fashion industry every year, although it is not precisely known what the scale of the packaging footprint is.
    [Show full text]
  • Air Filled Cushioning Material, Structures and Properties
    Proceedings of the 17th IAPRI World Conference on Packaging Air Filled Cushioning Material, Structures and Properties Yonggang Kang1*, Diane Zhang2, Huiguo Du1 1College of Packaging and Printing EngineeringTianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, P.R.China 2Shanghai Nilu International Import & Export Co.,Ltd Shanghai, P. R. China Email: [email protected], [email protected] Abstract: Air inflated cushion using pre-sealed two-layer plastic films forms air filled structural cushion when compressed air is charged to pre-sealed airtight chambers during packaging operation. The plastic films are made by co-extrusion of polyethylene/polyamide/polyethylene (PE/PA/PE) to keep required strength, permeability of the cushioning materials and easy production of the cushion. The air filled cushion structure is designed into column chambers with five different selective widths which form five different–cushion thick- ness when regulated compressed air is charged into the chambers using controlled pressure gauge during packaging performance. Uniquely designed charge port to each chamber provides individual chamber with the ability to work independently, hence ensures the protective function of packaging and allows the air cush- ions to be easily manipulated to a given product to be packaged. Static cushioning performance tests to air filled cushion materials at desirable air pressures showed that minimum cushion factor was about 4, and ap- peared at compressive strain of the materials from 55-80%. Dynamic impact to the samples with dimension of 180 by 180cm at drop height of 76cm demonstrates relationship between impact mass and acceleration levels, indicating the suitability of the materials for a wide range of packaging application to electronic products and devices.
    [Show full text]