Unpacking pathways to a circular economy: a study of packaging innovations in Germany

Abstract

The transition to a circular economy is a major goal for the German packaging sector, however, the pathway towards this goal remains unclear. This situation is also reflected in the variety of packaging innovations currently being developed by industry actors. This study contributes to this debate by (1) providing a comprehensive overview of the sustainable packaging innovations currently being developed; (2) analyzing the transition pathway narratives underpinning these innovations; and (3) outlining the overlaps, tensions and shortcomings of these pathways for a successful circular economy transition. As such, this provides an empirical basis for a more informed and reflexive understanding of current and future transition processes in the German packaging sector and for discussing the desirability of currently ongoing transition pathways.