Sustainability in Finland’s Fast Food Industry : challenges and opportunities in eco-friendly packaging solutions

Abstract

This thesis explores the challenges and opportunities related to sustainable packaging within Finland’s fast-food industry. With packaging waste accounting for a significant portion of environmental pollution, the fast-food sector faces unique obstacles in balancing sustainability with practical and economic demands. The study investigates the critical challenges fast-food companies face, including high material costs, stringent EU regulations, and consumer expectations prioritizing convenience. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews and document analysis to gather comprehensive insights from industry stakeholders, including sustainability managers and packaging suppliers. The findings highlight significant efforts to adopt eco-friendly solutions, such as biodegradable and fibre-based materials, and to integrate circular economy principles. However, challenges related to cost and compliance persist, hindering the broader adoption of sustainable practices. The study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between fast-food companies and packaging suppliers to bridge the gap between regulatory goals and economic feasibility. While notable progress has been made, the path to fully sustainable packaging solutions requires continuous innovation, consumer education, and policy support.