Design for recycling and circular economy in packaging: Cradle-to-Cradle principles and practices

The transition toward a circular economy in packaging requires innovative design-for-recycling (DfR) strategies and sustainable material solutions. This chapter explores the Cradle-to-Cradle principles and their application in food packaging to enhance recyclability, minimize waste, and promote closed-loop material cycles. The aim of this chapter is to analyze the key challenges, policies, and emerging technologies driving circularity in packaging. The objectives include (i) evaluating recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials, (ii) assessing design strategies for monomaterial and multimaterial packaging, (iii) reviewing advanced recycling technologies, such as chemical and enzyme-based recycling, and (iv) examining the impact of EU policies, incentives, and industry initiatives on circular packaging. Additionally, innovations in smart packaging, digital labeling, and blockchain technology are discussed as tools to improve waste sorting and material traceability. Addressing current economic, technical, and regulatory barriers, this chapter provides insights into designing sustainable, recyclable, and compliant packaging solutions.