Packaging’s of the organic farming products in the context of circular economy

¹ Cracow University of Economics, College of Management Sciences and Quality, Department of Quality Management, Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Krakow, Poland
² Cracow University of Economics, College of Management Sciences and Quality, Department of Technology and Ecology of Products, Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Krakow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: kafelp@uek.krakow.pl

Abstract

Research background: Food production is more and more globalized concerning not only the suppliers of food ingredients and producers but also considering the packaging trends and solutions available on the market. In opposition to that trend the EU high quality food products schemes were implemented such as organic farming products or traditional and regional ones. That products are usually perceived as good for the environment which is not always case when the packaging of that products are considered. The other global trend described in the paper that is focusing the attention is circular economy idea that points to the takeover from a linear economy to a circular economy. This paper combine the specific product (organic food) and its packaging with the recommendations of circular economy.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the study was the question, if the studied companies that are under the strict obligatory surveillance according to the organic food production rules meet the requirements of the sustainable production and circular economy requirements.

Methods: Food processing manufacturers operating on a polish market were surveyed in the area of circular economy aspects concerning the use of the product packaging to indicate the level of implementation and real interest in sustainable development and circular economy.

Findings & Value added: The main findings are related to the conclusion that organic farming producers with no implemented voluntary management system standards do not implement circular economy requirements.