Trade-offs in closing the food plastic packaging loop: occurrence and lifecycle fate of additives
This project pivots around the topical, yet niche area of the lifecycle fate of additives used in food plastic packaging applications. It aims to explore the trade-offs associated with the mechanical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, by focusing on the occurrence and lifecycle fate of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances. PET is the most commonly used plastic packaging for the containment of beverages, e.g. water and soda drinks, and the most widely collected plastic for recycling at both formal and informal recycling systems. Thereby, interrogating all processes – from manufacturing to end-of-life management – involved in PET drinking bottles lifecycle, the project will champion innovative thinking and challenge the sustainability of closing the plastic material loops via the employment of mechanical recycling processes.
The outputs of this project, will be of wider benefit to the academic community that is increasingly facing the challenge of understanding the impacts of plastic packaging in the environment and society. The systemic approach taken by this study will benefit academics and stakeholders alike, as it will provide evidence on the lifecycle fate of additives used in food plastic packaging. This, in turn, can be used to assess the effectiveness of multiple proposed interventions in the plastic packaging system, and lead to effective decision-making regarding future policy interventions. This is a rapidly developing cross-cutting research area and it yields support from a wide variety of individuals and groups, including the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the European Food Packaging Forum.
Dr Eleni Iacovidou - My research focuses on sustainable solutions for resource and waste management, with a strong emphasis on circular economy strategies and sustainability assessment. I use a systems thinking approach (CVORR) to understand environmental challenges holistically and to identify points where practical interventions can generate the greatest value and impact. By considering not only environmental and engineering aspects but also social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions, my work highlights the multidimensional value of resource recovery systems. This approach helps create solutions that are technically sound, socially inclusive, and supportive of a faster transition to sustainability.
My research is primarily desktop-based and centres on five key areas:
Plastic and plastic packaging systems – assessing sustainable pathways to circularity
Textiles management – advancing prevention and reuse in a sustainable society
Food waste management – addressing challenges for sustainable consumption and recovery
Construction components – promoting reuse and modular structures
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) – repair, reuse, and circular strategies
In addition, I examine the effects of technological and regulatory lock-ins, the role of stakeholders in sustainability transitions, and the impacts of informal recycling systems on society and the environment. I am also exploring how waste infrastructure can be tailored to area-specific contexts and how smart technologies can enable product and component tracking across the value chain.
The ultimate goal of my research is to provide systemic and integrated sustainability assessments that support evidence-based policymaking, guide industry innovation, and foster academic collaboration. By applying systems thinking, I aim to reduce material leakage, extend product lifespans, and enhance resource efficiency, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.