Redesigning food packaging in the context of a circular economy 

Redesigning food packaging in the context of a circular economy

Redesigning food packaging is an innovative approach aimed at optimizing packaging systems to align with the principles of sustainability and circularity. This involves reevaluating the material composition, functionality, and lifecycle of packaging to minimize environmental impact while maintaining or improving usability and protection of the product. The design thinking workshop organised by DBH InnoHub as part of the project Plan-C centered on streamlining food packaging to align with the principles of a circular economy.

The session brought together participants from diverse backgrounds:  

• academia (Budapest University of Technology and Economics),  
• professional association (Hungarian Plastics Association),  
• SMEs (UgrinPack Kft, PolymerOn Kft, New Energy Kft, Bio-Refinary Kft, DBH InnoHub Kft), 
• large corporations (MOL Group / MOHU). 

Participants tackled key challenges, such as the complexity of packaging materials, contamination risks, and the need for user-friendly designs emphasizing the recyclability challenges arising from diverse material properties (e.g., melt flow index and molecular weight distribution) in the waste stream. The discussions led to innovative outcomes, including modular or mono-material packaging systems produced from biodegradable or easily recyclable materials. Emphasis was placed on intuitive solutions, such as collapsible designs for effortless sorting and clear labeling to guide users toward proper disposal methods.

Prototypes showcased multifunctional packaging that serves as storage or transport solutions, promoting reuse before recycling. The team proposed scalable strategies to enhance resource efficiency, minimize waste, and adhere to circular economy principles, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable lifecycle for food packaging.

Additional recommendations included developing packaging standards to reduce material overuse and streamline printing processes. Raising public awareness emerged as another critical focus, with calls for educational initiatives and better information dissemination to empower consumers in adopting sustainable practices. These measures, detailed below, aim to create a holistic approach to improving the sustainability of food packaging systems.

By addressing these aspects, redesigned packaging can seamlessly integrate into a circular economy, reduce waste, and encourage responsible consumption and production practices.