Definition of an multicriteria system for the evaluation of the sustainability of the food packaging

The research carried out is aimed at developing an assessment method useful for the sustainability evaluation of food packaging. Food packaging could be considered a key element, because it can be the way by which to communicate and increase the “sustainability of food”, raise the awareness of consumers and promote the traditional value of regional products. Conversely food packaging is one of the most responsible for the waste generation. On these assumptions, the research has been started from an analysis of three case studies: chocolate products, alcoholic beverages and meats, representative of the traditional agrifood production chain of the Piedmont Region. By the analysis of these case studies, a multi-criteria evaluation system has been conceived on the basis of the fulfilment of environmental, functional and communicative requirements, which have to be satisfied by food packaging along its life cycle in order to be sustainable. The paper illustrates the methodological approach that has been adopted for defining this assessment method in the specific case study of chocolate