1
|
Battaglini E, Miralles P, Lotti N, Soccio M, Fiorini M, Coscollà C. Analysis of microplastics in commercial vegetable edible oils from Italy and Spain. Food Chem 2024; 443:138567. [PMID: 38295567 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In this work, assessment of microplastics (MPs) in commercial vegetable edible oils from Italy and Spain, including extra-virgin olive oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and mixed seed oil, has been conducted for the first time. The method was based on sample dilution with ethanol:n-hexane (1:3, v/v), homogenization, vacuum filtration on macroporous silicon filters with 5 μm pore diameter to collect MPs, and automatic µ-FTIR spectroscopy for MPs detection and characterization. In the analysis of oil samples, a mean MPs abundance of 1140 ± 350 MPs/L was found. Observed MPs were characterized, being most of them fragments (81.2 %), with particle sizes < 100 µm (77.5 %), and mainly composed of polyethylene (50.3 %) and polypropylene (28.7 %), among others. Statistical analysis revealed that there were not significant differences (p-value > 0.05) in the abundance of MPs between oil samples or types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Battaglini
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Pablo Miralles
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Nadia Lotti
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Italy; CIRI MAM, University of Bologna, Italy; CIRI AGRO, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Michelina Soccio
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Italy; CIRI AGRO, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fiorini
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Italy; CIRI MAM, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Clara Coscollà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kashfi FS, Mohammadi A, Rostami F, Savari A, De-la-Torre GE, Spitz J, Saeedi R, Kalantarhormozi M, Farhadi A, Dobaradaran S. Microplastics and phthalate esters release from teabags into tea drink: occurrence, human exposure, and health risks. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:104209-104222. [PMID: 37697202 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Tea, the most common infusion worldwide, is usually sold in teabags due to the ease of usage. The increase in the use of plastic materials in the food packaging industry has led to an increase in released contaminants, such as microplastics (MPs) and phthalates (PAEs), in various food products including teabags. In this research, the abundance and features of MPs as well as PAEs concentration were investigated in 45 teabag samples of different Persian and German brands. The abundance of MPs in the Persian and German teabag samples was averagely 412.32 and 147.28 items/single teabag, respectively. Also, average PAEs levels in the Persian and German teabag samples were 2.87 and 2.37 mg/g, respectively. The predominant size category of MPs was related to 100-250 μm. Fibers and transparent were the dominant shape and color of detected MPs in teabags, respectively. Polyethylene (PE) and nylon were the most common MP polymer types. The most prominent PAEs congeners in teabag samples were diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP). Furthermore, MP exposure hazard through tea ingestion was analyzed for children and adults. DEHP showed the cancer risk (CR) for children and adults. The findings of this research indicated that high MPs and PAEs levels are released from teabags into tea drinks. Considering a daily drinking of a volume of 150 and 250 mL tea by children and adults, 486 and 810 MPs may enter their bodies, respectively. Thus, tea prepared with teabag-packed herbs may pose a significant health risk for consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sadat Kashfi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Azam Mohammadi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rostami
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Arezou Savari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Biodiversity, Environment, and Society Research Group, San Ignacio de Loyola University, Lima, Peru
| | - Jörg Spitz
- Akademie Für Menschliche Medizin GmbH, Krauskopfallee 27, 65388, Schlangenbad, Germany
| | - Reza Saeedi
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Kalantarhormozi
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Akram Farhadi
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
- Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany.
- Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45141, Essen, Germany.
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Boostan 19 Alley, Imam Khomeini Street, 7514763448, Bushehr, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gerassimidou S, Geueke B, Groh KJ, Muncke J, Hahladakis JN, Martin OV, Iacovidou E. Unpacking the complexity of the polyethylene food contact articles value chain: A chemicals perspective. J Hazard Mater 2023; 454:131422. [PMID: 37099905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used type of plastic food packaging, in which chemicals can potentially migrate into packaged foods. The implications of using and recycling PE from a chemical perspective remain underexplored. This study is a systematic evidence map of 116 studies looking at the migration of food contact chemicals (FCCs) across the lifecycle of PE food packaging. It identified a total of 377 FCCs, of which 211 were detected to migrate from PE articles into food or food simulants at least once. These 211 FCCs were checked against the inventory FCCs databases and EU regulatory lists. Only 25% of the detected FCCs are authorized by EU regulation for the manufacture of food contact materials. Furthermore, a quarter of authorized FCCs exceeded the specific migration limit (SML) at least once, while one-third (53) of non-authorised FCCs exceeded the threshold value of 10 μg/kg. Overall, evidence on FCCs migration across the PE food packaging lifecycle is incomplete, especially at the reprocessing stage. Considering the EU's commitment to increase packaging recycling, a better understanding and monitoring of PE food packaging quality from a chemical perspective across the entire lifecycle will enable the transition towards a sustainable plastics value chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridoula Gerassimidou
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum (FPF), 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum (FPF), 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John N Hahladakis
- Food-Energy-Water-Waste Sustainability (FEWWS) Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Olwenn V Martin
- Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, Department of Arts and Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Eleni Iacovidou
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cimpan C, Iacovidou E, Rigamonti L, Thoden van Velzen EU. Keep circularity meaningful, inclusive and practical: A view into the plastics value chain. Waste Manag 2023; 166:115-121. [PMID: 37167709 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
