Leal Filho Walter, Barbir Jelena, Venkatesan Madhavi, Lange Salvia Amanda, Dobri Andrea, Bošković Neda, Eustachio João Henrique Paulino Pires, Ingram Ian, Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta
Research and Transfer Centre Sustainability & Climate Change Management (FTZ-NK), Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany.
Department of Economics, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Foods. 2025 May 30;14(11):1955. doi: 10.3390/foods14111955.
The increasing use of bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics reflects a global push towards more sustainable materials. In the context of food packaging, where plastic waste and contamination risks are acute, these materials offer promising alternatives. However, the transition is complex, requiring coordinated regulatory interventions and lifecycle assessments (LCA) to avoid unintended environmental and health consequences. This paper outlines the pressing need for policies that guide the development and deployment of bio-based plastics in food-related applications. It provides a policy-oriented synthesis focused on Europe and discusses recent concerns such as toxicity, end-of-life impacts, and food safety. The study draws from the literature review and regulatory analysis to suggest policy mechanisms that can accelerate safe, circular solutions in food packaging. Methodologically, this communication uses qualitative synthesis of scientific and regulatory data to assess gaps and align innovations with sustainability targets.
生物基和/或可生物降解塑料的使用日益增加，反映了全球对更可持续材料的推动。在食品包装领域，塑料垃圾和污染风险十分严峻，这些材料提供了有前景的替代方案。然而，这种转变很复杂，需要协调一致的监管干预和生命周期评估（LCA），以避免意外的环境和健康后果。本文概述了制定政策以指导生物基塑料在食品相关应用中的开发和部署的迫切需求。它提供了一个以欧洲为重点的政策导向性综述，并讨论了近期的一些问题，如毒性、生命周期末期影响和食品安全。该研究借鉴文献综述和监管分析，提出了能够加速食品包装领域安全、循环解决方案的政策机制。从方法上讲，本交流采用科学和监管数据的定性综合分析，以评估差距并使创新与可持续发展目标保持一致。
