People are becoming more environment-friendly and have started considering the use of the packaging as a detrimental factor for nature. While customers are becoming more informed, companies are also rethinking on different types of materials that they can use for packaging to reduce the carbon footprint. Moreover, some of the food packagings like wrapping each product in plastic is such a waste of time, energy and effort; and plastic, as known to all, is the most harmful product. With sustainable packaging win the confidence of the customers. Contribute to nature, and give wings to your designers’ thoughts through this positive endeavor.
5 Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Ideas
1. Biodegradable Packaging
While using eco-friendly packaging for foods require a lot of brainstorming, ice cream packaging is an entirely different ball game. Factors like seasonality and mixed consumer behavior play a very crucial role in deciding its packaging.
More and more companies have shifted to paper cups and cones. But the challenge with waffle cones was preserving them while maintaining their taste. So, you can start using paperboard materials made of sustainable sawdust, and which are completely recyclable.
You can also try serving smaller portions – to reduce wastage and for a better lifestyle. Customers are nowadays not only more educated, but they also expect the companies to enhance their service level. When you serve small portions in paperboard cups, you cut down on the challenges of shelf life and to improve customer satisfaction.
2. Recyclable Materials
There are various materials available which are not only recyclable, but they can also preserve the taste of food. Some of them being:
- Corn starch – The packages made of corn starch are suitable for all types of food packaging, and they can be sent via post too. Moreover, they hardly have any negative impact on the environment.
- Cardboards and papers are decomposable, biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reusable. In spite of being lightweight, paperboards are pretty strong. When a pizza box is made of corrugated boards, it not only helps to preserve the heat but also the freshness of the pizza.
- Biodegradable plastic decomposes when exposed to sunlight. Envelopes used for bulk mailing is generally made up of these plastics.
3. Be Innovative and Use Unique Products
If you do away with pictures or texts on your packages, ty using inks made from milk proteins or food. Don’t use any chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. One very good example of sustainable ink is soy inks. Unlike the earlier used petroleum-based inks, the soy inks are made from a renewable source. And they also do not release any VOCs. Since these papers printed with this ink can be easily deinked, it makes the recycling process much stress-free.
4. Minimalist Packaging
Why use a big box for packing a small item? Isn’t it a complete waste of materials and space?
So, think of customized packages, depending on the products you offer. In this way, you will save materials and space in the entire distribution process. Wastage due to the unplanned size of packages is the cause of a lot of wastage in the warehousing and retailer levels. By introducing minimalist packaging, you will not only end up making more profits but will also stand apart from your competitors. And you will also make the lives of your customers more convenient, and win their loyalty.
5. Reusable Packages
How many time do you reuse plastic bags? Most of us do not even bother to keep them stored, and ultimately, they all end up in the oceans disrupting the aquatic harmony. So, start giving your products in jute bags, which the customer will feel like carrying the next time they go to the supermarket.
Reusable beer, milk, or soda bottles also contribute to a large extent when it comes contributing to the environment.
Create higher quality packages which will encourage the customers to reuse, rather than tossing them away immediately after opening the product. And, this also adds to brand recall as every time they use the bag or box, your logo on it is sure to remind them of your presence.