New policies to promote the circular economy have created an urgent need for businesses and public authorities to quantify and monitor the level of circularity of materials, components and products. However, flows of materials, components and products through society are inherently complex, involving intricate value chains, many stakeholders, and interests. We argue that current actions may be overly focused on superficial effects, and losing sight of true circular economy goals. Using plastic packaging as an example, the present contribution deliberates the questions, "does measuring circularity address its goals?", "does it cover new technologies and regional specificities?", and "can its goals be addressed with simple assessment approaches?". In answering these questions, we argue that there is an impending risk of cementing policy and infrastructures that may not contribute to true sustainability. Furthermore, future technologies and developing regions are hardly included in the current circularity strategies. To further spark a discussion on the challenge of simplicity, we present a scorecard which can help incumbents to approximate the level of sustainable circularity of their products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Cimpan
- SDU Life Cycle Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Eleni Iacovidou
- Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Rigamonti
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Politecnico Di Milano, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Meng W, Sun H, Su G. Plastic packaging-associated chemicals and their hazards - An overview of reviews. Chemosphere 2023; 331:138795. [PMID: 37116723 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic packaging contains residues from substances used during manufacturing, such as solvents, as well as non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), such as impurities, oligomers, or degradation products. By searching peer-reviewed literature, we found that at least 10,259 chemicals were related to plastic packaging materials, which include chemicals used during manufacturing and/or present in final packaging items. We then summarized and discussed their chemical structures, analytical instruments, migration characteristics, and hazard categories where possible. For plastic packaging chemicals, examination of the literature reveals gas and liquid chromatography hyphenated to a variety of accurate mass analyzers based on the use of high-resolution mass spectrometry is usually used for the identification of unknown migrants coming from plastic packaging. Chemical migration from food packaging is affected by several parameters, including the nature and complexity of the food, contact time, temperature of the system, type of packaging contact layer, and properties of the migrants. A review of the literature reveals that information on adverse effects is only available for approximately 1600 substances. Among them, it appears that additives are more toxic than monomers to wildlife and humans. Neurotoxicity accounted for the highest proportion of toxicity of all types of chemicals, while benzenoids, organic acids, and derivatives were the most toxic types of chemicals. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that hydrocarbon derivatives, organic nitrogen compounds, and organometallic compounds have the highest proportions of dermatotoxicity, and organohalogen compounds have the highest proportions of hepatotoxicity. The main contributors to skin sensitization are organic salts. This study provides a basis for comprehensively publicizing information on chemicals in plastics, and could be helpful to better understand their potential risks to the environment and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weikun Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Guanyong Su
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu L, Zhang X, Jia P, He S, Dai H, Deng S, Han J. Release of microplastics from breastmilk storage bags and assessment of intake by infants: A preliminary study. Environ Pollut 2023; 323:121197. [PMID: 36736818 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastic contaminants in food intended for human consumption has been widely explored. Yet, investigations on plastic and other particle debris in baby food packaging remain scarce to date. Our study shows the release of abundant micro-sized and submicron-sized particles, floccules (<300 μm), and fragments (1-50 μm) during the simulated use of commercially available single-use breastmilk storage bags. Six best-selling products of breastmilk storage bags were selected in our study. Most of the particles released from breastmilk storage bags that were identified as plastics were found to be polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon-6 using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The weight of the particles released from three randomly selected bags of the same product type was determined to be in the range of 0.22 and 0.47 mg. Submicron-sized particles (<0.8 μm) with irregular spherical or oval shapes were present. Microplastics and other particles ingested by infants from the use of breastmilk storage bags were estimated to be 0.61-0.89 mg/day based on the average daily breastmilk intake by infants. This study provides new insights into the exposure to microplastics and other particle debris in commonly used infant products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Liu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Puqi Jia
- Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Prediction and Control, Gansu Province, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China; College of Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Huanghua, 061100, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan He
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Dai
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihai Deng
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Siddiqui SA, Bahmid NA, Salman SHM, Nawaz A, Walayat N, Shekhawat GK, Gvozdenko AA, Blinov AV, Nagdalian AA. Migration of microplastics from plastic packaging into foods and its potential threats on human health. Adv Food Nutr Res 2023; 103:313-359. [PMID: 36863838 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics from food packaging material have risen in number and dispersion in the aquatic system, the terrestrial environment, and the atmosphere in recent decades. Microplastics are of particular concern due to their long-term durability in the environment, their great potential for releasing plastic monomers and additives/chemicals, and their vector-capacity for adsorbing or collecting other pollutants. Consumption of foods containing migrating monomers can lead to accumulation in the body and the build-up of monomers in the body can trigger cancer. The book chapter focuses the commercial plastic food packaging materials and describes their release mechanisms of microplastics from packaging into foods. To prevent the potential risk of microplastics migrated into food products, the factors influencing microplastic to the food products, e.g., high temperatures, ultraviolet and bacteria, have been discussed. Additionally, as many evidences shows that the microplastic components are toxic and carcinogenic, the potential threats and negative effects on human health have also been highlighted. Moreover, future trends is summarized to reduce the microplastic migration by enhancing public awareness as well as improving waste management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Straubing, Germany; German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Quakenbrück, Germany.
