This research investigates the effectiveness of micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose (M-NFC) coatings compared to traditional synthetic coatings in enhancing the barrier properties of paper. Papers were coated at various grammages (1.2, 1.8, and 2.9 g/m²) and tested for properties such as hydrophobicity, lyophobicity, and surface smoothness. Paper coated with 2.9 g/m² M-NFC showed water absorbency of 10.5 g/m² and castor oil absorbency of 9.6 g/m², which were lower than for commercially available WBB-coated paper (respectively, 12.2 and 14.8 g/m²). The coatings were evaluated through microscopic analysis and physical testing methods including Cobb and Cobb–Unger absorbency tests and wettability measurements. The results indicate that M-NFC coatings provide a sustainable alternative with competitive barrier properties suitable for short-term use products, showcasing potential reductions in synthetic material usage, especially in food packaging.

This review article presents the current state of knowledge on the definitions, properties, and applications of the most important bioplastics, including PLA, PBS, PHB, PCL, and TPS. It discusses the factors driving market development, including technological, economic, and regulatory aspects, as well as the challenges associated with biodegradability, recycling, and waste management. The review highlights that the environmental benefits of bioplastics depend on the origin of raw materials, production processes, and end-of-life management strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of appropriate regulations, infrastructure development, and consumer education in supporting the sustainable use of bioplastics.

Paper-based packaging is widely promoted as a sustainable alternative to plastic; however, functional coatings can reduce fibre integrity and lead to burden shifting in industrial recycling systems. This review examines how these effects undermine the environmental benefits expected from fibre-based packaging and weaken progress towards high-quality circularity, as required by current EU sustainability policy. By comparing leading assessment schemes (PTS, CEPI, 4evergreen) with industrial evidence, we identify a systemic gap: laboratory-focused recyclability tests often overlook fibre-quality degradation and the resulting limitations for circular material loops. To close this gap, we propose a sustainability-oriented extension module based on three measurable ISO-anchored indicators—fibre length, fines fraction and WRV—that prevent “recyclable-only-on-paper” claims and support genuinely sustainable recycling performance. Case studies demonstrate how high laboratory yields can mask low industrial recyclability and thus hinder circular economy objectives. This study contributes to sustainability science by operationalising recyclability in a manner consistent with EU circularity goals and by providing a transparent method to protect fibre value in multiple loop cycles.

Artykuł przedstawia projekt D4PACK jako odpowiedź na rosnącą złożoność podejmowania decyzji dotyczących opakowań, wynikającą z presji regulacyjnych, ekonomicznych i rynkowych. Koncentruje się na narzędziu Early Guidance Tool (EGeT), systemie wspomagania decyzji opracowanym na podstawie działań pilotażowych prowadzonych z udziałem MŚP w Europie Środkowej. Narzędzie umożliwia przedsiębiorstwom ocenę różnych rozwiązań opakowaniowych pod kątem wykonalności technicznej, wpływu na środowisko, aspektów ekonomicznych oraz zgodności z regulacjami, a także dostarcza zestaw realistycznych alternatyw popartych szczegółowym raportem. Podejście D4PACK pokazuje, że ustrukturyzowane wsparcie decyzyjne jest kluczowe dla skutecznego i praktycznego wdrażania zrównoważonych rozwiązań opakowaniowych.