Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable packaging. The industry is therefore challenged to replace pure plastic packaging with fiber-based mono and composite packaging.
Paper and cardboard seem to be the optimal alternative, as well-developed recycling infrastructures exist for them. In addition, fiber-based packaging is partially biodegradable. However, it is neglected that the actual recyclability of fiber packaging often deviates greatly from the theoretical recyclability due to the design or contamination by food. Many packaging items ultimately end up neither in recycling nor in fermentation.
Due to this development, Lea Schneider, an intern at realcycle GmbH, is writing her bachelor thesis in the Environmental Engineering program at ZHAW on this topic. Realcycle GmbH, as an industrial partner, supports Lea Schneider with specialist knowledge and contacts to relevant actors in the industry.
To evaluate food packaging in Switzerland, the bachelor thesis combines the method of life cycle assessment and the measurement of actual recyclability. The recyclability is measured for the current point in time and for a future scenario in which a Switzerland-wide expansion of the recycling infrastructure is assumed. If the packaging examined can package food of the same type, a tipping point analysis is carried out to determine the influence of the food waste rate. This is because packaging that helps to minimize food waste could still be ecologically advantageous, even if its own impact on the environment is greater.
The bachelor thesis should provide a comprehensive recommendation as to which materials should be preferred for food packaging.
The work should be designed to be as practical as possible and address current issues in the industry.
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