| | - Nur Alim Bahmid
- Research Center for Food Technology and Processing, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Asad Nawaz
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Institute for Innovative Development of Food Industry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Noman Walayat
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Garima Kanwar Shekhawat
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | | | | | - Andrey Ashotovich Nagdalian
- Food Technology and Engineering Department, North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol, Russia; Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University, St Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schuch D, Lederer J, Fellner J, Scharff C. Separate collection rates for plastic packaging in Austria - A regional analysis taking collection systems and urbanization into account. Waste Manag 2023; 155:211-219. [PMID: 36399848 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
According to the EU Circular Economy Package, recycling of plastic packaging waste (PPW) has to be enhanced significantly by 2025 and 2030. Although a set of measures will be required along the whole value chain of plastic packaging, the process of separate collection remains the backbone. Hence, a detailed understanding of the performance of current separate collection systems is crucial. As a case study, the separate collection of PPW was analyzed within a single country, Austria, where a variety of collection procedures are implemented. By using the method of material flow analysis, separate collection rates in terms of quantities and qualities were analyzed for separate collection systems of different settlement patterns, target fractions, and service levels provided. Results show that the highest performance was achieved in systems that cover mainly rural areas and where all plastic packaging wastes are collected through curbside collection, with separate collection rates of 74-77%. With additional collection via collection centers, these values increased to 78%-83%. In comparison, the results for urban areas showed the lowest separate collection rate of 56%. In the case that separate collection targeted plastic bottles only, maximum collection rates of around 50 % were observed, with the tendency towards higher collection rates if co-mingled with metals. To enhance separate collection, a general shift to the target fraction "all plastic packaging" instead of "plastic bottles only" is crucial. Modelling of optimized collection systems in all Austrian regions would lead to a theoretical total separation collection rate of 74%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Schuch
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria; Altstoff Recycling Austria AG, Mariahilfer-Straße 123, 1060 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jakob Lederer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for a Recycling-based Circular Economy, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/166, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Fellner
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Scharff
- Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria; Altstoff Recycling Austria AG, Mariahilfer-Straße 123, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang X, Nag R, Brunton NP, Siddique MAB, Harrison SM, Monahan FJ, Cummins E. A probabilistic approach to model bisphenol A (BPA) migration from packaging to meat products. Sci Total Environ 2023; 854:158815. [PMID: 36115396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical which has raised concerns due to its potential toxicological effects on humans, has been widely detected in canned and non-canned meat and meat products. This study estimated BPA migration from packaging to non-canned and canned meat products by developing two probabilistic models. BPA concentration data in packaging materials were collated, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy-based coatings, and polyester-based coatings. Migration ratios were calculated from migration tests of BPA molecules moving from packaging to food simulants. The predictive model revealed that the BPA migration concentration from packaging ranges from 0.017 to 0.13 (5th-95th percentile) μg kg-1 with a simulated mean of 0.056 μg kg-1 in non-canned meat products. This is in stark contrast to the simulated mean of 134.57 (5th-95th percentile: 59.17-223.25) μg kg-1 for canned meat products. Nevertheless, plastic packaging was estimated to contribute only 3 % of BPA levels in non-canned meat products. The sensitivity analysis showed that the contact area of meat products with films is the most sensitive parameter of the plastic packaging migration model. It is concluded that plastic packaging may not be the only or dominant source of BPA in non-canned meat products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Agriculture and Food Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Rajat Nag
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Agriculture and Food Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Nigel P Brunton
- University College Dublin, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Agriculture and Food Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Md Abu Bakar Siddique
- University College Dublin, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Agriculture and Food Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Sabine M Harrison
- University College Dublin, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Agriculture and Food Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Frank J Monahan
- University College Dublin, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Agriculture and Food Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Enda Cummins
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Agriculture and Food Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thomassen G, Van Passel S, Alaerts L, Dewulf J. Retrospective and prospective material flow analysis of the post-consumer plastic packaging waste management system in Flanders. Waste Manag 2022; 147:10-21. [PMID: 35594747 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The post-consumer plastic packaging waste management in Flanders was analyzed by performing a retrospective material flow analysis, covering an extensive period from 1985 to 2019. In addition, a prospective material flow analysis of 32 improvement scenarios was performed, based on expected changes in the waste management system. Mass recovery rates were calculated based on different interpretations of the calculation rules. Moreover, various cascading levels were identified to differentiate between the quality level of the secondary applications. The mass recovery rate including only recycling evolved from a value of 0% in 1985 to 31% in 2019 and could be increased to 36-62% depending on the improvement scenario selected. However, the different interpretations of the calculation rules led to a variation of up to 20 and 41% on this mass recovery rates for the retrospective and prospective analysis, respectively. The introduction of monostream recycling for additional post-consumer plastic packaging flows, such as low-density polyethylene, did not lead to increasing mass recovery rates, if no differentiation for the cascading levels was made. The Belgian recycling target of 65% for 2023 will be challenging if the strictest calculation method needs to be followed or if the improvements in the Flemish post-consumer plastic packaging waste system do not follow the best-case collection scenarios under the given assumptions. To harmonize the calculation and monitoring of these targets, clear calculation rules need to be accompanied with a harmonized monitoring system over the entire waste management system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwenny Thomassen
