D2.1: Waste and litter generation by plastic food packaging strategies

Plastic food packaging plays a vital role in preserving food and supporting modern supply chains, but it is also a major contributor to global waste and environmental pollution. In the deliverable, we examined various plastic food packaging strategies that contribute to waste and litter generation within the European context. We analyze the full lifecycle of packaging materials from design and usage to disposal and end-of-life treatment and provide a comprehensive review of traditional linear economy models, collection and sorting systems, material reduction (downgauging), reuse and refill systems, and different recycling methods including mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling. The analysis identifies key challenges to effective recycling, such as material contamination, the complexity of sorting multilayer and colored plastics, and the degradation of material properties over multiple cycles. We also assess the potential and limitations of bioplastics, compostable packaging, energy recovery, and landfilling. In addition, we explored relevant European regulatory frameworks, such as deposit return schemes, extended producer responsibility, and the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Case studies from Coca-Cola, Loop, reCIRCLE, and REMONDIS illustrate practical implementations of circular economy strategies. Special attention is given to persistent issues like contamination, waste mismanagement, and microplastic pollution arising from packaging use and recycling processes. The findings highlight inconsistencies in waste management systems across Europe, especially in bin color coding and emphasize the need for harmonized approaches. The deliverable concludes with recommendations focused on innovation, policy alignment, infrastructure improvements, and changes in consumer behavior all aimed at supporting the EU’s goals for sustainable packaging, pollution reduction, and circular economy transition.