BIODEGRADABLE FOOD PACKAGING: INSTITUTIONAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS

Subject. Consumers’ attitudes to the use of biodegradable food packaging materials as an alternative to conventional plastics, focusing on institutional and social aspects, including environmental challenges, consumer benefits, and barriers to adoption. Challenges of the environmental impact of traditional plastic packaging and the possibility of replacing it with biodegradable materials made from organic raw materials to reduce the environmental burden are studied. Purpose. To analyze consumer willingness to buy products in biodegradable packaging, in particular to assess the factors influencing their choice and to identify the barriers that hinder wider use of such materials. Methods. A non-representative online survey of respondents of all ages was conducted. The methods of systematization, comparative analysis, and graphical methods of data visualization were used. Results. High consumer awareness of biodegradable packaging (89.5%) and a positive attitude towards its use were revealed. However, despite the willingness to pay more, the majority are ready to pay a small surcharge (up to 10%). The main barriers include high price, limited range and lack of information. The survey also revealed support for changes in legislation to stimulate the wider use of biodegradable packaging. Scope of results: The results can be used by food manufacturers to make decisions on the transition to biodegradable packaging, as well as by regulators to formulate policies and develop appropriate programs to stimulate the use of such packaging in food industry practices and for information campaigns to raise consumer awareness.