- Department of Engineering Management, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Research Group Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Steven Van Passel
- Department of Engineering Management, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luc Alaerts
- Sustainability Assessments of Material Life Cycles, Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo Dewulf
- Research Group Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sobolik JS, Sajewski ET, Jaykus LA, Cooper DK, Lopman BA, Kraay AN, Ryan PB, Guest JL, Webb-Girard A, Leon JS. Decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 from cold-chain food packaging provides no marginal benefit in risk reduction to food workers. Food Control 2022; 136:108845. [PMID: 35075333 PMCID: PMC8770992 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Countries continue to debate the need for decontamination of cold-chain food packaging to reduce possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) fomite transmission among frontline workers. While laboratory-based studies demonstrate persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the likelihood of fomite-mediated transmission under real-life conditions is uncertain. Using a quantitative microbial risk assessment model of a frozen food packaging facility, we simulated 1) SARS-CoV-2 fomite-mediated infection risks following worker exposure to contaminated plastic packaging; and 2) reductions in these risks from masking, handwashing, and vaccination. In a frozen food facility without interventions, SARS-CoV-2 infection risk to a susceptible worker from contact with contaminated packaging was 1.5 × 10-3 per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 9.2 × 10-6, 1.2 × 10-2). Standard food industry infection control interventions, handwashing and masking, reduced risk (99.4%) to 8.5 × 10-6 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 2.8 × 10-8, 6.6 × 10-5). Vaccination of the susceptible worker (two doses Pfizer/Moderna, vaccine effectiveness: 86-99%) with handwashing and masking reduced risk to 5.2 × 10-7 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 1.8 × 10-9, 5.4 × 10-6). Simulating increased transmissibility of current and future variants (Delta, Omicron), (2-, 10-fold viral shedding) among a fully vaccinated workforce, handwashing and masking continued to mitigate risk (1.4 × 10-6 - 8.8 × 10-6 risk per 1h-period). Additional decontamination of frozen food plastic packaging reduced infection risks to 1.2 × 10-8 risk per 1h-period (5th - 95th percentile: 1.9 × 10-11, 9.5 × 10-8). Given that standard infection control interventions reduced risks well below 1 × 10-4 (World Health Organization water quality risk thresholds), additional packaging decontamination suggest no marginal benefit in risk reduction. Consequences of this decontamination may include increased chemical exposures to workers, food quality and hazard risks to consumers, and unnecessary added costs to governments and the global food industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Sobolik
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA,Corresponding author. 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Lee-Ann Jaykus
- Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - D. Kane Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ben A. Lopman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alicia N.M. Kraay
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - P. Barry Ryan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Juan S. Leon
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gerassimidou S, Lanska P, Hahladakis JN, Lovat E, Vanzetto S, Geueke B, Groh KJ, Muncke J, Maffini M, Martin OV, Iacovidou E. Unpacking the complexity of the PET drink bottles value chain: A chemicals perspective. J Hazard Mater 2022; 430:128410. [PMID: 35295000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Chemicals can migrate from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drink bottles to their content and recycling processes may concentrate or introduce new chemicals to the PET value chain. Therefore, even though recycling PET bottles is key in reducing plastic pollution, it may raise concerns about safety and quality. This study provides a systematic evidence map of the food contact chemicals (FCCs) that migrate from PET drink bottles aiming to identify challenges in closing the plastic packaging loop. The migration potential of 193 FCCs has been investigated across the PET drink bottles lifecycle, of which 150 have been detected to migrate from PET bottles into food simulants/food samples. The study reveals that much research has focused on the migration of antimony (Sb), acetaldehyde and some well-known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). It indicates and discusses the key influential factors on FCCs migration, such as physical characteristics and geographical origin of PET bottles, storage conditions, and reprocessing efficiency . Although, safety and quality implications arising from the recycling of PET bottles remain underexplored, the higher migration of Sb and Bishphenol A has been reported in recycled (rPET) compared to virgin PET. This is attributed to multiple contamination sources and the variability in the collection, sorting, and decontamination efficiency. Better collaboration among stakeholders across the entire PET bottles lifecycle is needed to ensure sustainable resource management and food contact safety of rPET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridoula Gerassimidou
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Paulina Lanska
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - John N Hahladakis
- Waste Management Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Elena Lovat
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Addis Ababa Office, Kebena, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Silvia Vanzetto
- Centro Internazionale per l'Infanzia e la Famiglia (CIFA) Onlus, Hawassa Field Office, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum (FPF), Zurich 8045, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum (FPF), Zurich 8045, Switzerland
| | | | - Olwenn V Martin
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| | - Eleni Iacovidou
- Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang Y, Wen Z. Mapping the environmental impacts and policy effectiveness of takeaway food industry in China. Sci Total Environ 2022; 808:152023. [PMID: 34861304 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The takeaway food industry, involving more than 0.4 billion consumers in China, has brought mass of packaging waste and salient environmental burden. Here we mapped the distribution of takeaway food industry across China including the industry scale, diet structure and order time based on the analysis of more than 35 million takeaway food orders. The real use situation of various packaging materials in the takeaway food industry market has been clarified. The life cycle assessment of "a piece of takeaway food delivery order" has been carried out in different regions. Results show that in addition to plastic waste generation, takeaway food industry causes more types of environmental impacts. In terms of the national resource consumption, greenhouse gases emission, water pollution and health damage risk, the top 5 ranked provinces in each accounted for 44%, 48%, 43% and 49%, respectively. Under the latest Chinese plastic pollution control policy, the industry needs to reduce 1.12 million tons of non-degradable plastic packaging by the end of 2025, and 65% of the pressure is clustered in the metropolis and provincial capitals. However, without targeted and regionally differentiated plastic pollution control policies, the environmental impact control of takeaway food industry is still ineffective. It is urgent to explore the control measures applicable to different regions. Overall, packaging reduction is more effective than material substitution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Industrial Energy Saving and Green Development Assessment Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zongguo Wen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKLESPC), School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Industrial Energy Saving and Green Development Assessment Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prata JC, Silva ALP, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. The road to sustainable use and waste management of plastics in Portugal. Front Environ Sci Eng 2022; 16:5. [PMID: 34697576 PMCID: PMC8527967 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-021-1439-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED As a European Union (EU) member, Portugal must comply with reductions in plastic waste. In Portugal, the 330 items/100 m of beach litter, comprising up to 3.9 million pieces and of which 88% is plastic, is higher than the EU median (149 items/100 m) and must be reduced to 20 items/100 m (94%). Integrative measures are needed to reduce littering and improve plastics' use and disposal under the circular economy. Of this 414 kt of plastic packaging waste, 163 kt were declared plastic packaging, 140 kt subjected to recycling, and 94 kt to energy recovery. The current recycling rate of plastic packaging (34%) should be improved to reach EU recycling averages (42%) and goals and to provide widespread benefits, considering revenues of 167 €/t. As a net importer of waste, Portugal could benefit from the valorization of imported waste. Besides increased recycling, pyrolysis and gasification could provide short-term alternatives for producing value-added substances from plastic waste, such as hydrogen, consistent with the National Plan of Hydrogen and improving ongoing regulations on single-use plastics. This manuscript provides an integrative view of plastics in Portugal, from use to disposal, providing specific recommendations under the circular economy. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s11783-021-1439-x and is accessible for authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana C. Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C. Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang CH, Lin HT. Quantification of food packaging generation and material loss from major retailers in Taipei, Taiwan. Waste Manag 2022; 137:139-149. [PMID: 34773907 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Packaging accounts for the largest demand for global plastic consumption and around 60% is for food and beverage packaging. The amount of packaging is increasing rapidly due to the expansion of retailer industries, especially in supermarkets and convenience stores. Plastic recycling strategies for food packaging in retailer industries need to be developed, but the current consumption and recycling status is not clear. To address this knowledge gap, this study quantifies the food packaging generation from major supermarket and convenience store chains in Taipei, Taiwan. We focus on the composition, recycling habit, and the recycling status to evaluate the packaging recyclability and major pathways for material losses. Based on our field survey and analysis, the total amount of plastic packaging generation was 21846.04 tons in 2020 with 64.99% of it being recycled. We defined the recycling rates as the continued product of Recyclable Content Ratio of the packaging itself, Sorting Accuracy Ratio of consumers, and Re-granulated Ratio in the final treatment facilities. These three ratios for major food categories were also presented to identify the hotspots of material losses. Our results suggest that to promote plastic food packaging recycling, identifying the limitations in different stages and designing corresponding strategies is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Tien Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Reijonen H, Bellman S, Murphy J, Kokkonen H. Factors related to recycling plastic packaging in Finland's new waste management scheme. Waste Manag 2021; 131:88-97. [PMID: 34111827 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic packaging exemplifies recycling's potential; 95 percent of plastic's material use vanishes after a short first-use cycle. Yet over half of plastic packaging could be recycled effectively, economically, and in an environmentally sound manner, with individuals and households playing a focal role in raising recycling rates. This paper draws on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to identify and examine household plastic sorting and recycling factors in Finland's new recycling scheme. The results of a regression analysis generally support existing research, except paradoxically, the easier it was to obtain recycling information the less people recycled. TPB's attitude (environmental concerns) and perceived behavioural control factors (low behavioural costs, and dealing with waste) showed significant positive relationships with Finnish recycling behaviour; the subjective norm (social norms) had an insignificant relationship. Age, living quarters, the time spent recycling, the distance to collection points, and the willingness to improve also related significantly to diligent plastic waste sorting. In addition to re-examining the information type and delivery, the significant role of costs and facilitating conditions offer intervention possibilities to support households to recycle more plastic packaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Reijonen
- Business School, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland.
