Environmental concerns have become more important to consumers, leading many companies to design products around sustainability principles. This can be focussed on reducing energy consumption in manufacturing processes, improving recyclability, using waste products or replacing materials with biodegradable alternatives.
Texture Analysis plays an
important role in ensuring standards are maintained in areas such as
material mechanical properties and food texture. A large amount of
research in this area occurs in an academic context; this blog post
contains some examples of Texture Analysis in Research.
For example, putting waste products and industrial by products to use reduces the amount of matter that goes to landfill, and can reduce the total energy consumption of manufacturing processes.
In a recent study by researchers from the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Spain, a material made from aquatic waste has been researched as a new method of cleaning up oil spills, and it also has applications in food packaging. They have been investigating PLA coatings to improve the performance of renewable adsorbent pads based on cellulosic aerogels from aquatic waste biomass.
Lightweight, sustainable, hydrophobic pads were produced. They used their TA.XTplus Texture Analyser to perform mechanical measurements, with compression strength increasing up to 10-fold with the incorporation of PLA. These materials presented a great potential as adsorbent pads for oil spill cleaning and food packaging applications. Read more
Over in Poland, scientists from Warsaw University of Life Sciences have been researching the production of innovative freeze-dried vegetable snacks with hydrocolloids in terms of technological process and carbon footprint calculation. Freeze-dried vegetable snacks were analysed in the form of a vegetable bar, which is residual waste from the production of frozen vegetables. Hydrocolloid bars were freeze-dried to create porous structure. Two hydrocolloid systems were analysed: sodium alginate with calcium lactate and the mixture of locust bean gum with xanthan gum.
Over in Poland, scientists from Warsaw University of Life Sciences have been researching the production of innovative freeze-dried vegetable snacks with hydrocolloids in terms of technological process and carbon footprint calculation. Freeze-dried vegetable snacks were analysed in the form of a vegetable bar, which is residual waste from the production of frozen vegetables. Hydrocolloid bars were freeze-dried to create porous structure. Two hydrocolloid systems were analysed: sodium alginate with calcium lactate and the mixture of locust bean gum with xanthan gum.
They used their TA.HDplus Texture Analyser to measure the physical properties of obtained samples. and the carbon footprint for the production of each freeze-dried vegetables bar was calculated. The type of hydrocolloid was shown to have a significant impact on the on the physical properties and footprint of investigated snacks. Find out more
Another environmental problem that needs to be solved is the widespread overuse of single use plastics. Eco friendly alternatives are being sought after by consumers and packaging manufacturers. In a study that put to use the waste from beer production, researchers from the University of Lisbon have been looking at a plastic with properties sufficient for use in plastic cups. They have been investigating product development with biopolymers made from brewers’ spent grain and carboxymethylcellulose, using a 3D food printer.
The combined use of recycling, reuse and biopolymers from various sources can be contributing factors for the reduction on environmental impact raised from the production, use and disposal of plastics. Brewers’ Spent Grain (BSG) is a by-product from beer production. In this context, the use of BSG to produce biomaterials can be an alternative for the destination of these residues from small and medium generators. The main aim of this work was to develop a product with a BSG and CMC developed and characterised material, using a 3D printer.
Another environmental problem that needs to be solved is the widespread overuse of single use plastics. Eco friendly alternatives are being sought after by consumers and packaging manufacturers. In a study that put to use the waste from beer production, researchers from the University of Lisbon have been looking at a plastic with properties sufficient for use in plastic cups. They have been investigating product development with biopolymers made from brewers’ spent grain and carboxymethylcellulose, using a 3D food printer.
The combined use of recycling, reuse and biopolymers from various sources can be contributing factors for the reduction on environmental impact raised from the production, use and disposal of plastics. Brewers’ Spent Grain (BSG) is a by-product from beer production. In this context, the use of BSG to produce biomaterials can be an alternative for the destination of these residues from small and medium generators. The main aim of this work was to develop a product with a BSG and CMC developed and characterised material, using a 3D printer.
The material was developed, and physical proprieties was determined, followed by a 3D print of prototypes. They used their TA.XT2 Texture Analyser to perform three-point bend measurements on samples. The results showed that the materials prepared with BSG and CMC have high mechanical resistance and water resistance is enough to use in disposable cups. Find out more
Over in India, researchers have been investigating edible, biodegradable cutlery, reducing the disposal need for one large application of single use plastics. Scientists from Kongu Engineering College (India) have been researching the optimisation of composition for the preparation of edible cutlery using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).
Over in India, researchers have been investigating edible, biodegradable cutlery, reducing the disposal need for one large application of single use plastics. Scientists from Kongu Engineering College (India) have been researching the optimisation of composition for the preparation of edible cutlery using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).
The objective of this study was to prepare nutritious edible cutlery using composite flour such as wheat flour, pearl millet and barnyard millet and optimise the composition based on water absorption characteristics at various temperatures under RSM. Levels of independent variables such as wheat flour, pearl millet and barnyard millet flour were varied.
