Requirements for a Shift to Sustainable Food Packaging - A Company Approach

Abstract

The accumulation of huge amounts of plastic waste is causing irreversible damage to nature and human health, and one solution could be to apply the principles of the circular economy. A number of global and European regulations (Sustainable Development Goals, Green Deal) address this issue and aim to apply the circular economy model. However, the practical implementation of the targets in the context of food packaging is also very slow and the decision to influence the process is in the hands of companies. The views of corporate decision-makers in this area are particularly important in the food industry, as these companies either produce the packaging themselves and/or decide which packaging to use. The literature identifies some of the factors influencing business decisions (customer expectations, costs). The aim of this study is to present, analyse and discuss the factors that influence domestic manufacturers in their choice of packaging materials. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with decision-makers from various domestic food and food packaging companies, which were analysed using the Berkana two-loop model. Our results show the current practices and the perceived reasons and options for adopting or not adopting the new system. In conclusion, the study shows that theories and goals for reducing environmental impact are only developed when they are translated into everyday practice. In the case of food packaging, alternatives already exist, but it is easier and simpler for decision makers to maintain the status quo.