Unexpected possible consequences of plastic packaging reuse

Abstract

Reusable packaging is considered among the measures for achieving plastic waste reduction goals, however, some unexpected issues may arise with a shift from single-use to a reuse model for plastic packaging for industrial food applications, involving the hygienic and sensory spheres. Considerations are based on the diffusional properties of polymers leading to contamination with chemicals and to aroma scalping; the degradative effects of aging, of mechanical stress due to multiple use, and of the repeated sanitization with aggressive chemicals; the proneness of plastic surfaces to microbial film colonization. The reuse of plastic packages has the potential to increase the level of chemical contamination and of microplastic particles in foods, and could reduce product hygienic and sensory quality and standardization.