Overview of clams packaging systems sustainability

Background: This work analyses the protection requirements and options for primary and transportation packaging of shellfish. It considers the properties of materials and the most recent developments and innovations in the arena created by legislation shaping packaging practices and frameworks of circularity and sustainability. A short review of the environmental profiles of typical packaging systems is provided. Fresh clams must be alive when sold, and the shelf-life period is defined based on the time the clams are alive. This product is highly perishable and valued, and losses and waste must be reduced. Scope and approach: a multidisciplinary approach was followed, bringing together data from the product, material properties, and packaging design. These were integrated in the analysis of the impact of non-fossil plastic alternatives, reusability, recyclability and incorporation of recycled in the clams packaging. This work provides a global view of the packaging system, focusing not only on the materials developments but also on the trends regarding primary packaging, labels, and secondary packaging for transport. Scientific reports from the last 10 years were used as well as an interview with major stakeholders in Europe (a retailer and a packaging supplier). Key findings and conclusions: there are a large body of research dedicated to studying the shelf-life of other bivalves, but studies focusing on clams are scarce. Furthermore, many studies do not consider the FAO recommendations on the need to keep the clams alive up to the purchasing time, and therefore conclusions are biased because they are based on monitoring parameters that are less relevant for this product. Novel packaging materials, such as bioplastics and bio-polymers functionalised with smart components seem very attractive and they have been targeted in several reviews and many published studies. However, results reported show that there is a gap between the performance required and effectively delivered by many of these new developed materials. Much less effort has been dedicated to optimising the more traditional materials, to improve their recyclability, thereby extending the usage cycle to save resources. This research need has been clearly identified for transportation packaging, particularly foamed materials, crucial for thermal insulation, and for nets used for primary packaging of bivalves. Optimisation of the mechanical properties under humid conditions are needed to permit the use of biobased materials, such as cellulosic fibres, as clams nets. MAP technology is not a sustainable solution for increasing the shelf-life of clams. The barrier materials required and the limited recyclability represent an unbalanced environmental impact. A critical analysis of the environmental profiles associated with different packaging systems highlights challenges and opportunities within the industry when addressing sustainability. This review provides insights into current trends, challenges, and future directions in clams packaging, promoting informed decision-making and fostering sustainable practices in the packaging industry.