They used their TA.XTplus Texture Analyser to perform Textural Profile Analysis on both raw and water-soaked samples. The optimum composition was found to be 50.12 % wheat flour, 26.18 % barnyard and 0% of pearl millet flour. The optimised sample had the nutritional value of 83.68 g/100g of carbohydrate, 2.36 g/100g of total fat and 5.67 g/100g of protein. It was found to biodegrade within 5 days. Read more
The reduction of energy consumption in any industry saves manufacturers money along with a lower impact on the environment. In the food industry, this can help contribute to a worldwide effort to strive for more sustainable food production. Over in Spain, researchers from the University of Murcia have been investigating the artificial light impact on the physical and nutritional quality of lettuce plants with an aim of looking into food production under sustainable conditions. Recently, LEDs are being used extensively as a supplementary light source in indoor agriculture due to the economical and physiological advantages that this artificial illumination offers compared to traditional fluorescence illumination.
In this work, two commercially important lettuce varieties were used to study the impact of LEDs (white and red–blue lights) and fluorescent illumination on their quality and health properties. They used their TA.XTplus Texture Analyser along with a Kramer Shear Cell to measure leaf texture. They concluded that although several horticultural studies have been conducted to establish the effectiveness of LEDs in lettuce growth, additional investigations are necessary to determine the optimal conditions for the use of LEDs to promote lettuce production and the accumulation of beneficial components, such as vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidant compounds. Read more
In an effort to reduce the use of non-eco-friendly chemicals, scientists from the University of the Basque Country have been researching removable biobased waterborne pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) containing mixtures of isosorbide methacrylate monomers. Growing environmental concerns are enforcing sustainable recycling processes for glass substrates, especially bottles, where a fast cleaning and minimisation of the use of solvents is desired. In this process, labels and adhesives are mostly removed by the addition of harsh reagents, alkaline solutions, or high temperature, increasing economic costs and harming the environment.
In this study, high performance and biobased waterborne pressure-sensitive adhesives with fast removability in water have been developed using small percentages of isosorbide (derived from glucose)-based methacrylate monomers. They used their TA.HDplus Texture Analyser to perform peel, loop tack and probe tack tests.
They used their TA.XTplus Texture Analyser to perform Textural Profile Analysis on both raw and water-soaked samples. The optimum composition was found to be 50.12 % wheat flour, 26.18 % barnyard and 0% of pearl millet flour. The optimised sample had the nutritional value of 83.68 g/100g of carbohydrate, 2.36 g/100g of total fat and 5.67 g/100g of protein. It was found to biodegrade within 5 days. Read more
The reduction of energy consumption in any industry saves manufacturers money along with a lower impact on the environment. In the food industry, this can help contribute to a worldwide effort to strive for more sustainable food production. Over in Spain, researchers from the University of Murcia have been investigating the artificial light impact on the physical and nutritional quality of lettuce plants with an aim of looking into food production under sustainable conditions. Recently, LEDs are being used extensively as a supplementary light source in indoor agriculture due to the economical and physiological advantages that this artificial illumination offers compared to traditional fluorescence illumination.
In this work, two commercially important lettuce varieties were used to study the impact of LEDs (white and red–blue lights) and fluorescent illumination on their quality and health properties. They used their TA.XTplus Texture Analyser along with a Kramer Shear Cell to measure leaf texture. They concluded that although several horticultural studies have been conducted to establish the effectiveness of LEDs in lettuce growth, additional investigations are necessary to determine the optimal conditions for the use of LEDs to promote lettuce production and the accumulation of beneficial components, such as vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidant compounds. Read more
In an effort to reduce the use of non-eco-friendly chemicals, scientists from the University of the Basque Country have been researching removable biobased waterborne pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) containing mixtures of isosorbide methacrylate monomers. Growing environmental concerns are enforcing sustainable recycling processes for glass substrates, especially bottles, where a fast cleaning and minimisation of the use of solvents is desired. In this process, labels and adhesives are mostly removed by the addition of harsh reagents, alkaline solutions, or high temperature, increasing economic costs and harming the environment.
In this study, high performance and biobased waterborne pressure-sensitive adhesives with fast removability in water have been developed using small percentages of isosorbide (derived from glucose)-based methacrylate monomers. They used their TA.HDplus Texture Analyser to perform peel, loop tack and probe tack tests.
Formulations containing 2-octyl acrylate and isobornyl methacrylate and small amounts (1 wt %) of these monomers not only yield stronger adhesive fibrils, but also promote a removability in water 6× faster than that of nonisosorbide-based counterparts. This waterborne isosorbide containing PSAs represents an alternative to current PSA formulations toward more sustainable glass recycling and reusing processes. Read more
The fight against climate change will take a global effort from manufacturers and consumers, as well as global leaders and scientists. Texture Analysis has its part to play in this fight, ensuring the products we use every day are eco-friendly without a quality compromise.
For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.
The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments
and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of
specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.
No-one understands texture analysis like we do!
To discuss your specific test requirements click here...
The fight against climate change will take a global effort from manufacturers and consumers, as well as global leaders and scientists. Texture Analysis has its part to play in this fight, ensuring the products we use every day are eco-friendly without a quality compromise.
For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.
The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments
and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of
specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.No-one understands texture analysis like we do!
To discuss your specific test requirements click here...
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