Achieving better climate protection through more sustainable use of resources is a global challenge, but food manufacturers have a special responsibility here. Packaging made of plastic protects the product against spoilage throughout its entire shelf life, as well as against damage during storage and transport, thus ensuring safer and longer-lasting food. The downside: according to the European Commission, citizens in Europe produce 25 million tons of plastic waste each year. The European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy by the European Commission intends to lay the foundation for a new and sustainable plastics industry. One of the aims of this strategy is to change the way plastic packaging is handled within the European Union.
However, there are a number of food applications for which there currently is no suitable alternative to plastic. Especially in the segment of delicacies, for example when packaging products such as salads, antipasti, seafood, cheese or meat, often only plastic packaging can provide the required product safety. The challenge for manufacturers lies in finding functional, yet at the same time more sustainable packaging systems that combine ecological and economic aspects.