Sandra Muizniece-Brasava

Attitudes of Latvian consumers to traditional and eco-friendly food packaging materials: comparison of 2007 and 2017

Food packaging has an essential role in ensuring safe delivery of food products from ‘farm to fork’. However, food packaging accounts for almost two-thirds of total packaging waste by volume and approximately 50 % by weight of total packaging sales. Therefore, consumer attitudes of food packaging have the potential to contribute to and also counteract environmentally sustainable development.In order to assess consumer awareness and attitudes to traditional and biodegradable polymer food packaging materials in the market of Latvia, a 19-question survey was polled in 2007 and 2017. The survey was completed by 1000 respondents (50 % men, 50 % women) from all regions of Latvia (Kurzeme, Zemgale, Vidzeme, Latgale and Riga) each year. The questions were related to consumer knowledge of traditional and eco-friendly packaging, their willingness to pay more for eco-friendly food packaging, as well the difference of packaging and recycling symbols.Compared to 2007, consumers would like to participate in the reduction of environmental pollution more frequently, however, they were not willing to pay more than 5 % for eco-friendly food packaging in 2017.

Evaluation of the Influence of Various Biodegradable Packaging Materials on the Quality and Shelf Life of Different Food Products

Abstract The aim of the present research was to summarize the results of investigations carried out on the influence of different biodegradable polymer packaging materials on the shelf life and quality of several food products during storage. In Latvia, most of consumers consider that polymers as a material for food packaging are overly used, and they support the idea of introducing new eco-friendly food packaging. Biodegradable films were investigated for their ability to extend the shelf life of apple salad and minimally processed shredded carrots stored at 4 °C. It was found that they can guaranty the same as or even a longer shelf life than that provided by conventional polymer films. Bio PLA transparent films, thermoformed PLA containers, and cellulose-based films were tested for fresh produce packaging. Ceramis®-PLA-SiOx barrier coated films were tested for their influence on the quality of food products - rye bread, apple-black currant marmalade candies, and soft cheese Kleo - during storage. PLA and PHB films showed satisfactory results for packaging of perishable foods - salad with meat in mayonnaise. Ceramis®-PLA-SiOx films were used for vacuum packaging and also for mild thermal treatment (Sous vide) of soft cheese, providing its prolonged shelf life. Some BoPLA films specially envisaged for packaging of confectionery were tested for milk pomade sweet - sherbet - packaging. Its quality was evaluated mainly by moisture content and by changes in hardness during storage. The results suggest that biodegradable packaging materials can be a successful alternative to the conventional polymers for packaging of several food products, which could provide an essential contribution in reducing the environmental pollution.