| | - Steven Bellman
- Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, University of South Australia, 70 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jamie Murphy
- Business School, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Henna Kokkonen
- Business School, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pignattelli S, Broccoli A, Renzi M. Physiological responses of garden cress (L. sativum) to different types of microplastics. Sci Total Environ 2020; 727:138609. [PMID: 32339829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, for the first time, acute and chronic toxicity caused by four different kinds of microplastics: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and a commercial mixture (PE + PVC) on Lepidium sativum were evaluated. Parameters considered were: i) biometric parameters (e.g. percentage inhibition of seed germination, plant height, leaf number and fresh biomass productions); and ii) oxidative stress (e.g. levels of hydrogen peroxide, glutathione, and ascorbic acid). On plants exposed to chronic stress chlorophylls, carotenoids, aminolaevulinic acid, and proline productions were, also, evaluated. PVC resulted the most toxic than other plastic materials tested. This study represents the first paper highlighting microplastics are able to produce oxidative burst in tested plants and could represent an important starting point for future researches on biochemical effects of microplastic in terrestrial environments such as agroecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pignattelli
- Bioscience Research Center, via Aurelia Vecchia, 32, 58015 Orbetello, Italy; Laboratory of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska cesta 13, SI-5000, Rožna Dolina, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Andrea Broccoli
- Bioscience Research Center, via Aurelia Vecchia, 32, 58015 Orbetello, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Roithner C, Rechberger H. Implementing the dimension of quality into the conventional quantitative definition of recycling rates. Waste Manag 2020; 105:586-593. [PMID: 32171157 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
With the proposed Circular Economy Package, the European Union is striving to play a leading role in the implementation of recycling goals. The significantly increased recycling targets are just some of the defined objectives. However, to assess the Member States' attainment of the new recycling targets, the European Union still builds on a purely quantitative recycling rate assessment procedure that neglects to include qualitative recycling aspects. This circumstance could lead to additional quality losses in recycling processes because recyclers might tend to focus exclusively on higher quantities to achieve the stricter recycling targets on time. To prevent such a development, the aim of this study is to establish a complementary recycling indicator that combines quantitative and qualitative recycling aspects in one single metric. The basis of this assessment method is the statistical entropy approach, which enables the concentrating or diluting effect of a recycling process brought about through the separation or mixing of materials to be measured. The results of the statistical entropy metric will provide greater insight into recycling processes (or systems) and thereby yield enhanced information on the quantity and purity of recycling outputs. The simple structure of the new approach will allow enhanced comparisons between technologies as well as national recycling performance. A case study on plastic packaging recycling demonstrates that the new recycling indicator provides multifaceted findings relative to the hitherto purely quantitative recycling assessment data, hence enriching conclusions on the recycling performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Roithner
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13/226, A-1040 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Helmut Rechberger
- TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Karlsplatz 13/226, A-1040 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Solis M, Silveira S. Technologies for chemical recycling of household plastics - A technical review and TRL assessment. Waste Manag 2020; 105:128-138. [PMID: 32058902 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemical recycling is considered an attractive technological pathway for reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as promoting circular economy. In the EU, readiness to develop a full commercial plant is becoming increasingly important given the ambitious goal to recycle all plastics by 2030. Household packaging streams tend to be of lower quality and lower recycling performance compared to industrial and commercial waste streams, thus requiring particular attention. This paper assesses chemical recycling technologies available and identifies the most suitable for recycling of household plastic waste. We identify eight different technologies and compare them in terms of process temperature, sensitivity to feedstock contamination and level of polymer breakdown, three critical factors affecting the cost and attractiveness of a chemical process. In addition, we carry out a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment for eight technologies based on the stage of their present development. The review is based on peer-reviewed scientific papers and information collected from technology developers and providers, as well as interviews with experts. Our analysis outlines advantages and disadvantages of technologies available for chemical plastic recycling and their TRL. The chemical recycling technologies with the highest TRL are pyrolysis, catalytic cracking and conventional gasification. However, the economic feasibility of these technologies is difficult to assess due to the low number of projects in operation and scarcity of data available for comparison. The results of this analysis provide timely information as policy makers and developers set targets for recycling, and contemplate investments on research and chemical plastic recovering plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Solis
- Profu AB, Götaforsliden 13, 43134 Mölndal, Sweden; Profu AB, Götaforsliden 13, 43134 Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Semida Silveira
- Energy and Climate Studies Division, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Brinellvägen 68, Stockholm 10044, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hahladakis JN, Iacovidou E. Closing the loop on plastic packaging materials: What is quality and how does it affect their circularity? Sci Total Environ 2018; 630:1394-1400. [PMID: 29554759 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
