Economic and environmental assessment of reusable plastic containers: A food catering supply chain case study

Increasing concern for sustainability compels citizens and enterprises to reduce waste and encourage recycling, reuse and remanufacturing of end-of-life products. Since packaging is one of the most relevant waste sources, attention to packaging design and management is warranted, especially in sectors where packaging is integral to handling and transportation, i.e. the fresh food supply chain. The analysis of a product′s life cycle highlights potential sources of waste throughout the food supply chain (FSC).