Demand for
environmentally friendly food packaging is on the rise. In fact, studies show that two-thirds of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. In recent years, sales of food sold in sustainable packaging have been five times higher than those sold in non-recyclable packaging. Eco-friendly packaging will not only attract customers; It will also reduce your impact on the environment and may even save you some money in the process. Below, we list some
environmentally friendly packaging ideas that every business owner should embrace.
Cardboard takeaway box
If you provide take-out food, replace the usual bags and containers with cardboard boxes. They are easy to carry and can hold customers' food. This is a multi-purpose container with dual purpose. Switching to takeout boxes will reduce the number of single-use items in your delivery service, save you money, and make a great choice for
environmentally friendly food packaging.
Cardboard takeaway boxes come in a variety of sizes and sealing styles to meet your needs. The boxes do require some assembly, so a brief training session may be required. You can also find a variety of styles, colors and designs to match your brand. Keep in mind that containers with prints and designs may contain inks that are not environmentally friendly. It's best to stick to plain containers.
Because cardboard comes from trees, a renewable resource, it's an excellent choice for food delivery containers. They can be easily recycled, and when you choose the right company, you can rest assured that trees are being replanted to ensure sustainability.
Sugar cane containers
Sugarcane is a sustainable food packaging material made from sugarcane processing waste. The fibrous pulp is similar to cardboard in terms of durability and environmental friendliness. These vessels require much less energy to produce. A variety of cane containers are available to meet the needs of your restaurant. As one of the most sustainable packaging materials, sugarcane containers are 100% compostable and biodegradable. They are durable enough to handle greasy, heavy foods and sauces. They are microwave safe and can be used for hot or cold meals. Some sugarcane-based packaging can even go in the oven.
Sugarcane packaging comes in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit your needs. The only downside to this material is that it's more expensive than traditional foam and plastic options. However, the material is biodegradable in just 90 days, making it worth the extra cost.
Consider reusable packaging
Reusable packaging isn't a priority for most restaurateurs -- mainly because it's a more costly option.
Some restaurants and fast food outlets offer reusable containers that you can take with you to replenish. This will not only reduce the cost of your disposable items, but also encourage environmentally conscious customers to return to your restaurant.
Even if you don't adopt a reusable container plan, you can still provide packaging that customers can reuse after a meal. Make sure your containers are durable, washable, and easy to store to encourage customers to save and continue using your containers.
As a business owner, it's important to do your part to protect the environment. The concept of
environmentally friendly packaging has been widely accepted. T
akeaway packaging is convenient for you and your customers, but one-off can also be problematic when choosing an unsustainable option. Consider these six ideas for sustainable, renewable food packaging to reduce a restaurant's impact on the environment and attract more customers.
Mark Scarbrough
Food Packaging R&d Manager
Participated in paper product requirements and design reviews for many years, and has rich experience in product performance research
Click to contact me