Dutch Researchers Create Tool to Help Companies Navigate Complex Packaging Sustainability Decisions
Wageningen, Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Wageningen University researchers developed a comprehensive decision-making framework that challenges the notion that all packaging is inherently harmful. The tool addresses three critical environmental factors: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, while balancing functionality needs. Recent industry analysis reveals that packaging printing creates the most contamination in recycled materials, with companies like Bieze and Ehrmann leading design innovations using removable sleeves and washable labels for food-safe recycling.
Holistic Framework Challenges Packaging Assumptions
The Wageningen University team, led by researchers Ulphard Thoden van Velzen and Marieke Brouwer, developed their framework around a fundamental principle that packaging sustainability cannot be evaluated in isolation [1]. Their approach, documented in the booklet “Duurzaam Verpakken,” defines sustainable packaging as one that contributes to the overall sustainability of the product-packaging combination while providing adequate protection and minimizing negative impacts across three critical dimensions [1]. The researchers emphasize that packaging serves essential protective functions, with Brouwer noting that while unnecessary packaging exists, particularly for non-food products like scissors wrapped in hard plastic and cardboard, many packaging solutions prevent greater environmental harm [1].
Trade-offs Reveal Complex Environmental Calculations
The decision tool highlights counterintuitive environmental trade-offs that challenge conventional sustainability thinking [1]. Glass milk bottles, often perceived as more sustainable, actually score worse on CO₂ emissions compared to drink cartons, though they pose less risk to natural environments [1]. Similarly, the thin plastic wrap around cucumbers increases both CO₂ emissions and pollution risk but extends shelf life significantly, with the environmental benefits from reduced food waste often outweighing the packaging material’s impact [1]. These examples illustrate why the Wageningen researchers argue against generic solutions, insisting that packaging choices must be situation-specific and consider multiple environmental factors simultaneously [1].
Industry Focus on Recycling Contamination
Recent analysis by Thoden van Velzen, published on April 21, 2026, reveals that printing represents the largest source of contamination in recyclable materials [2]. The researcher explains that printed monomaterial packaging introduces numerous unwanted chemicals into recyclate through inks, pigments, adhesives, and label glue, with substances that are safe for single use becoming problematic after multiple recycling rounds [2]. Current recycling facilities use artificial intelligence to exclude contaminated brands, resulting in clean but expensive recyclate primarily used for personal care products like shampoo and skin cream rather than food packaging [2]. Thoden van Velzen advocates for “Design for Food Safe Recycling,” which involves redesigning packaging so recyclate becomes suitable again for food contact through measures like removable printing or easily washable labels [2].
Leading Companies Demonstrate Practical Solutions
Several Dutch companies are already implementing design innovations that address recycling contamination concerns [2]. Bieze packages raw salad in transparent polypropylene trays with easily washable labels, while Ehrmann uses transparent PP cups with washable labels for desserts [2]. Johma has introduced coleslaw in transparent PP cups featuring printed cardboard sleeves that are easily removable, demonstrating how companies can maintain brand visibility while ensuring recyclability [2]. These examples represent practical applications of the Wageningen framework, showing how the balance between environmental impact, functionality, and economic viability can be achieved through thoughtful design choices [2]. Industry surveys indicate that while 80% of packaging professionals consider sustainability important, appearance and ease of use remain equally decisive factors in packaging decisions [3].