Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-07-22 Origin: Site
It’s time to go with green packaging for food delivery and reduce plastic waste. Here’s how you can choose the best takeout packaging containers.
Did you know that the global market for eco-friendly packaging reached over $170 billion in 2022? According to Global Market Insight, increasing consumer preferences and the demand to address climate problems were the main reasons behind the rise of sustainable takeout packaging.
Consumers in the food and beverage industry have showcased increasing awareness about global sustainability initiatives. Both consumers and businesses seek sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging to reduce the environmental impact.
Surprisingly, this has also led to innovations in food delivery. Many restaurants and food businesses have adopted green packaging for food delivery, such as biodegradable and compostable to-go containers.
In this article, we will discuss an effective strategy to help you choose the best eco-friendly takeout containers. We will also talk about the best types of sustainable packaging, including the bestmanufacturers delivering innovative solutions in the market.
The food packaging industry has been grappling with serious challenges. Firstly, the food and packaging waste due to rising fast food consumption is leading to the growth of landfills. Secondly, the reliance on fossil fuels for packaging production is further straining our natural resources.
(Source: Pexels)
Additionally, the rise of single-use plastic has been a major concern for the packaging industry, especially in the food and beverage sector. According to a study, the food sector is the largest consumer of single-use packaging options (up to 35%), which primarily includes plastics and other non-renewable materials that harm the environment. Also, the UNEP reported that nearly 36% of all plastic production is for food and drink packaging.
What’s worse is that single-use plastic is mostly non-biodegradable which means it ends up in landfills. This is a major contributor to increasing land and air pollution which affects the quality of life. It can potentially contaminate our food sources as nearly 11 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, according to Ocean Conservancy.
Another major challenge is the lack of comprehensive collaboration between the public and private sectors to set up recycling facilities that can mitigate the impact of unsustainable packaging activities.
A switch to sustainable packaging can help reduce the environmental damage from traditional packaging practices and plastic consumption. Businesses and consumers can benefit from biodegradable packaging options in the form of reduced landfills, air pollution, and lower carbon footprint.
(Source: Pexels)
As more and more plastic get dumped in the ocean, we also risk endangering marine life. As of 2019, a study confirmed that global plastic production was over 368 metric tons. In 2020, it was 367 million with an inconsiderable decline.
While businesses can benefit from reduced environmental impact and lower carbon footprint by adopting green packaging for food delivery, they also have the opportunity to improve brand reputation.
In a global survey by Nielsen, more than 80% of respondents emphasized the need for businesses to take up practices that reduce environmental harm. This shows how sustainability efforts can also build strong relationships with consumers.
As of 2024, a Mordor Intelligence report confirmed that the sustainable packaging market is valued at over $292 billion and is expected to reach over $432 billion by 2029. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is forecasted at 7.67% from 2024 to 2029.
The significant growth has been contributing to innovations in the food packaging market as well. Today, there are several forms of sustainable food packaging options available to both businesses and consumers. Let’s take a look at each of them and their benefits for the environment.
The biodegradable packaging made from materials like wood, paper, sugarcane bagasse, bioplastics, and cornstarch decomposes naturally. They break down into natural components and integrate with the environment, often enriching soil health.
They are also significantly impactful in reducing landfill waste. According to a study, bioplastics could be a viable replacement for traditional plastics in helping to reduce the environmental impact.
Sustainable takeout packaging made from compostable materials requires specific conditions to break down into natural components. This makes them another eco-friendly alternative to synthetic plastic options. These also include bagasse which is sugarcane fiber derived from the cane milling process.
Other compostable materials include PLA (polylactic acid) which comes from corn starch. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) reported that compostable materials for food packaging can divert waste to organic recycling facilities which can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(Source: Freepik)
This type of packaging includes post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials. These typically include cardboard, paperboard, and recycled plastics that contain biodegradable/renewable materials. It is a significantly impactful strategy as it diverts plastic waste to recycling facilities instead of ending up in landfills.
Furthermore, recycling post-consumer content to create green packaging for food delivery can also preserve natural resources. This is because it reduces the dependence on naturally occurring virgin materials for packaging needs.
Did you know that renewable packaging options also include bamboo and palm leave containers? These eco-friendly takeout containers are extremely beneficial for the environment compared to conventional plastic variants.
They reduce the need for petroleum-based resources by emphasizing the availability of renewable materials like wood, bamboo, and agave. Palm leaf fronds are also among the popular plant-based packaging options for sustainable practices in the food business.
The reusable packaging products include to-go containers, cutlery, and plates. Stainless steel lunch boxes, glass jars, and durable bioplastic containers are among other common options. They are highly sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
The European Commission shared that single-use plastics that increasingly contribute to marine litter and threaten oceanic life include food and beverage packaging (and cutlery). Therefore, the EU also aims to reduce plastics and other food packaging materials intended for single use by adopting recycling strategies.
