Packaging Waste and Dietary Habits Relation in Young Adults

Current data highlights that the average European generates 188.7 kg of packaging waste annually, with a significant portion stemming from food packaging, while individual food waste amounts to 131 kg per person. The European Union sets targets to reduce both food and packaging waste per capita. Although the reduction in the environmental impact of transitioning to plant-based diets is well-documented, the specific correlation between dietary habits and packaging waste is currently underexplored. This study investigates the influence of young adults' dietary choices on the amount of packaging waste generated, and whether changes in these habits can lead to waste reduction. The research examines the dietary habits of young adults (ages 18 to 30), through a comprehensive study encompassing both quantitative and qualitative surveys. It investigates whether dietary preferences contribute to variations in the volume and type of packaging waste produced across three simplified diet groups: standard Western/Dutch, flexitarian, and plant-based diets. Participants were requested to record their food consumption over three-days period. To evaluate the outcomes of the survey, consumed food amounts and types are matched with a database that contains details on current food packaging in the Dutch market including their impact ratios (packaging waste per 100g of product). The results indicate that the plant-based diets exhibit the lowest overall amount of packaging waste per day per participant. Standard diet patterns demonstrate the highest overall packaging waste generation. The findings show notable disparities between meal types, with dinner meals ranking highest on influence, followed by lunch meals. The results offer recommendations on minimizing the environmental impact of food packaging and options to inform and advise consumers on dietary changes to reduce the overall environmental impact of their dietary choices.