Circularity of flexible food packaging

main challenges and perspectives

Abstract

The present work addresses the issue of circularity in flexible packaging, widely used in the market for food packaging and normally for single use, discarded soon after consumption. Considering the environmental challenges of this type of packaging, the research aims to present and discuss the main alternatives to increase the circularity of flexible food packaging so that they are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, as emphasized and disseminated by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation. In order to do so, it begins by characterizing these packages, their functions and main types, and then discussing, within the Circular Economyconcept, the available alternatives, encompassing topics such as the symbology of selective disposal and recyclability of materials, the use of alternative raw materials (of renewable sources or PCR resins), and changing materials (such as the monomaterial
and compostable/biodegradable ones). To this end, we conducted a bibliographic review complemented by information obtained in non-structured interviews with professionals in the sector, regarding the possibilities and
challenges of companies in this chain. As a result, besides surveying the possibilities, we involved the entire chain
to achieve its effective sustainability, reducing the impact throughout its life cycle, being creative and employing
out-of-the-day solutions to improve packaging and the transition to a circular economy.