Polymeric Coatings for Metal Food PackagingMetal boxes for food preservation have a long history but, if in the past, they had deficiencies from the hygienic and toxicological point, especially in because of the welds that were made in Sn-Pb alloy, currently the quality of the manufactured products are much better. Today the protection of food is mainly entrusted to the polymeric layer of inner coating , called coating , which stands between the metal wall and the contained food. The primary function of this barrier is to protect food products from light, oxygen, enzymes, humidity, pollutants and microorganisms that would result in the modification of the structure of the food and its quality. The aim is also to increase the useful life of the food or the drink which in normal, that is, not canned, it would deteriorate more quickly, as the biochemical and enzymatic reactions and the activity of microorganisms would normally run their course. Therefore, to increase the life of the food, the metal packages are normally coated with synthetic resin film applied to the metal sheet again flat, film with a thickness of a few microns. The choice of the type of resin depends on its mechanical, chemical or thermal characteristics based on the content they must host. Below we can list the main ones: • Rosin consists mainly of abietic acid, which is normally added with ZnO to control the chemical reactions that are formed through the sulfur amino acids of proteins. • Vinyl resins are from the family of thermoplastic resins, normally PVC, which have excellent resistance to acids, but have the defect to absorb food pigments. • Phenolic resins are composed through the polymerization of formaldehyde and phenol which have excellent resistance to heat treatments, PH and to fats. Through the formaldehyde content we can identify two families of phenolic resins: Novolacche (thermoplastic) and Resoli (thermosetting). • Epoxy Resins are thermosetting resins consisting of bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin which are the most common coating in canned foods, especially in fish-based foods in oil. • Polyester resins are thermosetting resins obtained from different monomers such as phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride or fumaric acid, integrated with vegetable oils and pigments. They have the characteristic of flexibility giving this characteristic to the metal wall layer. • Epoxy-Phenolic Resins are the result of the polymerization of epoxy resins with phenolic ones through catalysts. They are used as a transparent coating for many metal cans that contain oil, vegetable or pet food preserves. As regards the toxicological characteristics there are specific legal regulations that place limits on the possible migration of packaging substances into food, in which both specific migration and global migration are considered. However, the scientific community has given new impetus to studies and research on the toxicological aspects relating to plastics used in the food industry, with particular attention no longer to the single element that constitutes the packaging, but takes into consideration the cocktail effect that is given by all the elements that come into contact with food translated over time and with different thermal characteristics. Undoubtedly the food or drink contained in the packaging at the time of packaging has certain characteristics, but over time and in different climatic conditions , the quality of the food that arrives on the table could be different. Therefore it would be advisable to verify it through a chemical analysis, on a sample, with an instrument composed of a gas chromatograph and a spectrometer ion mobility that, in a simple and rapid way, will give the photograph, analytical, of the quality of food or drinks. Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.
