Making materials for packaging circularity

Circular packaging materials are becoming increasingly relevant to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for citizens and future generations. This work aims to present a glimpse of the current state of research by analysing fifty relevant case studies of packaging materials on the market or under development (for food, disposables, cosmetics, luxury, electronics, healthcare, etc.). The conducted analysis and clustering activity pointed out prominent development trends for incoming years. The study is supported by three multidisciplinary laboratory experiences of the Making Materials1 research team of Politecnico di Milano, in which end-of-life packaging can be considered no longer a waste to dispose of but a new resource for subsequent production. The collaboration between all the stakeholders in the process is crucial to make this closed cycle work and be efficient.