So, now you’re aware of the most effective sustainable packaging options for food delivery? Here’s a quick recap:
Type | Description | Examples | Benefits |
Biodegradable | Decomposes naturally and integrates with the environment | PLA, cardboard, bagasse, Seaweed, and biodegradable foam | Lowers carbon footprint, reduces landfill waste |
Compostable | Breaks down into natural components under composting conditions | Bagasse, Crystallized Polylactic Acid (CPLA), bioplastics | Improves organic waste recycling, reduces greenhouse gas emissions |
Recycled Content | Made from post-consumer recycled materials | Recycled paper, cardboard, plastics | Reduces energy consumption, decreases packaging waste |
Plant-Based | Made from renewable plant sources like bamboo, agave, and sugarcane | Bamboo fiber, sugarcane fiber (residue), agave, palm leave fronds | Increases renewable resource consumption, reduces dependency on fossil fuels |
Reusable | Recyclable and reusable packaging products designed with enhanced durability | Bioplastics, stainless steel, and glass | Reduces single-use plastic consumption, long-term cost efficiency |
We've also prepared specific disposable food container material comparison articles for you to learn more. Bagasse vs cornstarch food containers, bagasse vs paper products, and bamboo vs sugarcane.
(Source: Pexels)
You should consider a few important factors to make sure you end up with the right packaging solutions for your business needs. It is important to choose sustainable takeout packaging that matches the food and beverages you serve. Moreover, it should align with your sustainability goals while fulfilling customer needs.
● You may have to go for heat- and leak-resistant takeaway packages depending on the food type.
● Your chosen package must maintain optimal food temperature during the delivery to keep contents safe and desirable for consumers.
● You will also have to choose to-go containers or other green packaging for food delivery that is durable and stable for long-distance hauls.
● You should consider the customizability such as shape, size, and printing for ergonomic and aesthetic packaging.
● You also have to make sure that your choice of sustainable packaging is in line with your customer’s preferences through surveys.
● You must check for environmental standards and sustainability certifications with the suppliers you’re planning to work with.
Where do you find the most reliable and trustworthy packaging partners? We’ve got you covered there as well. We handpicked the five leading sustainable packaging pioneers in the industry today. Here’s more!
Sumkoka specializes in delivering innovative packaging solutions. And yes, this includes high-quality eco-friendly takeout containers for food delivery. The company offers premium-grade bagasse products which include environmentally friendly and disposable cutlery, plates, bowls, and containers. The sustainable packaging solutions from Sumkoka are both biodegradable and compostable. Moreover, it has been in the industry for nearly 12 years and has catered to the evolving consumer needs.
Next on our list is Ancheng, a leading plant-based packaging solutions provider in the growing industry. The company offers a wide range of compostable and biodegradable packaging products for foods and beverages. Its main offerings include wood and bamboo cutlery, disposable packages, containers for household consumption, and fast-food packaging.
Eco-Products has made a name for itself through its compostable and recyclable food packaging solutions. The company’s product range includes disposable cups, eco-friendly takeout containers, and everything in between. Eco-Products sustainable packaging efforts primarily focus on the use of renewable materials to improve the transition to the circular economy.
It is a leading provider of green packaging for food delivery. Stora Enso focuses on renewable materials and innovative packaging techniques. The company has introduced packaging solutions which include recyclable and biodegradable products to promote sustainability in the food and beverage industry. Its most popular packaging products also include wood fiber containers, cups, and cutlery.
Last but not least, Vegware is a common name for compostable food packaging. The company has been producing biodegradable packaging made from sugarcane and corn starch, both renewable sources. Vegware offers aesthetic and practical packaging options that include to-go containers, cutlery, cups, and plates as well. Furthermore, the company has also dedicated resources to educating others on composting practices as a way to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
1. What Are the Best Materials for Sustainable Food Packaging?
Biodegradable or compostable materials like corn starch and sugarcane fiber are best for sustainable food packaging. They reduce landfill waste and break down naturally to improve soil health.
2. Is Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging the Same?
Both types of takeout packaging materials break into natural components. However, biodegradable materials decompose naturally and the latter requires specific composting conditions to break down.
3. How Can I Choose Sustainable Packaging for Food Delivery?
First, you should assess your packaging needs to come up with suitable eco-friendly options. Then, find a reliable supplier or manufacturer who has industry certifications and sources locally.
4. Are There Any Benefits to Using Sustainable Takeout Packaging?
Sustainable packaging reduces the environmental impact that otherwise occurs due to plastic alternatives. It also increases consumer awareness and brand reputation.
Now you know that there are multiple options for sustainable takeout packaging. They can help you reduce plastic waste and embrace compostable materials for food delivery. You can choose from a range of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials like sugarcane fiber, paperboard, and bamboo among other options.
You should work with a reliable manufacturer to find the best food delivery packaging for your business. Look for someone who sources ethically from local farmers and domestic markets. And, don’t forget to check for sustainability certifications.
With eco-friendly takeout containers, you can contribute to reduced plastic waste while strengthening your brand’s credibility.
Sumkoka is a top-rated packaging partner for eco-conscious businesses. We develop eco-friendly and highly sustainable packaging solutions for fast food, household, and other purposes. At Sumkoka, our priority is to create durable and lasting sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging for maximum environmental benefits.
From strict quality assurances to industry-rated certifications, our process promises premium-quality products that match your business needs. Ready to test the quality of our green packaging for food delivery? Request a sample from our expert product designers today!
As the world drives toward long-term sustainability, Sumkoka can be your trusted partner for innovating greener food delivery practices. Contact us today!