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The enhancement of recycled polymers also passes through the solution of the problem of odors In a circular economy perspective, the recycled polymers that come from post-consumption, therefore from the domestic separate collection, must be valorized, also managing to solve the problem of odors. The need to make greater use of recycled polymers that come from post-consumption has now become a primary issue for the recycling of plastics. As reported in the article published on the plastic and circular economy portal two fundamental conditions must occur: Remodeling of the aesthetic expectations of finished products made of recycled plastic Reduction or cancellation of the smells that products made with post-consumer input bring with them after production.In the first case it is important to be able to produce more products with recycled plastics , especially those made today with virgin plastics only for aesthetic reasons that could be defined as negligible, thus increasing the consumption of plastic waste. In the second case, the problem of odor still strongly affects the purchase of recycled granules, especially in those countries where the problem of environmental protection is less felt. If we want to give an example, a bottle of detergent produced with a recycled HDPE , after production, maintains a quota of smell (perfume?) Of detergent that comes from the processing of the bottles of the separate collection, in which the fragrances of the liquids previously contained also remain after washing. As you can see, it is not a disabling problem for those who will have to refill the recycled bottle with perfumed liquids, but it is and has always been a topic discussed by polymer buyers. Although things from this point of view are slowly changing, where there are major complications are those products made with PP or PP / PE or LDPE whose raw material has contained food residues, detergents, cosmetics or where the regeneration process has critical issues . The factors that contribute most to the creation of odors are represented by: Food residues, which create microbiological processes Cosmetic residues that present difficulties in cleaning during washing Surfactants that are incorporated into plastics Contaminations in the washing water of plastic waste Contaminations caused by the degradation of polymers during the production of granules. To date, a full and definitive solution to the problem, to be applied in the large-scale production of recycled polymers, does not seem to exist yet, in fact, various paths are being followed to try to mitigate and, in the future, resolve the presence of these odors. Coverage of odors There are numerous products on the market, in the form of masterbach, which are used in the extrusion or injection phase of the products, containing various fragrances that help to mitigate a pungent odor like some polymer productions can be. The fragrances are numerous: vanilla, pine, strawberry, orange, lemon, lavender and many others. Mechanical processes There are plants for the production of recycled granules which, during the processing of plastic waste and the production of the granule itself, substantially reduce the sources that generate unpleasant odors. These systems are based on a triple combination of filtration, degassing and suction of volatile parts in order to improve the problem. Scientific research At the same time, research is making progress to try to identify, in a scientific and unequivocal way, the source of the odors of the compounds coming from the separate collection. The German Fraunhofer Institute for Process and Engineering and Packaging ( IVV ) is studying how to improve the recycling processes of post-consumer waste. The work focuses, with an olfactometric and analytical approach, on the study and cataloging of the smells present in post-consumer plastics, evaluating their intensity and origin, identifying the materials that produce them through a chemical analysis. The data collected from these scientific catalogings will help researchers find suitable processes for solving problems caused by microbiological decay, aging of the plastic, chemical results of thermal processes and residues from mechanical processing of plastic that cause unpleasant odors.Analytical control of odors in the laboratory Today, however, we have the possibility, through a laboratory instrumentation, which combines the activity of a gas chromatograph (GC) and an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) to have a precise picture on the intensity and nature of the odors that come from the waste from recycle either from the flake or granule produced by post consumer plastics. This tool helps us to identify the annoying components from the odorous point of view in the incoming waste, but also on the raw material produced or on the final products made with recycled plastic, so as to establish corrective actions or, with the customer, an analytical range and not questionable, the level of odors in the products and accepted by the parties.Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.
