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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Food packaging wastes amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Trends and challenges

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Author(s):
de Oliveira, Williara Queiroz [1] ; de Azeredo, Henriette Monteiro Cordeiro [2, 3] ; Neri-Numa, Iramaia Angelica [1] ; Pastore, Glaucia Maria [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Food Engn, Dept Food Sci, Lab Bioflavours & Bioact Cpds, Monteiro Lobato St 80, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Embrapa Instrumentacao, R XV Novembro 1452, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[3] Embrapa Agroind Trop, R Dra Sara Mesquita 2270, BR-60511110 Fortaleza, CE - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; v. 116, p. 1195-1199, OCT 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 crisis generated changes in consumer behavior related to food purchase and the management of food packaging. Due to the intensification of online purchases for home delivery, there has been an increase in the use of food packaging (mostly non-biodegradable or non-renewable). Moreover, the fear of contamination with SARS-CoV-2 through contact with materials and surfaces has led to an intensified disposal of food packaging, promoting a setback in waste management. Scope and approach: The purpose of this short commentary is to address the impacts of increased use and disposal of food packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Technological solutions have been presented as tools to minimize the environmental impacts of the increased volume of disposed food packaging (namely, the development of biodegradable food packaging) as well as to minimize the occurrence of cross-contamination (namely, the incorporation of active antiviral components) Key findings and conclusions: The consumer behavior in the COVID-19 pandemic requires actions concerning adoption of bioplastics for single-use food packaging. Polylactide (PLA) stands out for high production viability, performance comparable to those of petroleum-based thermoplastics, and carbon neutral life cycle. Moreover, active components including organic compounds (resveratrol, luteolin, myricetin etc.) and metals (e.g., copper, zinc, silver) can mitigate cross-contamination. Therefore, there are opportunities to reduce food packaging related environmental footprints while also decreasing the occurrence of surface-mediated cross-contamination. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/50333-1 - COBRA: a novel compound discovery pipeline for rapid and cost-effective identification of bioactives with health beneficial effects in Brazilian crops
Grantee:Glaucia Maria Pastore
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants