Optimizing the Value Chain of Recycling Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging for Sustainable Development and the Circular Economy

Abstract

Due to the imperative requirement to either reduce or taking into account the complete elimination of plastic packaging, packaging that is either biodegradable or that qualifies as compostable packaging gained popularity in recent years, and is now perceived by consumers as the solution forsignificant reduction of the negative impact on the environment, respectively of the pollutionwith plastic. This article thus addresses the issue, providing an overview of this situation, of the end-of-life environmental problem of biodegradable and compostable packaging. At the same time, it highlights important aspects regarding the solutions meant to answer the identified problems in order to optimize the value chain of the recycling of these packaging and the implementation of innovative approaches, in view of the sustainable development and the circular economy.

Keywords

• biodegradable and compostable packaging
• life cycle
• composting
• circular economy