Greenhouse gas emissions associated with food packaging for online food delivery services in Australia

Abstract

The food service industry has seen the advent of online food delivery services (OFDS) due to the development of online retailing and a rise in mobile phone usage. OFDS are growing in popularity around the world and are increasing the use of take-away food packaging and the subsequent environmental implications from its production and disposal. While a large number of studies have considered packaging-related environmental effects, there has been limited focus on the effect of OFDS-related packaging demand on the environment, particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. This study quantifies the packaging-related greenhouse gas emissions associated with OFDS orders. Data on food packaging for a range of the most popular cuisines delivered by OFDS in Australia were collected from restaurants. The assessment was performed using the Packaging Impact Quick Evaluation Tool, which showed that the packaging-related greenhouse gas emissions for a single order ranges from 0.15 to 0.29 kg CO2e, depending on packaging type. Of this, production of packaging raw materials contributes at least 50%. With the expansion of the OFDS sector, the annual greenhouse gas emissions associated with OFDS food packaging in Australia is predicted to grow by 132% by 2024. This preliminary examination of the greenhouse gas emissions implications of food packaging production and disposal associated with the Australian OFDS industry adds to the limited knowledge in this area and provides valuable insights into the greenhouse gas emissions implications of the emerging global OFDS industry.