Technological watch

The paper gives an overview on current end?of?life solutions for fibre and bio?based materials used for packaging in Europe. This review is focused on paper and board as well as bioplastics. Recycling, organic recovery and energy recovery are analysed with regard to the processes and technologies that offer the most sustainable end?of?life options.Efficient end?of?life solutions play an important role in developing sustainable packaging because they contribute to reducing resource wastage and environmental impact, whilst providing economic and social benefits. This paper briefly reviews current end?of?life solutions for fibre and bio?based materials for packaging in Europe. It also addresses current research in the field, as well as standardization, legislation and socio?economic aspects related to renewable packaging in Europe. This review focuses on the following groups of packaging materials: paper and board and bioplastics. With this hierarchy, recycling, organic recovery and energy recovery are analysed with regard to the processes and technologies that offer the most sustainable end?of?life options. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.