Journal of Food Nutrition and Health

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.

Editorial - Journal of Food Nutrition and Health (2025) Volume 8, Issue 2

Sustainable Food Packaging: Reducing Waste and Impact on the Environment

Danielle Steele *

Department of Nutrition, Cukurova University, Turkey

*Corresponding Author:
Danielle Steele
Department of Nutrition, Cukurova University, Turkey
E-mail: d.steele@cu.edu.tr

Received: 1-April-2025, Manuscript No. aajfnh-25-163896; Editor assigned: 3-April-2025, PreQC No. aajfnh-25-163896 (PQ) Reviewed:17-April-2025, QC No. aajfnh-25-163896 Revised:24-April-2025, Manuscript No. aajfnh-25-163896; Published:30-April-2025, DOI: 10.35841/aajfnh-8.2.265

Citation: Steele D. Sustainable food packaging: Reducing waste and impact on the environment. J Food Nutr Health. 2025;8(2):265

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Food Nutrition and Health

Introduction

The global demand for packaged food continues to rise, and with it comes the pressing issue of environmental sustainability. Traditional food packaging materials, such as plastic, often contribute to pollution and waste, posing significant challenges for both the food industry and the environment. The growing concern over plastic waste, along with increased awareness about climate change, has driven a shift towards more sustainable food packaging solutions. Sustainable food packaging is designed to reduce waste, minimize environmental impact, and improve the overall sustainability of food systems. This article explores the importance of sustainable food packaging, the innovations in the field, and the ways in which these materials are changing the food industry for the better [1].

Traditional food packaging, predominantly made of plastic, has long been a staple in the food industry due to its durability, low cost, and versatility. However, the environmental impact of plastic packaging has become undeniable. Most plastic packaging is made from petroleum-based materials that are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Worse still, plastic waste that ends up in the oceans poses a significant threat to marine life, contributing to the growing problem of ocean pollution. In fact, the United Nations estimates that around 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans each year, with food packaging being one of the largest contributors [2].

In addition to the waste issue, the production of plastic packaging consumes significant amounts of energy and resources, contributing to carbon emissions and climate change. This has led to increasing pressure on food producers, governments, and consumers to adopt more sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of food packaging [3].

Sustainable food packaging refers to packaging materials and solutions that have a minimal negative impact on the environment. These materials are designed to be more eco-friendly, using renewable resources, reducing energy consumption, and promoting recycling or biodegradability. Sustainable packaging solutions are aimed at reducing the harmful effects of traditional packaging while still meeting the functional needs of food preservation, convenience, and consumer appeal [4].

In recent years, there has been a surge in innovations aimed at replacing single-use plastic packaging with more sustainable alternatives. From biodegradable materials and plant-based plastics to reusable and recyclable packaging, the options available to the food industry are rapidly expanding. This transition to sustainable packaging is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by consumer demand for more eco-conscious products, as many shoppers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions [5].

One of the most promising developments in sustainable food packaging is the rise of biodegradable and compostable materials. These materials break down naturally over time, reducing the burden of waste in landfills and decreasing the amount of non-degradable plastic that ends up in the environment. Common biodegradable materials include plant-based polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), both of which can be produced from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane [6].

Compostable packaging, which can decompose into organic matter through natural processes, is another important alternative. These materials are typically made from plant fibers, starches, or other natural substances and can be composted along with food waste. This makes them an ideal choice for food packaging, as they can be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner without contributing to long-term pollution [7].

Plant-based plastics, or bioplastics, are another growing category of sustainable food packaging. These materials are derived from renewable plant sources such as corn, sugarcane, or potatoes, rather than from petroleum. Bioplastics like PLA (polylactic acid) are used in various types of food packaging, including containers, bags, and films. They offer several advantages over traditional plastics, including a reduced carbon footprint and the ability to decompose more easily in composting environments [8].

Although bioplastics are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastics, they still present challenges in terms of production and waste management. For example, while PLA is biodegradable, it may require specific conditions (such as industrial composting facilities) to break down effectively. Nevertheless, plant-based plastics offer a more sustainable option and are being widely adopted in the food industry as part of efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels [9].

An innovative and fascinating concept in sustainable food packaging is edible packaging. This packaging is designed to be consumed along with the food, eliminating waste altogether. Edible packaging is typically made from natural ingredients such as seaweed, rice, or even milk proteins. These materials are not only biodegradable but are also safe to eat, providing a novel solution for reducing food packaging waste [10].

Conclusion

Sustainable food packaging is an essential part of addressing the environmental challenges posed by food production and consumption. By reducing waste, minimizing the impact of packaging materials, and adopting more eco-friendly alternatives, the food industry can play a significant role in combating pollution, reducing resource consumption, and promoting a more sustainable food system. As innovations in biodegradable materials, plant-based plastics, edible packaging, and reusable systems continue to evolve, the future of food packaging holds great potential for reducing environmental harm and shaping a more sustainable world for generations to come.

References

  1. Dilkes-Hoffman LS, Lane JL, Grant T, et al. Environmental impact of biodegradable food packaging when considering food waste. J Clean Prod. 2018;180:325-34.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar

  2. Guillard V, Gaucel S, Fornaciari C, et al. The next generation of sustainable food packaging to preserve our environment in a circular economy context. Front Nutr. 2018;5:121.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Var?inskas V, Markevi?i?t? Z. Sustainable food packaging: Materials and waste management solutions. Environ Res Eng Manag. 2020;76(3):154-64.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Brennan L, Langley S, Verghese K, et al. The role of packaging in fighting food waste: A systematised review of consumer perceptions of packaging. J Clean Prod. 2021 Jan 25;281:125276.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Tumwesigye KS, Oliveira JC, Sousa-Gallagher MJ. New sustainable approach to reduce cassava borne environmental waste and develop biodegradable materials for food packaging applications. Food Packag Shelf Life. 2016;7:8-19.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Pauer E, Wohner B, Heinrich V, et al. Assessing the environmental sustainability of food packaging: An extended life cycle assessment including packaging-related food losses and waste and circularity assessment. Sustain. 2019;11(3):925.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Licciardello F. Packaging, blessing in disguise. Review on its diverse contribution to food sustainability. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2017;65:32-9.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Santi R, Garrone P, Iannantuoni M, et al. Sustainable food Packaging: An integrative framework. Sustain. 2022;14(13):8045.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Asadollahi A, Tohidi H, Shoja A. Sustainable waste management scenarios for food packaging materials using SimaPro and WARM. Int J Environ Sci Technol. 2022;19(10):9479-94.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Marsh K, Bugusu B. Food packaging—roles, materials, and environmental issues. J food Sci. 2007;72(3):R39-55.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App