How to choose the best eco friendly packaging for takeaway food
Many industries and markets are driven by trends and consumer demands. The food-, beverage-, and restaurant industry is no exception. And as eco friendly practices are becoming the norm for many, concerns about sustainability and how food delivery impacts the environment is also on the rise, thanks to the fact that more and more people are ordering food online.
Did you know that approximately 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from businesses that support sustainability, such as making use of eco friendly packaging? And as thousands upon thousands of tonnes of plastic are still entering our oceans, there has never been a more urgent need for sustainable packaging than right now, especially from the food delivery market.
But selecting the right kind of sustainable food packaging for the culinary/takeaway industry must be subject to various factors, as it’s equally important to ensure top-notch food quality while also remaining committed to sustainability. Thus, keep the following in mind:
- Type of food items: Remember that different foods have varying moisture levels, temperatures, and consistencies. That’s why it’s important to opt for eco friendly packaging options that cater to the specific requirements of your menu items, whether they are hot, cold, dry, or liquid.
- Material sustainability: Ensure that the packaging materials adhere to the necessary eco friendly requirements. Look for biodegradable plastics, compostable materials, or products made from renewable resources.
- Durability and protection: Aside from being durable enough to withstand handling and transportation, your sustainable packaging must also provide appropriate insulation to maintain the food’s quality and temperature while in transit.
- Proper sealing: It’s crucial that your green packaging provides adequate sealability to prevent leaks and spills, especially for sauces and liquids. Leakage will not only damage the eco packaging, but also the customer’s experience.
- Microwave- and heat resistance: To ensure customer convenience and boost your product’s reliability when it comes to reheating food, use sustainable packaging that is microwave-safe and resistant to heat.
- Portion sizes and customisation: Eco friendly packaging that offers versatility in portion sizes is sure to enhance the consumer experience, especially when it comes to restaurants with diverse menu items. Focus on your available customisation options, such as compartments for different foods, branding opportunities for your business, etc.
- Biodegradability and decomposition: Evaluate the rate at which your packaging materials biodegrade and decompose after disposal. It’s important to use materials that can decompose naturally without hurting the environment, such as compostable packaging made from renewable resources, like potato peel waste.
- Regulatory compliance: It is important that your chosen green packaging complies with local regulations and standards. To easier communicate your commitment to sustainability, keep track of the required certifications and labels that indicate your product’s eco-friendliness.
- Cost-effectiveness: While some sustainable materials might have a higher upfront cost, consider the long-term benefits, such as customer loyalty and positive brand image, when scoping out different options.
- Customer experience: Lastly, keep in mind how your eco friendly packaging can enhance the overall customer experience. Easy-to-use, visually appealing, and functional packaging can certainly leave a positive impression, generate word of mouth, and encourage more business.
Consider these factors carefully to help you decide on the type of eco friendly packaging options that align with your restaurant’s values, menu offerings, and customer satisfaction goals. Luckily, once you team up with MBA Green, making use of the appropriate eco friendly packaging becomes so much easier. That is because we have over 10 years’ experience when it comes to providing sustainable packaging solutions to help clients to transform their regular products into eco friendly ones.