Green Packaging Development Trend

Countries that promoted “green packaging” in the early days mainly started with packaging materials. For example, Germany formulated the “recycling economy law” to promote the recycling of packaging materials. Denmark has taken the lead in implementing the “green tax” system; many countries require manufacturers, importers and retailers to take responsibility for recycling and remanufacturing packaging materials. At present, in the "green packaging" popular in the domestic and international markets and the most popular among consumers, there are paper packaging, "degradable plastic packaging, edible packaging materials." These packages are all conducive to environmental protection, and their waste can be recycled. In China, edible packaging materials have been used for the preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables. In this century, people can grow and harvest biologically degradable plastic products like wheat and potatoes. With the rapid development of science and technology and people’s increasing concern for environmental protection, green packaging materials are developing in the direction of more excellent functionalities:
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1The most widely used green packaging material is a paper packaging material. At present, paper packaging materials are developing toward the following functions:

(1) Anticorrosion: Paper made of cristobalite and activated carbon can be used to make corrugated cartons that transport flowers. It can absorb hydrogen sulfide that causes spoilage and spoilage of flowers. 

(2) Antibacterial: Injecting sterile gas when manufacturing natural pulp, this kind of paper has the function of preventing the intrusion of bacteria and can be used for the packaging of medical instruments. 

(3) Anti-oxidation: The paper made by weak base beating can protect the paintings and books from being eroded in the acidic environment. 

(4) Moisture proof: Dip-coated paper can improve the moisture resistance. It can be used to make rain-proof bags and anti-bags for tree maintenance. 

(5) Deodorization: Paper made of a porous inorganic material and organic flavonol can absorb abnormal odors such as ammonia.
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(6) Heat-resistance: The board made of specially treated pulp has good heat resistance and water vapor absorption properties and can be used as a microwave food packaging box. 

(7) Refractory: Made of aluminum hydroxide mixed with natural pulp; or made of phosphorized pulp and glass fiber, with good flame resistance. 

(8) Acid resistance: Paper made of a mixture of special paper pulp and additives has excellent light-shielding and acid resistance properties.
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(9) Oil resistance: The inner layer of the board is treated with oil-resistance to prevent oil from penetrating. The surface of the board can be printed with a general paint treatment. This board is mainly used for the packaging of oily foods.
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(10) Water resistance: 100% natural pulp is made of paper made of latex resin and has excellent water resistance, folding resistance, and friction resistance.

(11) Sense of water: Paper treated with a special coating will immediately make the white paper transparent after absorbing moisture. The contents can be seen through the package without being opened. 

(12) Freshness: Paper made of natural pulp that has been chemically treated and made with absorbent resin is suitable for fresh-keeping packaging. 

(13) Muffler: The low-density paper made of non-carcinogenic asbestos fibers, waste paper, rags, etc., has superior sound absorption, water absorption, heat insulation, and cushioning effects. 

2. The potential for biodegradable plastic packaging materials is unlimited. China has included degradable plastic packaging in the priority areas for development. At present, industrialized degradable plastic packaging materials have photodegradation, light/biodegradation, biodegradation, biodegradation, and the like. Among them, the most important is biodegradation, which can be divided into completely biodegradable plastics and biodegradable degradable plastics. The former refers to the fact that the molecular structure of plastics can be completely decomposed by microorganisms or enzymes into simple compounds, while the latter refers to plastics composed of natural and synthetic polymers. At present, the combination method widely used in the packaging field is based on blending, and its preferred substrates are starch and cellulose.