Single-use versus reusable packaging for perishable liquid foods - Exploring evidence from research on climate impact and food safety

In November 2022 the European Commission launched a new regulatory framework proposal for packaging and packaging waste, EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which includes mandatory reuse and refill targets of packed food products. With specific focus on perishable liquid food products, such as dairy, plant-based beverages, juices, and nectars, which are currently primarily available in single-use packaging. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into prevailing knowledge gaps and highlight crucial areas for attention in the ongoing development of packaging solutions that contribute to sustainable development. Based on the systematic literature review of 163 scientific publications, it was found that research into and knowledge of reusable packaging alternatives for primary packaging of perishable liquid foods are clearly insufficient. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about reusable packaging impacts on food waste and food safety as well as environmental effects of logistics and operational processes. It can be concluded that in any effort to minimise the negative effects of perishable liquid foods, a holistic perspective is crucial so as not to reconfigure packaging for the sake of much higher environmental damages of food waste, or risk consumers’ health and well-being.