More of us are looking for ways to live more sustainably and make changes to help save our planet. With families around the globe making positive changes to their lifestyles, businesses are beginning to do the same, with food packaging becoming more eco-friendly, reusable and recyclable, to negate any damage being done to the environment. Read on to find out more about the best ways businesses can make food packaging eco-friendly!
What does it mean to be eco-friendly?
Being more eco-friendly means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. It is also commonly linked with the term environmentally friendly. The word ‘sustainable’ has a slightly different definition and means living in a way which avoids the depletion of natural resources. Whichever definition you use, they are all liked with helping the environment and our planet.
Businesses are beginning to follow consumers’ lead when it comes to sustainability, creating packaging such as hot food takeaway containers, coffee cups, and sandwich wrappers that can decompose back into the earth when disposed of. Why are more businesses choosing this type of packaging?
Why choose eco-friendly packaging?
Eco-friendly food packaging means that takeaway food companies can do their bit to help the environment. In the past, takeaway food containers like sandwich boxes, crisp wrappers and bottles have been loaded with plastic content, which is dangerous to the environment. Takeaway food packaging has a chance of not being disposed of correctly and can become litter. Food businesses choosing to make the switch to eco-friendly packaging means that even if their packaging isn’t disposed of responsibly, it can decompose back into the earth and won’t cause any unnecessary harm.
The use of eco-friendly packaging can also determine how popular a business is with its customers. Changing to eco-friendly packaging means you can attract a customer base that shares the same values, and therefore will help not only with saving the planet but creating a good brand reputation too. Here are some of the best ways that businesses can make their food packaging more eco-friendly.
- Recycled plastics
PET is highly recyclable plastic that can be used to make other plastic items once it has been disposed of. Whilst only 7% of recycled bottles that are made of this material make it back into bottle form, the other percentage can be turned into fabric used to create items such as shopping bags and even T-shirts and backpacks. Choosing to use highly recyclable plastics means that you can still benefit from the flexibility and ease of use that plastic gives consumers, but more responsibly, in a way that will not contribute to pollution or landfill.
- Switch to cardboard
If you can’t switch to recyclable plastics, making the change to cardboard packaging is just as good! Whether that’s cardboard boxes to serve takeaway fish and chips or a cardboard cup for a takeaway coffee, you can reduce your use of plastic and waste can be recycled. Cardboard is strong when used for packaging, so if you need something a little more substantial than paper than can hold its shape, this material is perfect. Cardboard is also bio-degradable, so you needn’t worry if it doesn’t quite make it to the bin!
- Use glass
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, glass could be a great option for food or drink packaging. It may not be a good option for takeaway use; however, glass can be a luxury way to store food products that are being sold in the supermarket. Small glass pots can be used for desserts, and then reused when washed. Bottles can be used to sell drinks, and the packaging can even help to make the product feel more upmarket. Glass is endlessly recyclable, as well as sustainable, so could be a great option when it comes to eco-friendly packaging.Â