Food Packaging Waste: Strategies for Reduction and Recycling

Abstract

Packaging waste is a significant contributor to global waste levels, accounting for roughly half of the total waste generated worldwide. This waste includes various materials like cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, and foam, which serve important functions in protecting products and providing information to consumers. However, these materials are often discarded after a relatively short period of use, leading to environmental pollution and long-term persistence. Food packaging, particularly disposable items such as cups, lids, straws, utensils, takeout containers, and bags, pose a major challenge. They not only contribute to packaging waste but also end up as litter, polluting marine environments and harming ecosystems. To address this issue, focusing on improving the recycling process, is crucial. By adopting sustainable packaging alternatives and optimizing recycling processes, we can significantly reduce packaging waste and promote a more responsible and sustainable approach to food packaging.