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A Critical Review of Consumer Perception and Environmental Impacts of Bioplastics in Sustainable Food Packaging

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  • Junjie Lin

    (Centre for Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts (CSPB), School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin—City Campus, Central Quad, Grangegorman, D07 ADY7 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Amit K. Jaiswal

    (Centre for Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts (CSPB), School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin—City Campus, Central Quad, Grangegorman, D07 ADY7 Dublin, Ireland
    Sustainability and Health Research Hub, Technological University Dublin—City Campus, Grangerorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Swarna Jaiswal

    (Centre for Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts (CSPB), School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin—City Campus, Central Quad, Grangegorman, D07 ADY7 Dublin, Ireland
    Sustainability and Health Research Hub, Technological University Dublin—City Campus, Grangerorman, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

As awareness of environmental issues deepens and the demand for sustainability grows among societies, businesses, and consumers, minimizing the environmental impact of food packaging has become increasingly important. Bioplastics offer a promising solution due to their use of renewable resources (such as plants), their biodegradability, and their ability to retain the protective properties of traditional plastics. This review discusses recent advancements and trends in sustainable food packaging, emphasizing the role of bioplastics. Several typical types of bioplastics are introduced, along with an analysis of their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, this study investigates consumers’ attitudes toward bioplastic food packaging, emphasizing their perceptions of its sustainability and practical use. The findings reveal that consumers generally hold a positive attitude toward bioplastics, particularly appreciating their biodegradable and compostable properties. However, their expectations are often overly high, as they believe bioplastics must meet two key criteria: being made from renewable raw materials and being fully biodegradable or compostable. Additionally, most consumers lack the knowledge or ability to dispose of bioplastic waste properly. This issue highlights two critical areas for policymakers: aligning consumer expectations with realistic sustainability goals and educating the public on correct waste sorting and disposal practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Junjie Lin & Amit K. Jaiswal & Swarna Jaiswal, 2025. "A Critical Review of Consumer Perception and Environmental Impacts of Bioplastics in Sustainable Food Packaging," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1358-:d:1585780
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Igor Popovic & Bart A. G. Bossink & Peter C. van der Sijde, 2019. "Factors Influencing Consumers’ Decision to Purchase Food in Environmentally Friendly Packaging: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go from Here?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-22, December.
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