Earticle

This study proposes an artificial intelligence (AI)-based multi-output artificial neural network (ANN) classification model capable of automatically predicting optimal packaging methods and materials based on product characteristics. A total of 51 commercial meal-kit products distributed under ambient, chilled, and frozen conditions were analyzed to construct a comprehensive dataset comprising 19 packaging-related parameters such as distribution type, cooking requirement, packaging material, and sealing type. Of these, 17 parameters were used as input features, and two—packaging method and packaging material—served as output targets. The initial ANN model included an input layer of 17 nodes, two hidden layers with 128 neurons each (tanh activation), and two softmax output layers (nine and eight nodes for method and material classification, respectively). To optimize performance, Bayesian optimization was applied to five key hyperparameters: neuron count, learning rate, activation function, neuron division ratio, and optimizer type. The optimized model with four hidden layers and 1,024 neurons achieved classification accuracies of 85.8% for packaging method and 93.9% for packaging material, with corresponding F1-scores of 84.4% and 90.9%, respectively. Compared to the baseline, this represents a 22-44% improvement across metrics. The findings demonstrate the potential of AI-driven systems for intelligent, standardized, and sustainable packaging design, contributing to the advancement of smart manufacturing and eco-efficient food packaging automation

The European Union (EU) Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) significantly impacts global enterprises supplying products to the EU market. Requirements such as modifying packaging designs, securing recycled materials, restructuring supply chains, and establishing labeling systems directly influence corporate cost structures and competitive strategies. From a policy perspective, the PPWR holds significant importance as it functions not merely as a waste management regulation, but as a comprehensive circular economy policy instrument encompassing the entire lifecycle of production, consumption, and recycling. This study defines the EU PPWR as a prerequisite for market entry rather than a simple environmental regulation, and examines strategies for establishing a Korean-model circular economy in response. Specifically, it presents a practical roadmap for corporate action, including Design for Recycling (DfR), securing Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials, and introducing reuse systems. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that preemptive technological innovation, supported by government agencies and grounded in collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions, is critically important for industrial survival and sustainable growth.

As environmental, social, and governance(ESG) management has become a central corporate strategy, consumers increasingly rely on environmental information when making purchasing decisions. Packaging labels, as the most immediate point of contact between products and consumers, play a critical role in shaping perceptions of environmental performance. This study analyzes the current state and structural characteristics of greenwashing practices in South Korea, focusing on environmental claims presented on product packaging. Using documented domestic cases, the study examines five major types of environmental claims frequently associated with greenwashing: environmental certification marks, “freeof” claims, carbon emission-related statements, recycled content declarations and biodegradability claims. The analysis reveals that many packaging labels rely on ambiguous criteria, selective disclosure, or partial improvements, which are often generalized to imply comprehensive environmental superiority. Although the claims may be factually accurate in isolation, insufficient explanation of their scope, conditions, and limitations increases the likelihood of consumer misinterpretation. The findings suggest that greenwashing in packaging labels is not limited to false information but is closely linked to how environmental attributes are framed and simplified within constrained communication spaces. To address this issue, companies should establish internal guidelines that clearly define the applicability, verification basis, and boundaries of environmental claims. Transparent and precise labeling practices are essential for enhancing consumer trust, preventing misleading environmental communication, and supporting the development of sustainable consumption patterns.

Due to the rapid transition from traditional cardboard boxes to disposable plastic film packaging in e-commerce parcel transportation and the corresponding increase in their use, a method for measuring the packaging space ratio of flexible packaging materials was prepared to prevent excessive packaging. However, due to the amorphousness of plastic film packaging, several problems arose in the measurement process, making policy implementation difficult.. As a method to supplement and replace the existing method of measuring the ratio of packaging space in the plastic film packaging like plastic bag(PB), ‘the method of limiting the size of enclosed products based on the PB packaging size' was proposed, and its potential for policy application was confirmed. The advantages of the proposed method are as follows: 1) maintaining regulatory consistency by using the existing packaging space ratio calculation formula and method, 2) preventing inevitable excessive packaging caused by the use of standardized packaging in the industry, and 3) ultimately contributing to logistics efficiency as well as inducing packaging standardization.

