Consumer behavior as a challenge and opportunity for circular packaging in the food sector– what do we know?

Although the food system has been highlighted as a potential site for fruitful implementation of the principles of circular economy, most studies engage with food production and little attention is paid to food consumption, despite the fact that a circular economy will require transformation of both.

Among the studies and literature reviews that focus on the consumer, most are concerned with food waste, although to achieve a circular and sustainable food system, it is not enough to minimize food waste.

Indeed, circular food packaging is another key issue for a sustainable food sector due to its high production volume, short usage time and problems related to waste management and littering.

The here proposed study complements existing literature by shifting the focus from consumer behavior and food waste, which has already been reviewed many times, to consumer behavior in the case of food packaging. The aim of this study is to offer an overview of our knowledge of consumer behavior and circular food packaging.

A knowledge overview of the current research will provide the food sector with insights that facilitate the design of new circular solutions and to better adapt them to consumer groups.

We achieve this aim by conducting a systematic literature review within the different stages of consumer interaction with circular food packaging: acquisition, use and end of use.