Panorama of the Brazilian Plastic Packaging Sector and Global Technological Trends: the Role of Developed and Developing Countries in Achieving Environmental Sustainability and a Better Quality of Life Worldwide

Abstract

The plastic packaging industry has changed its production processes. Population growth, allied to society's new consumption pattern and uncontrolled urbanization, increased solid waste generation, is the main cause of environmental pollution and degradation. Some specific data indicate that the volume of used packaging will continue to grow over the next few years. In this study, we present an overview of the Brazilian plastic packaging sector, the current scenario of urban solid waste with a focus on plastic waste, and global trends in the plastic packaging market in terms of technologies that minimize its impact on the environment. Furthermore, we also highlight the case of the USA. This developed country published most patents on monolayer, multilayer, and nanotechnology packaging from 2010 to 2021. Still, it showed how investing in technologies for the packaging sector was not enough for the population's welfare due to the high social inequality in the country. We conclude that solutions to issues regarding the planet's social welfare and environmental sustainability include the adoption of circular economy models, investment in clean technologies, accountability of rich countries regarding greenhouse gas emissions in their territories, and, in the case of developing countries, public policies that encourage effective actions.