For all industries, the packaging of products is integral to keeping them safe. This fact is doubly true for food packaging.

In the food industry, products need even more protection than others. They need protection from many possible contaminants, tampering and to help preserve foods for more extended periods of time.

To this end, researchers estimate that food packaging accounts for over 66% of all total packaging in circulation.

It is essential, then, that the food industry consider eco friendly food packaging.

The planet is currently suffering from the sheer amount of damage we’ve caused, so with more and more consumers looking for eco-conscious companies to do business with, moving to eco packaging benefits your company and the environment.

But what is environmentally friendly packaging for food?

It is packaging that is more friendly to the environment than traditional packaging and is produced in a way that minimizes the environmental footprint of businesses.

Sustainable packaging aims to utilize renewable or recycled resources, reduce harmful emissions while manufacturing the package, and leave less of a footprint when the packaging reaches the end of its life cycle.

Reducing our environmental footprint has become increasingly important as our impact on the earth has become intolerable.

If changes are not made, irreparable damages will be caused and may affect future generations.

Our duty as consumers and businesses is to ensure a healthier planet, so eco packaging is a great place to make a positive impact.

This article aims to cover everything you need to know about eco friendly packaging, from the different types of sustainable food-safe packaging to the benefits, cons and challenges.

Types Of Sustainable Packaging

Let us start with the different types of eco-friendly food-safe packaging options.

If you are wondering which option is the best, that question cannot be answered so simply. 

Each type of eco packaging has its benefits and disadvantages, so there may be better options for you than what works for one business.

However, we aim to provide you with the relevant information for each option so you can decide which choice is right for you.

Biodegradable Food Packaging

Let us first start with biodegradable packaging.

Biodegradable packaging is packaging that breaks down faster when disposed of.

Where it takes regular plastics hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, biodegradable bioplastic packaging can shorten that time.

Bioplastics are packaging engineered from plant resources like corn, sugarcane and soy.

Some are even edible, like gelatin, chitosan or algae.

They are packaging designed to leave no harmful contaminants when they ultimately degrade in a landfill.

However, though this type of packaging is designed to break down faster and leave no harmful traces behind, this is not always the case. Some packaging materials still leave behind damaging contaminants in our environment.

Often, biodegradable plastics break down into microplastics, which are thought to be highly damaging if it ends up in the ocean.

In addition, the production of some of these types of packaging can be very energy and resource intensive, which can be counter-intuitive to a sustainable initiative and further harm the environment.

Bamboo, for example, is biodegradable and compostable. It is rising in popularity among sustainable packaging materials to use for packaging, but there is more to consider than just the eco-friendliness of the material.

Other things to consider include the rising demand, which might hinder the traditional usage of the material. 

Inhumane agricultural practices may also come into question with the increasing demand.

Not only that, but considering the usage of chemicals to manufacture bamboo packaging is also something that needs to be considered.

The best way to counteract these negatives is to ensure you are sourcing the packaging material from a reputable third-party company and that they are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).

Though biodegradable packaging is a great option, thorough research must be conducted to ensure this type of packaging is appropriately sustainable and not causing more harm than good.

Compostable Packaging

Alternatively, compostable materials for packaging breaks down into its original components and can be placed in a food waste bin.

Comprised of paper, cardboard or bioplastic, compostable packages should not be harmful to the environment once broken down, and some packaging can be broken down in the home!

However, on the other hand, many common packaging materials used in this packaging type requires industrial methods, which are not widely available to consumers.

Proper disposal of this packaging is necessary to reap the environmental benefits, so an appropriate infrastructure or initiative is required to utilize this method effectively.

Along with this downside, much packaging that claims to be compostable is not actually 100% compostable.

In some cases, “compostable” packaging can be lined with a thin film that is not compostable at all.

Misleading claims from unethical companies are a big concern for compostable packaging, so, similar to biodegradable packaging, research on reputable companies is required.

These misleading claims are known as greenwashing and not only apply to other unethical companies but may also apply to your business.

Greenwashing is a term used to describe companies that intentionally make misleading or unsubstantiated claims about their environmental impact.

To avoid being negatively branded as a greenwashing company, consider your environmental impact and research accordingly. 

Like the biodegradable packaging option, ensure that the materials you use are what the manufacturers say they are!

Recyclable Packaging

Another option for green packaging is recyclable materials and options.

Paper, glass, metal and some plastics can be recycled and reused several times before they reach the end of their usable life.

Kraft paper is one of the world’s most eco-friendly packaging.

Even aluminum cans can be recycled, using only 5% of the energy it takes to create new aluminum cans.

However, the problem with this method lies with the millions of consumers.

Recycling only works when recyclable materials for packaging are disposed of properly. This means littering recyclable plastics, metals, glass, and paper into oceans or landfills completely defeats the purpose.

Companies that use recyclable packaging must also push a strong recycling initiative and enforce proper disposal of their recyclable packaging.

For example, Coca-Cola aims to utilize 100% recycled materials by 2025. 

Reusable Packaging

The final packaging we will cover is reusable packaging.

Instead of one-use packaging, reusable packaging can be repurposed or reused many times.

Reusable packaging is all about repurposing the package for extended use.

By avoiding discarding the package after a single use, consumers can extend the package’s life and prevent the excess energy and material consumption needed to dispose of and create a new package.

Glass is an excellent example of a reusable package. Glass is durable, easy to clean and can be reused for long periods without being discarded.