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Development of biodegradable food packaging in the context of COVID-19: sustainability more urgent than ever

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Listed:
  • Thaiza Serrano Pinheiro de Souza

    (Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)
    Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne)

  • Julia Rabelo Vaz Matheus

    (Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO))

  • Andreza Salles Barone

    (Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO))

  • Danielle Cristine Mota Ferreira

    (Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM)
    University of Viçosa (UFV))

  • Franciele Maria Pelissari

    (Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM))

  • Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante Fai

    (Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)
    State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ))

Abstract

The indiscriminate overconsumption of non-biodegradable packaging, particularly single-use food packaging, resulting from COVID-19 is exacerbating an age-old environmental problem. This is due to changes in consumer behavior that is concerned with safety issues when buying food, which has led to a preference for purchase in delivery and take-out. In addition, health department agencies indicate the use of disposable products to prevent contamination (e.g., disposable foods; and pre-packaged foods). To date, there is no evidence of SARS-CoV‑2 contamination through food ingestion, however, COVID-19 has raised awareness about packaging for hygienic-sanitary protection of food. This thesis paper discusses arguments from the literature regarding the current development of biodegradable food packaging in the context of COVID-19. It takes an international perspective concerning the impact of the pandemic and correlates it with the changes in current and post-pandemic perspectives. To minimize the impacts related to the increase in the consumption of plastics, there must be a greater investment in research for the development of biodegradable packaging focusing on recyclability. Besides that, there is a necessity to change the type of economy adopted nowadays—that is, the linear economy, to the circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Thaiza Serrano Pinheiro de Souza & Julia Rabelo Vaz Matheus & Andreza Salles Barone & Danielle Cristine Mota Ferreira & Franciele Maria Pelissari & Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante Fai, 2022. "Development of biodegradable food packaging in the context of COVID-19: sustainability more urgent than ever," Sustainability Nexus Forum, Springer, vol. 30(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sumafo:v:30:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s00550-023-00529-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s00550-023-00529-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zaremohzzabieh, Zeinab & Ismail, Normala & Ahrari, Seyedali & Abu Samah, Asnarulkhadi, 2021. "The effects of consumer attitude on green purchase intention: A meta-analytic path analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 732-743.
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    3. Charlene Li & Miranda Mirosa & Phil Bremer, 2020. "Review of Online Food Delivery Platforms and their Impacts on Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-17, July.
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