PUBLICATIONS
Find here below the scientific publications of the project:
1. Farrell, R., Cortese, Y. J., Devine, D. M., Gately, N., Rueda, M., & Rodriguez, L., & Pezzoli, R. (2024). The function and properties of common food packaging materials and their suitability for reusable packaging: The transition from a linear to circular economy. Applied Polymer Technologies Gateway, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; Materials and Recycling Department, Industrial and Technical Centre for Plastics and Composites (IPC), Bellignat, France; AIMPLAS, Instituto Tecnológico del Plástico, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
Abstract: For the last few decades, plastics have been the material of choice for food packaging applications. Combining mechanical performance with barrier properties and transparency, plastics have been a cost-effective solution for safely distributing food produce. Unfortunately, most plastic packaging is based on a linear model where packaging is designed for single use, resulting in vast amounts of post-consumer waste being generated annually. In response to this concern, many public and private bodies globally have set ambitious sustainable development targets with the goal of reducing plastic waste. To assist in meeting these targets, the implementation of reusable packaging schemes has been suggested. These schemes aim to prolong the lifespan and worth of plastic packaging and have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics, provided all aspects of their design are carefully considered. One design aspect often neglected is the influence of repeated use on the properties of the packaging material. Very little literature exists investigating the effects that repeated contamination and washing can have on the material's intrinsic properties. This review article aims to comprehensively review the functions and properties of various food packaging materials to assess their suitability for reusable food packaging applications.
Abstract: Systems for reusing packaging (e.g., refillable bottles for laundry detergent) have the potential to reduce plastic waste and lower the environmental impact of delivering products to consumers. However, despite the potential of reusable packaging, uptake of reuse systems is typically low and so the present research investigated whether informing consumers about these benefits increases their willingness to engage with reuse systems. A total of 969 participants were asked to imagine buying consumer products, such as laundry detergent in refillable bottles, and were then randomly allocated to either receive information on the potential environmental benefit of (i) their using the scheme, (ii) the scheme as a whole, or (iii) no information. The findings suggested that the information increased consumers’ awareness of the environmental impact of reuse systems but did not increase their willingness to use such systems. This finding underscores the need for strategies that go beyond mere dissemination of information, to circumvent obstacles that prevent willing consumers from enacting desirable behaviours
Conference: ILSI 8th International Symposium on Food Packaging - April 2025
Authors: Ronan Farrell, echnological University of the Shannon, Yvonne J Cortese, Technological University of the Shannon, Golnoosh Abdeali, Vlasta Chyzna, Athlone Institute of Technology
This research investigates how repeated contamination, microwave heating, and household dishwashing affect the appearance, properties, and food safety of plastic packaging materials. Polypropylene (PP), semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (CPET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and Tritan™ co-polyester were subjected to simulated reuse conditions to mimic real-world scenarios. Post-reuse material characterisation revealed minimal changes in mechanical properties and overall migration, indicating good suitability for reuse. However, visual quality and surface wettability were more significantly affected. These findings offer valuable guidance for selecting appropriate materials in the development of durable and sustainable reusable food packaging.
Abstract: Reusable packaging offers a promising solution to reducing plastic waste and promoting the sustainable and cleaner use of plastic materials. However, most plastic packaging is designed for single use and may lack the durability required to withstand repeated use under demanding conditions. In this study, we evaluate the performance of different polymer materials under repeated use conditions, focusing on changes in their appearance, material properties, and food contact safety. The investigated materials include the commodity polymers polypropylene (PP) and semi-crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (CPET), as well as the technical materials polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and Tritan™ copolyester. Each material was subjected to simulated real-world conditions, including contamination with food, exposure to microwave heating or long-term cold storage, and repeated cleaning cycles. This methodology replicates the wear and tear experienced in everyday reuse scenarios. The results demonstrate that all tested materials maintained their dimensions, mechanical performance, and chemical migration. However, notable changes in visual quality and wettability were observed, which should be carefully considered for specific applications. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the suitability of plastic materials for reusable food packaging, supporting the development of more sustainable products that align with cleaner production principles, and informing future reusable food packaging regulations.