Plastic packaging in the circular economy

Plastic waste in the natural environment is a global concern, leading to calls for the adoption of a circular economy for plastics. Whilst attempts to achieve this have primarily focused on recycling, the work presented in this thesis asks: ‘What is required to make reusable packaging systems mainstream?’ for consumer goods, and ‘Is going packaging-free the answer to the plastics waste problem?’ for fruit and vegetables. First, an online survey was used to investigate the factors that influence what people are willing to reuse, and an LCA was conducted on different food takeaway options. Building on this, behavioural analysis, environmental assessment and materials technology were integrated to assess the viability of a real-world returnable takeaway bowl system. Using yogurt as a case study, semi-structured interviews were then analysed to examine the socio-technical transition from single-use to return systems. Finally, progress in the removal of single-use packaging from fruit and vegetables was investigated, alongside an analysis of plastic packaging and food waste policies. Key findings are: 1) Container and system design, customer acceptance of wear, and the return rate of the containers all affect the viability of a returnable packaging system. 2) Plastic is a good material choice for reuse as it is lightweight and inexpensive, although further work to understand contamination and the generation of microplastics is recommended. 3) The transition from single-use to reuse is currently at a standstill; cost and convenience are key. 4) A tension exists between plastic and food waste policies, with food waste policies taking precedence. 5) Going packaging-free is only part of a wider solution for plastic packaging waste from fresh produce. Finally, legislation will drive change, however any future initiatives to reduce single-use plastic packaging should be implemented using an evidence-based approach to ensure progress on other sustainability goals is not compromised.