Conventional passive packaging plays a crucial role in food manufacturing by protecting foods from various external influences. Most packaging materials are polymer-based plastics derived from fossil carbon sources, which are favored for their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. However, the extensive use of these materials poses significant environmental challenges due to their fossil-based origins and persistence in the environment. Global plastic consumption for packaging is expected to nearly triple by 2060, exacerbating the ecological crisis. Moreover, globalization has increased access to a diverse range of foods from around the world, heightening the importance of packaging in providing healthier and safer foods with extended shelf life. In response to these challenges, there is a growing shift to eco-friendly active packaging that not only protects but also preserves the authentic qualities of food, surpassing the roles of conventional passive packaging. This article provides a comprehensive review on the viability, benefits, and challenges of implementing bio-based biodegradable polymers in active food packaging, with the dual goals of environmental sustainability and extending food shelf life.

This study aims at quantifying the degree of concentration of the traditional product market in Romania, and the sector’s productivity and the economic performance of the different categories of traditional products are assessed. This can highlight a correlation between the dynamics of traditional products and the regional development of the relevant markets in Romania. The second aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the economic profitability of the traditional products and the sector’s sustainability. The third aim evaluates the relationship between the capital accumulations of specific companies and the evolution of their current assets. The information selected for the application was prospective (literature review, market observations, query, and data consolidation) and analytic revised (database analysis, hypothesis fixation, model conceptualization, model hypothesis testing, and conclusions to be drawn). The selected data were processed, aiming at developing a model for the sustainable development of the traditional products. The research information was collected based on the official registrations carried out between 2014 and 2018 by at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Romania. During this period, Romania developed the National Traditional Product Registry (NTPR), which comprises a database of 647 traditional products. The assessment of economic performance was achieved through calculated performance test by a new proposed statistical model, named ZML. ZML suggests a market concentration analysis as an alternative to the Gini Struck method. The impact of the research consisted of an evaluation of the economic performance of traditional Romanian products in sustainable development terms.

Global demand for sustainable food packaging materials has intensified research on bio-based biopolymer systems capable of delivering functional compounds. Among these, protein–polysaccharide gels have emerged as versatile matrices for the incorporation and controlled release of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. This review examines recent advances in the design and functionality of protein–polysaccharide gel systems for active food packaging applications. Particular attention is given to representative hybrid matrices such as casein/chitosan, gelatin/alginate, and whey protein/pectin systems, highlighting their gelation mechanisms, molecular interactions, and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the review explores the potential of agro-industrial and marine by-products as renewable sources of proteins, polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds within circular bioeconomy strategies. Current limitations related to stability, scalability, and regulatory compliance are also addressed. By integrating structural, functional, and sustainability perspectives, this work provides a comprehensive framework for the development of next-generation protein–polysaccharide gel carriers for active food packaging.

Plate food waste (PFW) in early childhood education is a critical yet understudied issue in Eastern Europe, with implications for nutrition, sustainability, and food security. This study examined PFW in a kindergarten in the Republic of Moldova, encompassing all 58 enrolled children and generating 14,292 meal-level observations through direct weighing of served meals and leftovers. Variance analysis (ANOVA) was used to test the influence of weekday, meal type, age, and gender, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explored latent structures of waste determinants. Results showed significant effects of weekday and meal type on PFW, with lunch consistently generating the highest waste levels and snacks the lowest. Gender differences were modest, while the interaction between age and gender indicated heterogeneous developmental patterns in waste behavior. PCA reduced the dataset to three main components: Portion Control, Menu Design, and Serving Strategy, explaining 84.7% of the total variance. These findings provide novel evidence for understanding how contextual and nutritional variables shape children’s PFW in early education and offer a replicable framework for reducing PFW and improving dietary adequacy in kindergartens. The study’s implications extend to sustainable nutrition planning and early behavioral interventions in preschool settings.

The wine packaging industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and consumer preferences. Classic glass bottles, while still predominant, are being supplemented by innovative packaging such as Bag-in-Box, cans, polymer/biopolymer-based bottles, single-serve pouches, and kegs. These alternatives offer some benefits like lower carbon footprints and enhanced convenience, although they also face challenges related to consumer perception and acceptance. Smart packaging enhances wine quality preservation by controlling oxygen levels and monitoring product freshness, thereby extending shelf life and ensuring safety. Recent trends indicate a growing demand for eco-friendly and aesthetically innovative packaging solutions, aligning with consumer preferences and emphasising the industry's dynamic nature and potential for continued growth. This paper offers an overview of different innovative wine packaging.