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A world that escapes our hands as the hair turns gray. Will young people make it?The advent of the pandemic was like a watershed between the old and new world, not that there have been any sharp breaks in our lives, or that an upheaval visible to everyone's eyes and physically verifiable has come about, but many things have changed irreversibly. The pandemic has created a sort of forced meditation, closed inside homes, in which time has played a new role, it has allowed us to think, to take stock, to understand where we were on the journey of our life and what we would like to change. We came out dazed, saddened, perhaps more cynical, but we have certainly put our lives more at the center, on the scale of priorities , acquiring greater awareness of who we are and what we want. The first evident consequence of this collective meditation was expressed in the different relationship with the time and ways we dedicated to work which, at the net of the usual cunning of the moment, he made himself felt above all in those sectors where working life was less regulated and protected. A channel of activity where working was a concession, almost a favour, and even the pay fell from the sky as if it were a gift, where the hours could not be counted and the earnings were slim. An army of precarious workers who offered their days to mainly commercial activities, and who no longer presented themselves to their old jobs after the pandemic. Don't they eat anymore, don't have to pay rent or bills, don't have to get dressed and lead a dignified life? Yes, they have to do all of this but, in silence, they understood that the relationship between employer and employee had to change, everyone must do their part, with respect, fairness and within the working times agreed by both parties. It was understood that one doesn't have to live to work, that the relationship with money could change, that the consumer society in which we live we must not suffer it, but live it by choosing how to do it as we please. It is not a new form of social proletariat, it is the awareness that we no longer have to live to have, to satisfy ideal desires, like an endless and incurable addiction. The stop of Covid has made us understand that it is possible to live even with much less than what we have always thought up to now, that time is the very treasure we have, and the spending of it, with the ways to do it, belongs only to us. As in the 19th century where the Luddism movement was concerned with the consequences of the industrialization of work on the workforce, and therefore on the sustenance of the weakest sections of the population, even today, the youngest, the least protected generation, the most fragile in the social sphere, is rediscovering a new form of Luddism. Today's young people are not going to destroy the weaving looms which two centuries ago reduced the need for manpower, they throw misery, let's not set fire to the headquarters of Facebook, or Twitter, or Instagram, Amazon or companies that computerize everyday life, let's not revolt against a state that does not assist families who have no financial resources to make graduate a child, or to give him the opportunity to take a training course to learn a trade, surviving progress. Young people are starting to understand that international capital movements create new worlds, where technicality and high-level IT skills are necessary to live, where many medium or low schooling activities can be replaced by artificial intelligence, a robot or something that doesn't exist yet. At this point Marx could enter the scene, claiming the right of all peoples, of all social classes, to live a dignified, economically stable and preferably peaceful life. Many sections of the population have already been affected by technological progress, for example the elderly are excluded from any relationship with the public administration, with banks having much of the corporate assets as they lack basic IT skills. Many people of working age risk, or have already risked, being replaced by more or less intelligent forms of machines, both in factory, office and trade, entering the tunnel of a new poverty and social abandonment. Money is always the engine of all social and environmental changes, and their use sometimes creates wrong, opaque and harmful behaviors which, continued over the years , have changed not only people's minds but also the planet we live on. The environmental catastrophes caused in the last 6 or 7 decades, still partially denied today by some, are leading the world towards situations for which we are not prepared, such as lack of water, energy, unstoppable climatic migrations, local wars, widespread pollution also in our food chain. But we are still walking, as we approach the ravine, with blindfolded eyes, headphones in our ears to listen to the their music, the very sound of money in the Pink Floyd song comes to mind. But is this what we need to hear? We are still in time, changing lifestyle, way of thinking and reminding us that we are all their market and their money, therefore, modern Luddism is knowing how to give up the superfluous, disconnecting from social networks which are also a machine to indoctrinate our choices and rekindle our brain. Machine translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.
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How to Discern Skills, Reliability and Cultural Compatibility in Just 30 MinutesIn today's business environment, where competition to attract and retain top-tier talent is more intense than ever, the ability to effectively evaluate candidates during a job interview has become a critical skill for companies.The challenge that human resources managers and executives face is considerable: determining a candidate's skills, reliability, fairness and determination, as well as his compatibility with the company culture, in just 30 minutes of interview.In addition to the complexity of this assessment, there is a real and significant risk associated with the possibility of making the wrong choice. An error in the selection process can lead not only to direct economic costs, such as those related to employee replacement and team reorganization, but also negative impacts on team morale and company productivity.This article offers a set of practical tools and effective strategies to successfully navigate the selection process, aiming to minimize the risk of errors and ensure that each new hire contributes to the overall success of the organization.Assessment of Skills and AbilitiesTo accurately evaluate a candidate's skills and abilities, it is essential to go beyond the simple statements in the