Design of sustainable packaging: Experimental evaluation of kenaf as a biobased material for impact protection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37135/ns.01.18.03Keywords:
Sustainable packaging, Fragility of the product, Impacts, Kenaf, Biobased materialsAbstract
This study evaluates the cushioning performance of lignocellulosic Kenaf as a sustainable alternative in protective packaging systems. Eight experimental configurations were tested, combining two densities (P30 and P60), two thicknesses (20 mm and 40 mm), and two environmental conditions (23 °C/50% RH and 20 °C/90% RH), subjected to vertical drop impacts from a height of 229 mm. The maximum transmitted acceleration (G) was recorded during the first impact (three repetitions), while single values were collected and averaged for the second to fifth impacts. The statistical analysis included a multifactorial ANOVA, linear regression models relating static load to transmitted acceleration, and classification of each configuration's suitability based on the type and weight of the product to be packaged. Functional degradation was also evaluated through fatigue testing under repeated impacts. Results indicated that thickness was the only factor with a statistically significant effect on cushioning performance. Configurations with 40 mm thickness and P60 density were the most effective for protecting fragile or moderately fragile products. Most configurations with a 20 mm thickness exhibited acceleration levels exceeding 85 G and significant functional degradation, limiting their reuse potential. This study provides technical criteria for the design of sustainable packaging systems and introduces a replicable methodology for the functional evaluation of natural-based cushioning materials.
Downloads
References
[1] Beyond Plastics, The Problems with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), fact sheet, may. 2023. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/polystyrene.
[2] R. Liu, Z. Zhao, X. Wang, Y. Zhang, and Y. Chen, “Well-cushioned and highly-elastic aerogel for multifunctional intelligent transportation packaging,” Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 493, art. 152660, ago. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.152660.
[3] I. González Romero, H. Buldeo Rai, A. Ortiz Bas, y J. C. Prado Prado, “Can reusable packaging revolutionise e-commerce? Unveiling the environmental impact through a comparative carbon footprint analysis,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 476, art. 143738, oct. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143738.
[4] N. V. David y A. Mohd, “Moisture absorption properties and shock cushioning characteristics of bio-based polyurethane foam composites,” Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. SI 5, no. 2, pp. 157–168, 2018. Disponible en: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/39386/
[5] R. Saengwong-ngam et al., “Cushion performance of eco-friendly natural rubber latex foam composite with bamboo leaf fiber for impact protection of guava”, Postharvest Biology and Technology, vol. 208, p. 112663, feb. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112663.
[6] E. Şimşir, Y. Akçin Ergün, y İ. Yavuz, “Investigation of Damping Properties of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites at Various Impact Energy Levels,” Polymers, vol. 16, no. 24, art. 3553, dic. 2024, doi: 10.3390/polym16243553.
[7] H. M. Akil, M. F. Omar, A. A. M. Mazuki, S. Safiee, Z. A. M. Ishak, y A. Abu Bakar, “Kenaf fiber reinforced composites: A review,” Materials & Design, vol. 32, no. 8–9, pp. 4107–4121, sep. 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2011.04.008.
[8] A. H. Jamadi, N. Razali, M. Petrů, M. M. Taha, N. Muhammad, y R. A. Ilyas, “Effect Of Chemically Treated Kenaf Fibre On Mechanical And Thermal Properties of PLA Composites Prepared Through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM),” Polymers, vol. 13, no. 19, p.3299, sep. 2021, doi: 10.3390/polym13193299.
[9] N. Saba, M. T. Paridah, y M. Jawaid, “Mechanical properties of kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composite: A review,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 76, pp. 87–96, feb. 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.11.043.
[10] E. Kasi, S. Ramasamy, R. Kirubakaran, R. Munusamy, E. E. Sudalaimani, y A. Karuppasamy, “Tensile, Dynamic Mechanical, and Vibration Behavior of Layering Sequence Design Effect of Glass Intertwined Natural Kenaf Woven Polymeric Laminates,” Journal of Natural Fibers, vol. 21, no. 1, feb. 2024, doi: 10.1080/15440478.2024.2316791.
[11] ASTM International, ASTM D1596-14(2021): Standard Test Method for Dynamic Shock Cushioning Characteristics of Packaging Material, ASTM International, 2021, doi: 10.1520/D1596-14R21. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.astm.org/d1596-14.html.
[12] International Organization for Standardization, ISO 2233:2000, Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads — Conditioning for testing. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.iso.org/es/contents/data/standard/03/24/32409.html.
[13] Lansmont Corporation, Model 15D & 23D Shock Test Systems. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.lansmont.com/products/shock-testers/model-15-23
[14] Kistler Group, General purpose K-Shear accelerometers, 25 … 5000 g, top connector / 8704B. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.kistler.com/ES/es/p/acelerometro-de-proposito-general-k-shear-8704b500/000000000018007037.
[15] ASTM International, ASTM D4169-23: Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems. ASTM International, 2023, doi: 10.1520/D4169-23. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.astm.org/d4169-23.html.
[16] J. Navarro, “Metodologías para el diseño y selección de embalajes de amortiguamiento optimizados, en función de su comportamiento funcional, económico y medioambiental,” tesis doctoral, Departamento de Proyectos de Ingeniería, UPV, Valencia, España, 2015.
[17] J. D. Hunter, “Matplotlib: A 2D graphics environment,” Computing in Science & Engineering, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 90–95, 2007, doi: 10.1109/mcse.2007.55.
[18] P. Marcon, Features of Effective Packaging and Transport for Artwork – Technical Bulletin 34, Canadian Conservation Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/technical-bulletins/effective-packaging-transport-artwork.html
[19] Y. Guo y J. Zhang, “Shock absorbing characteristics and vibration transmissibility of honeycomb paperboard,” Shock and Vibration, vol. 11, n. 5-6, pp. 521–531, nov. 2003, doi: 10.1155/2004/936804.
[20] M. A. Garcia-Romeu-Martinez, M. A. Sek, y V. A. Cloquell-Ballester, “Effect of initial pre-compression of corrugated paperboard cushions on shock attenuation characteristics in repetitive impacts,” Packaging Technology and Science, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 323–334, mar. 2009, doi: 10.1002/pts.856.
[21] ARPLANK Sales, Designing for Optimal Cushioning Performance with arPro® EPP and arPak® EPE: Technical Design Guide, 2020. [En línea].
[22] EPS Industry Alliance, Cushion Curve Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Packaging, Technical Bulletin, Crofton (MD, USA), 2016: EPS Industry Alliance, 2018.
[23] X. An, B. Huang, y D. Shi, “Cushioning properties and application of expanded polystyrene for a dynamic nonlinear system,” Engineering Reports, vol. 5, no. 9, abr. 2023, doi: 10.1002/eng2.12648.
