Standards for Sustainable Packaging Materials of Egyptian Black Honey Product: A Green Industry Approach

This study focuses on developing standards for choosing sustainable packaging materials for Egyptian black honey to support the circular economy and enhance the ability to market locally and internationally. Sustainable packaging for Egyptian black honey is critical to reducing environmental impact, and National policies, such as the Waste Management Law of 2020 and Egypt Vision 2030, aim to increase recycling rates to 25% by 2030. Eco-friendly packaging materials that balance cost-effectiveness and product preservation are crucial to raising global awareness of environmental sustainability. The research aims to develop a comprehensive set of methodologies to help packaging designers choose sustainable packaging materials to improve product quality, reduce waste, and support the global marketing of Egyptian black honey. A descriptive analytical methodology was used to evaluate the characteristics of four primary packaging materials for Egyptian black honey (Glass, Tin, Tetra Pak, and PET), the environmental impact, and the design for the recycling methodologies. The researcher used comparative analysis to analyze the final results of the evaluations and comparisons. The results indicate that Tetra Pak is the first suitable option that balances between sustainability and product preservation. Then, followed by glass, which excels in protecting product quality but faces challenges due to its weight and fragility. Tin is highly recyclable but may have chemical interactions under certain conditions, while PET is versatile but less environmentally sustainable. Recommendations include adopting Tetra Pak packaging, optimizing its design for Egyptian black honey, and developing and implementing a green industry approach to reduce waste and promote the reuse and recycling of packaging materials. Stakeholders should also focus on applying international standards such as ISO 18604 and FSSC22000, raising consumer awareness, and conducting further research to refine packaging materials for export readiness.