Although flexible plastic packaging has been in use for less than a century, it has had an enormous impact on packaged goods as well as on waste proliferation. The advantages of plastic packaging in reducing both food waste and package weight, combined with robust end of life strategies for the package, are valuable contributors to the packaging market. Managing packaging materials as valuable resources will enable meeting consumer desires and environmental standards and managing public perception of their benefits. In terms of how best to collect waste and ensure sustainability, the Virtuous Circle projects demonstrate the importance of appropriate collection schemes: unless these are in place, whether or not the material is recyclable or not is a moot point. Collaboration throughout in the framework of the circular economy in a format like the Virtuous Circle benefits all players in the value chain.
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