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Can food packaging become more recyclable while still protecting product quality and shelf life?

A new research article published in Food Packaging and Shelf Life explores this challenge by comparing conventional multilayer packaging with a more recyclable monomaterial solution for plant-based burgers.

The study, “Impact of measures to increase packaging recyclability in stability of plant-based burgers: A comparative study between multilayer and monolayer lidding films,” investigates how the two packaging systems influence the quality and stability of plant-based burgers during refrigerated storage. Researchers monitored physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters over 23 days, while also assessing the environmental impact of the packaging materials.

The results showed similar microbial growth at the end of shelf life for both packaging systems. While some differences in product stability and sensory characteristics were observed, the recyclable monomaterial solution achieved a 25% lower global warming potential compared with the conventional system. Overall, the findings indicate that moving towards monomaterial packaging can support greater circularity without substantially compromising product preservation.

The research contributes to the development of more sustainable packaging strategies for plant-based foods, highlighting the importance of considering food quality, microbiological stability and environmental performance together when designing future packaging solutions.

The article is published open access in Food Packaging and Shelf Life, Volume 56 (2026).

Read the full article:
Impact of measures to increase packaging recyclability in stability of plant-based burgers: A comparative study between multilayer and monolayer lidding films