Sustainability in plastic packaging

Plastic consumption has increased rapidly in recent years due to improvements in the quality of life in a variety of applications, such as packaging, biomedical, automotive, and aerospace. With a view to optimizing plastic consumption, lowering the price, and controlling climate change, sustainability has become a major concern in different industries. A significant portion of plastics is used in the packaging industry, and sustainability in plastic packaging is particularly important with respect to recycling, post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, recycle-ready structures, plastic foams, plastic coated on papers and biodegradable/compostable materials. In this chapter, we will first provide an overview of the various criteria that can be used to define sustainability in plastic packaging and how sustainable packaging affects the environment. The following sections will discuss in further detail the materials and technologies in sustainable packaging. Additionally, a thorough examination of the regulations and standards pertaining to various sustainable packaging categories will be presented.