The development of sustainable and active food packaging materials with multifunctional properties has become increasingly important to enhance food safety and extend shelf life. In this study, palladium-based carbon quantum dots (PQDs) were synthesized via a combined reduction–hydrothermal approach and incorporated into a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to fabricate multifunctional nanocomposite films. The incorporation of PQDs significantly improved the functional performance of PVA films. UV–Vis analysis revealed excellent ultraviolet shielding, achieving nearly complete blocking in the UV-B region and approximately 90% attenuation in the UV-A region, while maintaining high transparency (>95%) in the visible range. X-ray diffraction results indicated a slight increase in crystallinity without disrupting the intrinsic semi-crystalline structure of PVA. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) decreased markedly from 5.54 to 0.86 cc/m²·day with increasing PQD content, demonstrating enhanced barrier performance due to the formation of a tortuous diffusion pathway and improved structural ordering. Furthermore, the nanocomposite films exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli, with inhibition zones increasing in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, an inhibition zone of 19.1 mm and 21.9 mm against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, was achieved at only 1.0 wt.% PQDs, indicating superior antibacterial efficiency at relatively low filler loadings. The developed PVA/ PCQD nanocomposite films demonstrate a unique combination of high transparency, effective UV shielding, improved oxygen barrier properties, and strong antibacterial activity. These findings highlight their potential as advanced, ecofriendly materials for active food packaging applications.

In this study, zinc-doped carbon dots (Zn-GPCDs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal synthesis method with ginger peel waste and applied to a carrageenan-based active packaging film. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis revealed that the Zn-GPCDs exhibited characteristic surface functional groups, including specific Zn-O coordination bonds. The effects of zinc doping on the structural and functional performance of the composite film were compared and analyzed. Due to zinc doping, the free radical scavenging ability of Zn-GPCDs was slightly reduced compared to non-doped GPCDs. However, it acted as an important functional trigger for antimicrobial efficacy. Zn-GPCDs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (20.92 ± 0.99 mm) and Salmonella enterica (21.60 ± 1.04 mm), effectively overcoming the functional limitations of non-doped GPCDs. The carrageenan/Zn-GPCDs composite film exhibited stable mechanical properties, maintaining a tensile strength of 16.36 ± 2.00 MPa and an elongation at break of 12.40 ± 3.79%. In addition, the composite film showed excellent UV-blocking properties at wavelengths below 400 nm and achieved an ABTS radical scavenging ability of approximately 88% through a synergistic effect that enhanced antioxidant activity. These results suggest the potential for Zn-GPCDs-containing carrageenan films to be utilized as sustainable active packaging materials with antioxidant, antibacterial, and UV-blocking functions.

According to current standards of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of Korea, migration tests for food containers are required to be conducted by filling the container completely with food simulants. However, for large-capacity containers, excessive solvent consumption not only causes economic, environmental, and practical problems but also results in a dilution effect in the volume to surface area ratio. To address these limitations, this study designed and validated alternative testing methods, such as partial filling, single-sided migration, and double-sided migration, by standardizing the volume-to-surface area ratio to 2 mL/cm2. To intentionally increase the migration amounts, a comparative analysis was performed using 20 L high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers containing 20% calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When tested with a 4% acetic acid simulant, the overall migration was 17.9 mg ± 3.5 mg/L using the conventional filling method. However, the proposed methods recorded significantly higher concentrations of 42.6~45.7 mg/L. Furthermore, these alternative methods reduced solvent consumption to 1-7% of the conventional volume. Moreover, a ‘Tiered approach’ is introduced as a practical strategy, allowing for the selective and stepwise application of the most suitable test method depending on container characteristics. This framework is expected to foster a more scientifically rigorous, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable food safety manage system.

The transition toward sustainable food packaging has intensified over the past decade, driven by regulatory pressure and environmental concerns associated with plastic waste. The increasing demand for sustainable food packaging has driven significant research into eco-friendly high-barrier materials capable of replacing conventional multilayer plastics. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in mono-material and natural-material-based food packaging systems, focusing on their barrier performance, material design strategies, and industrial applicability. Fundamental barrier mechanisms, including diffusion, solubility, and tortuous path effects, are discussed in relation to polymer structure and morphology. The barrier properties of major material groups, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose-based materials, and nanocomposites, were compared and analyzed. Advanced technologies, including inorganic coatings (SiOx, AlOx) and bio-based coatings, are critically discussed as strategies to overcome intrinsic limitations of bio-based polymers. Furthermore, the paper examines recyclability and life cycle assessment (LCA) in the context of emerging circular economy policies. Finally, key challenges and future research directions are outlined, emphasizing scalable manufacturing, multifunctional materials, and integration into existing industrial systems.