resume. Interviews must be structured in such a way as to force the candidate to demonstrate her skills with concrete examples, rather than simply stating them.Using behavioral questions and what-if scenarios is particularly effective in this context. These techniques encourage candidates to talk about specific experiences that demonstrate how they have applied their skills in the past, thus offering a clearer view of their true capabilities.For example, ask "Can you tell us about a time you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline?" allows you to evaluate not only the candidate's ability to manage stress but also his organization and efficiency at work.Analysis of the answers provided can reveal a lot about the candidate's technical skills and his ability to apply them in real situations.Reliability and CorrectnessWhen evaluating a candidate's trustworthiness and fairness, it is crucial to take an approach that goes beyond superficial impressions to probe the candidate's depth of character and professional integrity. These attributes are key to predicting not only how an individual will behave in everyday work situations but also how they will react when faced with ethical challenges and pressures.Evaluation MethodsChecking References: An important tool for assessing reliability and correctness is checking the references provided by the candidate. Contacting former employers or colleagues can provide valuable information about the candidate's work behavior, work ethic and ability to work in a team.Ethical Scenario Questions: Asking questions that present ethical scenarios can help you better understand the candidate's moral principles. For example, ask "How would you act if you found out that a coworker was performing an unethical action at work?" can reveal a lot about the candidate's ethical priorities and propensity to make courageous decisions.Analyzing Responses to Situational Questions: Responses to situational questions can provide clues to a candidate's trustworthiness. Listening carefully to assess whether the candidate demonstrates a consistent and responsible approach in the situations described is essential.Importance in the Selection ProcessThe importance of accurately assessing these traits cannot be understated. A candidate who demonstrates a high level of trustworthiness and fairness is more likely to maintain ethical behavior under pressure, contributing positively to company culture and team morale. These aspects are particularly critical in roles that require decision-making autonomy and resource management.Determination and MotivationA candidate's determination and motivation are key indicators of their potential to contribute to the company's long-term success. These traits reflect an individual's ability to pursue goals with tenacity and maintain a high level of performance even in the face of challenges. Thoroughly assessing these aspects during the job interview can help employers identify candidates who are not only a good fit for the role but are also likely to engage and grow within the organization.Techniques for Detecting Determination and MotivationLong-Term Goals: Asking candidates to describe their long-term goals can provide insights into their ambition and career expectations. A candidate who has clear and realistic goals is often more motivated and determined to achieve success.Passions and Interests: Exploring candidates' passions and interests can reveal a lot about their intrinsic motivation. Candidates who demonstrate enthusiasm for their profession or for particular aspects of the role they are applying for tend to have a strong internal motivation that drives them to excel.Responses to Past Challenges: Asking candidates to share how they have faced past challenges can offer insight into their resilience and determination. Stories that include overcoming significant obstacles or learning from failure highlight the ability to persist in the face of difficulty.Evaluating MotivationUnderstanding the motivations behind the choice to apply for a specific position and company is essential. Candidates who demonstrate a deep understanding of company values and a genuine passion for the role on offer are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work. Furthermore, evaluating whether the candidate's motivations align with the growth and development opportunities offered by the company can indicate a good long-term fit.Interpretation of Character and Compatibility with Corporate CultureA candidate's compatibility with the company culture is a determining factor in the long-term success of both the individual and the organization. A candidate who aligns well with the company's values, expectations and work style is more likely to feel fulfilled in her role, maintain a high level of commitment and contribute positively to the company climate.During the interview, it is essential to grasp the key elements of the candidate's character and evaluate his potential integration within the team.Techniques for Interpreting CharacterBody Language and Non-Verbal Communication: The candidate's body language, eye contact, tone of voice and general energy can provide valuable clues about his or her character. For example, openness and confidence can indicate a predisposition for teamwork and leadership.Personal Values Questions: Asking candidates to describe the values they consider most important in work and life can help assess alignment with company values. Consistency between the candidate's values and those of the company is essential for good integration.Feedback and Self-Criticism: Assessing how candidates receive feedback and whether they are capable of self-criticism can indicate maturity and openness to improvement, desirable traits in any work environment.Evaluate Compatibility with Corporate CultureThe discussion about company values and how the candidate perceives them and embodies them in his past work