Sustainability Assessment of Traditional Food Packaging Materials Versus Synthetic Plastics in Open Market Food Systems in Benue State

Growing environmental concern about single-use plastic waste generated in food marketing systems has revived interest in traditional biodegradable food packaging materials used across Nigerian open market contexts. Benue State, as a major agricultural producing state in North Central Nigeria, provides a rich setting for comparative sustainability analysis. This study conducted a sustainability assessment comparing traditional packaging materials (banana leaves, dried gourds, and dried maize husks) with synthetic polyethylene bags across technical, environmental, economic, and social dimensions in open market food systems in three Local Government Areas of Benue State. Life cycle assessment thinking was applied using a simplified material flow analysis framework adapted for the informal food retail context. Technical parameters including protection efficacy, hygroscopicity, and shelf life performance of packaged vegetables and tubers were compared. Biodegradation trials, cost analysis from trader perspectives, and consumer acceptability surveys were conducted. Results showed that banana leaf packaging maintained vegetable freshness equivalently to polyethylene bags over one to two days at ambient temperature. Biodegradation of traditional materials occurred within 21 days compared to over 200 days for polyethylene. Traditional packaging materials were significantly less expensive for traders using locally sourced inputs. Consumer acceptance of traditional materials was high among older respondents but lower among younger urban consumers. The study recommends policy support for traditional packaging material supply chains and innovation programmes in Benue State. Keywords: food packaging, sustainability, biodegradable, traditional materials, Benue State.