While attention on the importance of closing materials loops for achieving circular economy (CE) is raging, the technicalities of doing so are often neglected or difficult to overcome. These technicalities determine the ability of materials, components and products (MCPs) to be properly recovered and redistributed for reuse, recycling or recovery, given their remaining functionality, described here as the remaining properties and characteristics of MCPs. The different properties of MCPs make them useful for various functions and purposes. A transition, therefore, towards a CE would require the utmost exploitation of the remaining functionality of MCPs; ideally, enabling recirculation of them back in the economy. At present, this is difficult to succeed. This short communication article explains how the remaining functionality of MCPs, defined here as quality, is perceived at different stages of the supply chain, focusing specifically on plastic packaging, and how this affects their potential recycling. It then outlines the opportunities and constraints posed by some of the interventions that are currently introduced into the plastic packaging system, aimed at improving plastic materials circularity. Finally, the article underpins the need for research that integrates systemic thinking, with technological innovations and policy reforms at all stages of the supply chain, to promote sustainable practices become established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John N Hahladakis
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - Eleni Iacovidou
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hahladakis JN, Purnell P, Iacovidou E, Velis CA, Atseyinku M. Post-consumer plastic packaging waste in England: Assessing the yield of multiple collection-recycling schemes. Waste Manag 2018; 75:149-159. [PMID: 29439928 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The European Commission (EC) recently introduced a 'Circular Economy Package', setting ambitious recycling targets and identifying waste plastics as a priority sector where major improvements are necessary. Here, the authors explain how different collection modalities affect the quantity and quality of recycling, using recent empirical data on household (HH) post-consumer plastic packaging waste (PCPP) collected for recycling in the devolved administration of England over the quarterly period July-September 2014. Three main collection schemes, as currently implemented in England, were taken into account: (i) kerbside collection (KS), (ii) household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) (also known as 'civic amenity sites'), and (iii) bring sites/banks (BSs). The results indicated that: (a) the contribution of KS collection scheme in recovering packaging plastics is higher than HWRCs and BBs, with respective percentages by weight (wt%) 90%, 9% and 1%; (b) alternate weekly collection (AWC) of plastic recyclables in wheeled bins, when collected commingled, demonstrated higher yield in KS collection; (c) only a small percentage (16%) of the total amount of post-consumer plastics collected in the examined period (141 kt) was finally sent to reprocessors (22 kt); (c) nearly a third of Local Authorities (LAs) reported insufficient or poor data; and (d) the most abundant fractions of plastics that finally reached the reprocessors were mixed plastic bottles and mixed plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John N Hahladakis
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - Phil Purnell
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Iacovidou
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Costas A Velis
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - Maryann Atseyinku
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Brouwer MT, Thoden van Velzen EU, Augustinus A, Soethoudt H, De Meester S, Ragaert K. Predictive model for the Dutch post-consumer plastic packaging recycling system and implications for the circular economy. Waste Manag 2018; 71:62-85. [PMID: 29107509 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Dutch post-consumer plastic packaging recycling network has been described in detail (both on the level of packaging types and of materials) from the household potential to the polymeric composition of the recycled milled goods. The compositional analyses of 173 different samples of post-consumer plastic packaging from different locations in the network were combined to indicatively describe the complete network with material flow analysis, data reconciliation techniques and process technological parameters. The derived potential of post-consumer plastic packages in the Netherlands in 2014 amounted to 341 Gg net (or 20.2 kg net.cap-1.a-1). The complete recycling network produced 75.2 Gg milled goods, 28.1 Gg side products and 16.7 Gg process waste. Hence the net recycling chain yield for post-consumer plastic packages equalled 30%. The end-of-life fates for 35 different plastic packaging types were resolved. Additionally, the polymeric compositions of the milled goods and the recovered masses were derived with this model. These compositions were compared with experimentally determined polymeric compositions of recycled milled goods, which confirmed that the model predicts these compositions reasonably well. Also the modelled recovered masses corresponded reasonably well with those measured experimentally. The model clarified the origin of polymeric contaminants in recycled plastics, either sorting faults or packaging components, which gives directions for future improvement measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marieke T Brouwer
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Post-box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; Top Institute Food & Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Eggo U Thoden van Velzen
- Top Institute Food & Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Antje Augustinus
- Top Institute Food & Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Han Soethoudt
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven De Meester
- Department of Industrial Biological Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Kim Ragaert
