Sustainable multifunctional foams for cold-chain packaging: Stabilizing polyethylene glycol with cellulose and pomegranate peel for antibacterial protection and temperature control
Hossein Baniasadi, Roozbeh Abidnejad, Cristina D. Cruz, Ziba Fathi, Päivi Tammela, Eero Kontturi, Erlantz Lizundia
Abstract
Here, we developed multifunctional, bio-based foams specifically designed for cold-chain packaging. Polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) is integrated as a phase change material within a cellulose and pomegranate peel matrix. The foams exhibited high porosity, low thermal conductivity, and effective thermal regulation with a phase transition at around 2 °C, storing approximately 65 J/g of latent heat. Importantly, the foams demonstrated stable thermal behavior across repeated heating-cooling cycles, with no leakage of PEG observed. Antibacterial testing revealed significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, and antioxidant activity reached close to 100 %, underscoring the foams' potential for microbial control and oxidative stability in temperature-sensitive applications. A life cycle assessment further supported the environmental benefits, showing a 25 % reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional petroleum-based foams. Additional benefits were achieved over benchmark foams when material criticality was considered. Overall, this work introduced a sustainable packaging solution for cold-chain transport, combining temperature stability, antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and reduced environmental impact. • Developed multifunctional foams for cold-chain packaging using PEG 400. • Achieved stable thermal regulation with a phase transition at ∼2 °C. • Integrated antibacterial and antioxidant properties for enhanced product safety. • Demonstrated a 25 % lower carbon footprint compared to traditional foams. • Validated environmental benefits through a comprehensive life cycle assessment.