Development of biodegradable food packaging in the context of COVID-19: sustainability more urgent than ever

Thaiza Serrano Pinheiro de Souza, Julia Rabelo Vaz Matheus, Andreza Salles Barone, Danielle Cristine Mota Ferreira, Franciele Maria Pelissari and Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante Fai ()
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Thaiza Serrano Pinheiro de Souza: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)
Julia Rabelo Vaz Matheus: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)
Andreza Salles Barone: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)
Danielle Cristine Mota Ferreira: Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM)
Franciele Maria Pelissari: Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM)
Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante Fai: Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)

Sustainability Nexus Forum, 2022, vol. 30, issue 1, No 1, 11 pages

Abstract: Abstract The indiscriminate overconsumption of non-biodegradable packaging, particularly single-use food packaging, resulting from COVID-19 is exacerbating an age-old environmental problem. This is due to changes in consumer behavior that is concerned with safety issues when buying food, which has led to a preference for purchase in delivery and take-out. In addition, health department agencies indicate the use of disposable products to prevent contamination (e.g., disposable foods; and pre-packaged foods). To date, there is no evidence of SARS-CoV‑2 contamination through food ingestion, however, COVID-19 has raised awareness about packaging for hygienic-sanitary protection of food. This thesis paper discusses arguments from the literature regarding the current development of biodegradable food packaging in the context of COVID-19. It takes an international perspective concerning the impact of the pandemic and correlates it with the changes in current and post-pandemic perspectives. To minimize the impacts related to the increase in the consumption of plastics, there must be a greater investment in research for the development of biodegradable packaging focusing on recyclability. Besides that, there is a necessity to change the type of economy adopted nowadays—that is, the linear economy, to the circular economy.

Keywords: Biodegradable food packaging; Circular economy; COVID-19 impacts; One single used plastic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s00550-023-00529-3

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