Since packaging is usually discarded after use, its negative environmental impact is significant. That is why, in recent years research has increasingly focused on finding alternative sustainable packaging materials. This master's thesis aimed to investigate the suitability of corrugated cardboard made from tomato fibres for packaging purposes.
In the experimental part, we examined the basic, surface, and mechanical properties of corrugated cardboard made from tomato fibres under standard conditions, after exposure to high humidity, and after exposure to low temperatures and compared them with the properties of commercial corrugated cardboard. Additionally we assesed the print quality and readability of radio frequency identification; shorter RFID tags on corrugated cardboard.
The results indicate that there was a much greater difference after exposure to higher humidity than after exposure to low temperature, with the most evident differences observed in measurements of mechanical properties, indicating a decrease in the strength and stiffness of the cardboard. The impact was comparable for both types of corrugated cardboard. Higher humidity and lower temperature had a smaller impact on print quality. Exposure to high humidity had a greater impact on the readability of RFID tags. The results suggest that the tomato fibre corrugated cardboard packaging is suitable for storage in different climate conditions, where better mechanical properties are not very important, and that its print quality is adequate for transport packaging.
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