The function and properties of common food packaging materials and their suitability for reusable packaging: The transition from a linear to circular economy

Abstract

For the last few decades, plastics have been the material of choice for food packaging applications. Combining mechanical performance with barrier properties and transparency, plastics have been a cost-effective solution for safely distributing food produce. Unfortunately, most plastic packaging is based on a linear model where packaging is designed for single use, resulting in vast amounts of post-consumer waste being generated annually. In response to this concern, many public and private bodies globally have set ambitious sustainable development targets with the goal of reducing plastic waste. To assist in meeting these targets, the implementation of reusable packaging schemes has been suggested. These schemes aim to prolong the lifespan and worth of plastic packaging and have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics, provided all aspects of their design are carefully considered. One design aspect often neglected is the influence of repeated use on the properties of the packaging material. Very little literature exists investigating the effects that repeated contamination and washing can have on the material's intrinsic properties. This review article aims to comprehensively review the functions and properties of various food packaging materials to assess their suitability for reusable food packaging applications.