Research output: Contribution in Book/Report/Proceedings - With ISBN/ISSN › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
Research output: Contribution in Book/Report/Proceedings - With ISBN/ISSN › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
}
TY - CHAP
T1 - The Paradox of Plastic Packaging
AU - Piacentini, Maria
AU - Stowell, Alison
AU - Hadley, Charlotte
AU - Mumford, Clare
AU - Verma, Savita
AU - Cronin, James
AU - Hardy, John
AU - Hendry, Linda
AU - Skandalis, Alex
PY - 2025/4/14
Y1 - 2025/4/14
N2 - This chapter examines the paradox of plastic packaging in the food industry. While plastic food packaging offers undeniable benefits such as protection, extended shelf life, and enhanced consumer appeal, it poses significant environmental challenges. The persistence of plastic waste in the environment, with only a small fraction being recycled, raises concerns about its impact on ecosystems and human health. The chapter emphasises the need for collaboration among consumers, businesses, and waste management organizations to develop and implement effective strategies. We call for a critical examination of the necessity of plastic packaging and advocate for designs that prioritise recyclability or reuse. In the second part of the chapter, we highlight successful sustainable packaging projects, providing concrete examples of how innovative materials and strategies can lead to a more environmentally sustainable future. Highlighting the political nature of the issue and the influence of supply chain stakeholders and policymakers, the chapter emphasises the importance of adopting a multi-pronged approach to create sustainable and responsible packaging practices. This work contributes to the broader discussion on sustainable consumption and the need for balance between convenience and environmental stewardship. By recognising all these aspects, we can begin to create a more sustainable and responsible approaches to plastic packaging.
AB - This chapter examines the paradox of plastic packaging in the food industry. While plastic food packaging offers undeniable benefits such as protection, extended shelf life, and enhanced consumer appeal, it poses significant environmental challenges. The persistence of plastic waste in the environment, with only a small fraction being recycled, raises concerns about its impact on ecosystems and human health. The chapter emphasises the need for collaboration among consumers, businesses, and waste management organizations to develop and implement effective strategies. We call for a critical examination of the necessity of plastic packaging and advocate for designs that prioritise recyclability or reuse. In the second part of the chapter, we highlight successful sustainable packaging projects, providing concrete examples of how innovative materials and strategies can lead to a more environmentally sustainable future. Highlighting the political nature of the issue and the influence of supply chain stakeholders and policymakers, the chapter emphasises the importance of adopting a multi-pronged approach to create sustainable and responsible packaging practices. This work contributes to the broader discussion on sustainable consumption and the need for balance between convenience and environmental stewardship. By recognising all these aspects, we can begin to create a more sustainable and responsible approaches to plastic packaging.
KW - Plastic packaging, sustainable consumption, waste, innovative solutions
M3 - Chapter (peer-reviewed)
SN - 9781032535043
BT - Routledge Companion to Marketing and Sustainability
A2 - Peattie, Ken
A2 - De Angelis, Roberta
A2 - Koenig-Lewis , Nicole
A2 - Strong, Carolyn
PB - Routledge
ER -