10 - Eco-design of food packaging materials

Abstract

Publisher Summary The amount of food packaging consumed globally continues to increase, with significant impacts on the natural environment. The environmental impacts of packaging include resource consumption, land degradation, air and water pollution and global warming, and they occur at every stage of the packaging supply chain. This chapter discusses a series of eco-design principles which, if followed in the product design process, would support the development of more sustainable packaging. These principles are illustrated through detailed eco-design strategies and case studies. The overarching goal of eco-design is sustainable development. Eco-design is one of the many initiatives being implemented by companies in the manufacturing sector under the general banner of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in order to reduce their environmental impacts. Product stewardship is the principle that all companies in a product supply chain share responsibility for reducing the product's environmental impacts. Non-government organizations have been actively campaigning for increased regulation of packaging for many years. Eco-design is not rocket science. It is a straightforward process that should become an integral part of the design process rather than an add-on for niche green products.