Consumer demand for sustainable manufacturing practices and products continues to grow. Companies in turn seize the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment, and food and beverage products are no exception. Steps you take toward sustainability may also give you a boost with eco-friendly branding and messaging.
Packaging is one of the most visible ways you communicate with your customers and entice new ones. If you’re just starting to adopt sustainable packaging or looking for new and improved options, Alpha Packaging can help. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of sustainable packaging and look at several examples for food and beverage producers.
About Sustainable Food Packaging
It’s easy to claim you use sustainable food packaging, but what does that really mean? While the goal is always to choose packaging that has the smallest impact on the environment, not all options are sustainable to the same degree. The best ones address several of these aspects of sustainability:
- Packaging materials are recycled or have high post-consumer use content
- New packaging materials made from renewable sources (i.e., plant fibers or resins)
- Designs that reduce the overall amount of packaging material
- Packaging production processes that minimize resource consumption (i.e., water, electricity)
- Packaging that can be recycled, composted, or reused
- Materials that do not pollute waterways or harm wildlife as they break down
Benefits Of Sustainable Food Packaging
Food and beverage manufacturers gain many benefits by investing in sustainable food packaging, such as:
- Using sustainable packaging can reduce your brand’s overall carbon footprint and environmental impact.
- Sustainable and compostable packaging has a premium appeal that enhances your brand’s image and appeals to consumers.
- When eco-conscious consumers trust your commitment to the environment, they are more likely to buy and endorse your products.
- Eco-friendly packaging is often lighter and more efficient to pack, saving you money on shipping.
Types Of Sustainable Food Packaging
A sustainable package is only a viable option if it is comparable to traditional packaging in terms of protecting contents from damage, keeping products fresh, and sealing against leaks and contamination. Fortunately, today’s sustainable food packaging selections stand up to this challenge.
Glass Packaging
Glass packaging is a trusted, durable material and is 100% recyclable. This means you can package your products in recycled glass containers, and then those containers can be recycled when they’re empty. This cycle can continue indefinitely.
Kraft Paper Packaging
Kraft paper packaging includes Kraft Paper for Void Fill, Grocery Bags, and Food Delivery Bags. It is a lightweight and versatile choice for filling in empty spaces in boxes, layering, and wrapping. Kraft paper is made from 100% recycled wood pulp, and can be recycled after use.
Plant-Based Packaging
Plant-based packaging includes Eco-friendly Loose Fill, Foam Wrap, and Cushioning Pads. These are made with renewable materials derived from plant starches and other organic vegetal matter.
Compostable & Biodegradable Packaging
Compostable and biodegradable packaging includes Corrugated Trash Cans, Biodegradable Ice Packs, and Honeycomb Sheets. Compostable foam wrap is a plant-based, protective packaging that can be used in multiple applications. It is typically composed of starches from plant-based sources and organic natural fibers. Using compostable packaging reduces your reliance on petroleum-based sources.
Metal Packaging
Reusable tins and boxes made from food-grade metal are strong and attractive options that many consumers gravitate toward (often because they plan to repurpose the container). Metal packaging can also include Food-grade Aluminum Foil. When properly cleaned, aluminum foil can be recycled. Metals, like aluminum, steel, and tin, can be almost infinitely recycled without compromising properties or quality. This reduces the need to extract and process virgin metals.
Recyclable Packaging
Recyclable packaging includes Tape, Void Fill, Insulated Containers, Thermo Chill® Cooler Boxes, and Paper Bubbles. Alpha Packaging manufactures custom recyclable packaging solutions, including plastic corrugated products, triple-wall boxes, and wholesale pizza boxes. Our kraft pizza boxes are a popular choice for packaging freshly made pizzas in a safe and earth-friendly packaging option.
Sustainable Food Packaging Solutions by Alpha Packaging
Alpha Packaging is committed to supplying packaging made with eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. We also offer a full line of plastic and corrugated boxes, inserts, and mailers along with custom services for packaging, foam, and printing.
Whether you have a package design in mind or want to explore options, Alpha Packaging can help. Request a quote to speak with us about your sustainable food packaging needs.