A handbook examining the viability of the UK biodegradable food packaging industry has been released.

Sustainable Food Packaging: Biodegradable and Compostable Options by Catherine Creaney says the replacement of petroleum-based food packaging with more sustainable options is complex as there are a limited number of viable biodegradable and compostable food packaging materials available on a commercial basis.

The book points out that packaging made with starch, cellulose and polylactic acid is only environmentally friendly when industrially composted and there are few facilities able to do this in the UK.

Therefore, 'eco-friendly' packaging often ends up as landfill.

The review examines the materials that are available and those that have the potential, with further research, for use as food packaging.

The 39-page handbook is published by Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association Group.

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