Every day, billions of people eat and drink from plastic packaging. But how much plastic are they actually ingesting?
This report is the first global synthesis to systematically quantify the release of micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) from food packaging directly into food. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature across packaging formats, materials, and use conditions, it identifies which sources matter most, why, and where action can make a real difference.
The findings reveal that exposure is more concentrated and more preventable than previously understood. A small number of packaging formats and stress conditions account for a disproportionate share of emissions, pointing to clear, targeted intervention opportunities for designers, manufacturers, regulators, and consumers.
The report also situates packaging-related MNP exposure within the broader landscape of packaging-related health concerns, examining how particle exposure interacts with the chemical substances already present in food-contact materials, and what that convergence means for precautionary action.
From Pack to Plate provides the evidence base needed to move the conversation forward, from documenting the problem to identifying proportionate, practical responses.
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