Reuse principle for primary packaging circularity in the food system

Abstract

The overall goal of this article is to explore how the circular economy reuse principle can transform the mainstream food system in order to reduce plastic waste from primary packaging. This paper reviews literature about the current mainstream food system, the functions fulfilled by food packaging, business models and design strategies relevant for the implementation of a circular economy based on reuse. Reuse is presented as a plausible strategy to minimize waste and energy use by creating long-life products that can slow down the production of new material.