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Bio-based plastics and recycled plastics are more and more often used in packaging in France and elsewhere. These materials are complementary to the virgin plastics of fossil origin. They bring new functionalities and added-value to plastic and flexible packaging. Studies all predict a growth of these plastics in the years to come, but the growth rate is still uncertain.This article describes the current situation, the determining factors of this growth and the principal initiatives taken in response to the challenge of developing bio-based and recycled plastics in packaging.
The European Union fights against plastic at two levels.First, it imposes on Member States quantitative targets: reduction of plastic packaging and increase in the recycling rate of plastic packaging waste. It is the Member States of the European Union that are responsible for achieving these objectives, not the companies. However, companies are indirectly involved through the “producer responsibility organization” to which they are members, as achieving the objectives assigned to the Stats is included in their regulated terms of reference.Also, it requires companies to promote packaging that can first be reused and then recycled or composted.
The AGEC (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy) law adopted in 2020 set ambitious targets for reducing the environmental impact of household packaging through the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and phasing out single-use plastic packaging by 2040. The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) adopted in 2025 aims to harmonize European rules on packaging with the same goal of reducing impact. While France has the leeway to maintain its ambitions and remain a pioneer in the 3Rs, it will also have to adapt and implement new methodologies and objectives resulting from this regulation.
Gas permeation through food packaging limits gas transfer, maintains a modified atmosphere or controls the respiration of fruit and vegetables for better food preservation. The theory of gas diffusion has been explained in terms of selective gas flow, permeance and permeability to avoid confusion. Factors affecting gas transport are explained, in order to understand the gas "filter" properties of polymers. Permeameters are described to facilitate dialogue with packaging suppliers. Accelerated aging to predict the shelf life of a microbiologically stable packaged food is also presented.
The multiplicity of (peri)urban agriculture (UA) projects at the global level illustrates its key role in social, environmental and economic dynamics. These projects respond to the challenges of sustainable cities and are part of the collective and inter/transdisciplinary dynamics of Territorial Food Plans, or the Zero Net Artificialization law. However, conflicts of use for spaces and pollution are frequently observed and force actors to negotiate around issues related to land. This article deals with the dynamics driven by UAs on a global scale and in France to promote sectoral and multi-actor ecological transitions on the themes of sustainable food, environmental health and inclusive education.
Food packaging must be able to regulate the mass transfer (gases, vapours) between the external atmosphere and the product. Dimensioning packaging, i.e. choosing the optimal transfer properties, depends on the food requirements, and relies on calculation/simulation tools. These tools can be very simple, e.g., calculations of the flow of water vapor in a steady state using a Fick law, or much more complex, such as software for predicting the transfers of O2 and CO2 gas in products packed under modified atmosphere.The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of these tools with examples of application on concrete cases.
The use of agro-resources for food packaging materials, biosourced (without competition with food usages) and fully biodegradable in natural conditions, offers a way to replace oil-sourced packaging materials and remedy the ecologically disastrous accumulation of plastics in our environment. This article first presents the role of food packaging, and then focuses on the characteristics of agro-resources, specific issues concerning their transformation into packaging materials and the related environmental implications.
The interest in nanocellulose has increased exponentially. During the last decade, this bio-based nanomaterial was essentially used in nanocomposites for its reinforcing properties. Its nano-scale dimensions and ability to form a strong entangled nanoporous network have encouraged the emergence of new high added value applications. Packaging is a potential application field of nanocellulose. Promising mechanical, optical and barrier properties are encouraging characteristics.
This article deals with wooden packaging, consisting of pallets and pallet boxes, light packaging and industrial boxes. First, the physical and mechanical properties of wood species and derived materials used for the manufacture of packaging, as well as their conditions of use, are presented. The different types of packaging are then described and their manufacturing principles detailed. The second part of this article focuses on the environmental aspects of packaging and its integration into the concept of the circular economy. Finally, the wood packaging market is presented through the key figures of the sector.
The European Union has implemented an harmonization policy regarding national regulations on packaging and packaging waste management; legal requirements, standards and guidelines based upon eco-design. This legislation is aimed at guaranteeing both coherent environmental protection and the correct functioning of the inner market regarding packaging. A precise definition of these packaging products is initially required in order to define accurately which products are to be submitted to such regulation. In the end, packaging manufacturers are faced with many constraints, be it in terms of reduction at source, content of hazardous substances or recovery of packaging waste.
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