Switching to bio-based packaging for organic products: supply chain actors’ perspectives

The use of fossil-based plastics used for packing organic foods is under the lens of the organic movement because of the contrast with the organic farming principles and its negative impact on the environment. Bioplastics, which can be bio-based and biodegradable, are a promising solution to address the various issues, i.e. social and environmental, caused by the intense use of conventional plastics. Nevertheless, using bioplastics as a more sustainable solution in the food packaging industry is still controversial. It involves a variety of opinions, consensus, and disagreements among food supply chain actors. The present study investigated stakeholders’ viewpoints regarding the acceptance of bio-based packaging in the Italian organic food supply chain. Individual perspectives from a selected group of organic stakeholders (producers, distributors, and researchers) were captured by applying the Q methodology. Two relevant divergent views were identified, as well as consensus agreements. The study shows how Q methodology can effectively discover the most relevant viewpoints about an emerging topic.