Sustainable Packaging Materials for Food and Beverage Products
With environmental concerns growing by the day, more and more consumers are asking for eco friendly packaging as opposed to traditional packaging. This means opting for ecological materials that reduce waste and conserve natural resources while lessening the impact on our planet. And with the growing consumption rate of food- and beverage products globally, this need is becoming more critical. But as businesses want to meet customer demands while also building brands that are known as sustainable and environmentally conscious, what options are available when it comes to sustainable food packaging?
Biodegradable Plastics
Traditional plastics pose a significant environmental threat due to their non-biodegradable nature. Fortunately, advancements in technology have resulted in plastics made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or algae. Since these materials break down naturally over time, their impact on the environment is reduced. In addition to offering an eco friendly packaging alternative to conventional packaging, biodegradable plastics also maintain the desired properties of durability and flexibility.
Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging is designed to degrade quickly and completely under specific conditions, becoming nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich the soil. It is typically made from organic materials like plant fibres, bagasse (sugarcane waste), or even mushroom mycelium. As such, compostable packaging offers sustainable solutions by reducing waste and providing a closed-loop system, where packaging materials can return to the earth as valuable resources.
Paper-Based Packaging
When it comes to sustainable food packaging, paper-based packaging has long been (and continues to be) a popular choice. Both recycled paperboard and cardboard are widely available options that offer excellent strength, recyclability, and biodegradability. Compared to other options such as plastic, one cardboard box reduces oil and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 60%. And since it’s an organic material, that makes cardboard 100% biodegradable and sustainable (that’s because the fibre in cardboard has already been processed). Think of cardboard (which can be recycled 5 – 7 times) as another form of paper, since it also comes from trees. Additionally, paper-based packaging can be sourced from sustainably managed forests, further enhancing its potential as an eco-responsible packaging alternative.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources, such as plant starch, vegetable oils, or microbial fermentation processes. Bioplastics can be designed to have similar properties to conventional plastics, yet they are more environmentally friendly, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. However, keep in mind that certain challenges remain in terms of cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ensuring that proper waste management systems are in place.
Edible Packaging
One of the more groundbreaking solutions in recent years is edible packaging, which is safe for consumption and can be eaten along with the packaged food or beverage. Examples include edible films made from seaweed or starch, which can serve as a protective barrier and reduce the need for additional packaging. Edible packaging not only reduces waste but also adds a unique consumer experience and eliminates the need for disposal, making it a prime candidate when it comes to eco friendly packaging.
Bamboo Packaging
Known as one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, bamboo is an ideal eco-friendly replacement for plastic, metal, hardwood, paper, and cotton. With a greater tensile strength than steel and with no need for bleach or added toxins, bamboo packaging equals durable- and eco friendly packaging, not to mention that it can add an elegant touch to food- and beverage packaging. And did we mention that along with being renewable, biodegradable and 100% compostable (within 2-6 months), bamboo also releases 35% more oxygen into the air compared to the same volume of trees?