- Centre for Polymer & Material Technologies, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Ghent University, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kassouf A, Maalouly J, Rutledge DN, Chebib H, Ducruet V. Rapid discrimination of plastic packaging materials using MIR spectroscopy coupled with independent components analysis (ICA). Waste Manag 2014; 34:2131-2138. [PMID: 25027228 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic packaging wastes increased considerably in recent decades, raising a major and serious public concern on political, economical and environmental levels. Dealing with this kind of problems is generally done by landfilling and energy recovery. However, these two methods are becoming more and more expensive, hazardous to the public health and the environment. Therefore, recycling is gaining worldwide consideration as a solution to decrease the growing volume of plastic packaging wastes and simultaneously reduce the consumption of oil required to produce virgin resin. Nevertheless, a major shortage is encountered in recycling which is related to the sorting of plastic wastes. In this paper, a feasibility study was performed in order to test the potential of an innovative approach combining mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy with independent components analysis (ICA), as a simple and fast approach which could achieve high separation rates. This approach (MIR-ICA) gave 100% discrimination rates in the separation of all studied plastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polylactide (PLA). In addition, some more specific discriminations were obtained separating plastic materials belonging to the same polymer family e.g. high density polyethylene (HDPE) from low density polyethylene (LDPE). High discrimination rates were obtained despite the heterogeneity among samples especially differences in colors, thicknesses and surface textures. The reproducibility of the proposed approach was also tested using two spectrometers with considerable differences in their sensitivities. Discrimination rates were not affected proving that the developed approach could be extrapolated to different spectrometers. MIR combined with ICA is a promising tool for plastic waste separation that can help improve performance in this field; however further technological improvements and developments are required before it can be applied at an industrial level given that all tests presented here were performed under laboratory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amine Kassouf
- ER004 "Lebanese Food Packaging", Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, 90656 Jdeideth El Matn, Fanar, Lebanon; INRA, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 1 Avenue des Olympiades, 91300 Massy, France; AgroParisTech, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 16 rue Claude Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Jacqueline Maalouly
- ER004 "Lebanese Food Packaging", Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, 90656 Jdeideth El Matn, Fanar, Lebanon.
| | - Douglas N Rutledge
- INRA, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 1 Avenue des Olympiades, 91300 Massy, France; AgroParisTech, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 16 rue Claude Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Hanna Chebib
- ER004 "Lebanese Food Packaging", Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, 90656 Jdeideth El Matn, Fanar, Lebanon.
| | - Violette Ducruet
- INRA, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 1 Avenue des Olympiades, 91300 Massy, France; AgroParisTech, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 16 rue Claude Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kassouf A, El Rakwe M, Chebib H, Ducruet V, Rutledge DN, Maalouly J. Independent components analysis coupled with 3D-front-face fluorescence spectroscopy to study the interaction between plastic food packaging and olive oil. Anal Chim Acta 2014; 839:14-25. [PMID: 25066714 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2014.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Olive oil is one of the most valued sources of fats in the Mediterranean diet. Its storage was generally done using glass or metallic packaging materials. Nowadays, plastic packaging has gained worldwide spread for the storage of olive oil. However, plastics are not inert and interaction phenomena may occur between packaging materials and olive oil. In this study, extra virgin olive oil samples were submitted to accelerated interaction conditions, in contact with polypropylene (PP) and polylactide (PLA) plastic packaging materials. 3D-front-face fluorescence spectroscopy, being a simple, fast and non destructive analytical technique, was used to study this interaction. Independent components analysis (ICA) was used to analyze raw 3D-front-face fluorescence spectra of olive oil. ICA was able to highlight a probable effect of a migration of substances with antioxidant activity. The signals extracted by ICA corresponded to natural olive oil fluorophores (tocopherols and polyphenols) as well as newly formed ones which were tentatively identified as fluorescent oxidation products. Based on the extracted fluorescent signals, olive oil in contact with plastics had slower aging rates in comparison with reference oils. Peroxide and free acidity values validated the results obtained by ICA, related to olive oil oxidation rates. Sorbed olive oil in plastic was also quantified given that this sorption could induce a swelling of the polymer thus promoting migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amine Kassouf
- ER004 "Lebanese Food Packaging", Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Jdeideth El Matn 90656, Fanar, Lebanon; INRA, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 1 Avenue des Olympiades, Massy 91300, France; AgroParisTech, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 16 rue Claude Bernard, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Maria El Rakwe
- ER004 "Lebanese Food Packaging", Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Jdeideth El Matn 90656, Fanar, Lebanon; AgroParisTech, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 16 rue Claude Bernard, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Hanna Chebib
- ER004 "Lebanese Food Packaging", Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Jdeideth El Matn 90656, Fanar, Lebanon.
| | - Violette Ducruet
- INRA, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 1 Avenue des Olympiades, Massy 91300, France; AgroParisTech, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 16 rue Claude Bernard, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Douglas N Rutledge
- INRA, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 1 Avenue des Olympiades, Massy 91300, France; AgroParisTech, UMR1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, 16 rue Claude Bernard, Paris 75005, France.
| | - Jacqueline Maalouly
- ER004 "Lebanese Food Packaging", Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Jdeideth El Matn 90656, Fanar, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|