Plastic-Free Packaging in the German Potted Herb Supply Chain: An Interdisciplinary Assessment of Plant Quality and Consumer Behavior

Plastic packaging has severe environmental consequences but remains dominant in the German potted herb sector. This interdisciplinary study examined both plant physiological performance and consumer behavior to assess the viability of plastic-free packaging for basil, parsley, and mint. We investigated (i) how plastic and plastic-free pots and wraps perform under real production, transportation, and household environmental conditions and (ii) how consumers perceive, use, and dispose of these packaging types in everyday life. Quantitative measurements of temperature, humidity, plant quality, and pot degradation were collected along two supply chains and in 25 households using data loggers and standardized quality assessments. Qualitative insights into consumer practices were obtained through interviews, diaries, photographs, and voice messages during two-week winter and summer household studies. Results show that suboptimal transport temperatures fall below species-specific thresholds, compromising herb quality regardless of packaging type, while plantable pots degrade prematurely under certain cultivation conditions. Although consumers perceive plastic-free alternatives positively, plantable pots were rarely planted and were often disposed of incorrectly. The findings reveal both technical and behavioral barriers that limit the adoption of plastic-free packaging. By integrating upstream supply chain performance with downstream consumer behavior, this study provides insights to guide the development of sustainable, consumer-centric packaging solutions.