experiences is crucial. Asking for concrete examples of how they have lived or contributed to similar values in the past can offer deep insight into their compatibility with the company culture.Cultural compatibility isn't just about sharing the same values, it's also about how people interact, resolve conflicts, and work together to achieve common goals. Evaluating the candidate's ability to adapt and actively contribute to the company culture can be crucial in preventing dissonance and promoting a cohesive and productive working environment.Strategies for Identifying ExaggerationsAsk for Specific Details: One of the most effective techniques for evaluating the accuracy of a candidate's statements is to ask for specific details and concrete examples. Asking them to describe specific situations, projects, results and actions taken can help verify the authenticity of their experiences.Consistency Assessment: Listen carefully to candidates' answers and evaluate the coherence of their statements throughout the interview. Inconsistencies or changes in stories may be signs of exaggeration.Comparison with Known and Verifiable Skills: Comparing the candidate's claims to the skills and experiences required for the role, as well as those verifiable through references or documentation, can help identify possible discrepancies.In-depth Follow-up: For key statements or experiences that raise concerns, an in-depth follow-up with targeted questions can clarify any ambiguities and provide a better understanding of the veracity of the candidate's statements.The Importance of a Balanced ApproachWhile it is essential to be vigilant about possible exaggerations, it is equally important to maintain a balanced and open approach. The goal is to create an environment where candidates feel comfortable sharing their authentic experiences, without the need to exaggerate to impress.ConclusionsThe ability to accurately assess a candidate's skills, reliability, fairness, determination, and cultural compatibility in a job interview is critical to making informed and strategic hiring decisions.By using targeted techniques to deeply explore candidates' experiences and traits, recruiters can significantly reduce the risk of making a poor choice. At the same time, discerning between facts and exaggerations ensures that decisions are based on accurate assessments, thus promoting the hiring of talent genuinely aligned with the company's needs and values.
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How to Choose an Odor-Free Recycled Blow Molding HDPE for AutomotiveThe use of recycled HDPE for blow molding is multiplying in companies that, until a few years ago, denied recycled material, brandishing it as a waste, a waste, of poor quality techniques, aesthetics and images. Fortunately, many things have changed inside and outside companies, so that recycled blow molding HDPE has passed within a few years from an outcast to a product of great interest, both practical and in the media. Without a doubt there have also been significant technical improvements on the plants that characterize the recycling production chain, so much so that many of the classic problems encountered in the use of HDPE recycled during the production of blown articles, have been partially resolved. A different approach has also been achieved by both the purchaser of the raw material and the final consumer, who have lost the criticality related to an article made with recycled material. But in the field of recycling there are still streams of HDPE that can present qualitative, aesthetic and odor problems. In relation to the odor contained in the bottles to be recycled, post-consumer raw material used for the production of the blow molding granule, certainly the most persistent is the one that derives from detergents, in fact, despite washing the bottles to be recycled, even carefully, the surfactant odor remains almost indelibly. If in the packaging sector the residual smell of detergent is increasingly tolerated, but in other sectors, such as the automotive one, it is a strong discriminant. With a view to the circular economy, the use of post-consumer recycled HDPE granules has become a real need for the environment, as it is essential to reuse plastic as much as possible at the end of its life, to avoid it ending up in waste. On the market there are neutral or opaque HDPE granules, which do not have inside them odors of detergent, food or other fragrances (or stinks), thus making them suitable for more professional use. For example the air ducts in the automotive sector, can be made with recycled HDPE granules, but they must not attribute to the air that passes inside them , unpleasant or persistent odors. The input of these granules consists of a mono plastic (HDPE only) which does not come into contact with other waste and therefore does not absorb any, during the cycle of storage, transport in bags and final recycling, the classic contaminations that give rise to the pungent and persistent odors of separate waste collection. With these materials, neutral or opaque, you can blow air vents, or other parts in the automotive sector, which do not have odors on the finished product, succeeding to combine quality, circularity and technical requirements. In any case, the incoming granules can be tested through a simple analysis on the footprint of the contained odors, through an ion mobility gas chromatography test, that in just 20 minutes can give us a photograph of the chemical components of the granules, in relation to possible odors during the blowing phases of the article or once placed in the vehicle. These data released by the test are not empirical, like the test done with the nose by a group of people, but they are completely analytical, precise and irrefutable.See more information on the topic Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.
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