Sustainable food packaging and biodegradable food packaging – Is that the latest trend in the industry?
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The type of packaging to use when packaging food has been a huge debate lately. Currently, it is arguably; the discussion is between sustainable food packaging and biodegradable food packaging.
Following the discussion centered between these two types of food packaging, it raises the question of the latest industry trend. Some argue it is true, while others disagree. There is one way to find out by looking at each type of food packaging and its benefits.
Packaging is a significant aspect of the food manufacturing process, and it should strive to convey a brand’s environmental ideals to customers. Ideal food packaging is not to harm the environment, and if these two materials meet those features, they are the latest trend in the industry. Let find out!
What is Sustainable Packaging?
Since this term “sustainable” lacks a standardized definition or set of criteria, it is frequently overused. The term “sustainable” connotes that the product’s continuing production does not deplete resources that cannot be replaced faster than they are depleted.
It also means that the product’s environmental impact has been kept to a minimum. Similarly, the terms “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” are used interchangeably to describe a product or business that does not harm the environment and conserves resources.
What are the benefits of Sustainable Packaging?
The following are the benefits of sustainable food packaging, and they will help to know if in need it is the latest trend in the industry.
Free of Allergens and Toxins
The use of sustainable food packaging will help avoid the toxins and allergens which come with the material used to manufacture the food packaging material.
People are becoming increasingly concerned about the packaging they buy and the materials they are made of. Furthermore, they are concerned about the potential harm to their health and well-being. Consumers’ safety and health are better served by sustainable food packaging. It also increases the likelihood of a customer purchasing your product.
Reduces Use of Resources
The use of eco-friendly food packaging can help reduce the amount of energy required to package a product or create the packaging itself. It has the potential to minimize solid waste, water usage, electricity consumption, and pollutants.
Even though flexible packaging is greener than most rigid packaging, some individuals hold an unfavorable opinion. Those who aren’t aware of package life cycles are the majority. Plastics, on the other hand, have the upper hand when it comes to minimizing carbon footprint.
Increased Sales
When customers are considering a purchase, they consider a variety of factors. It’s important to remember the environment and what your company is doing to safeguard or mitigate its damage.
This concentration aids in the expansion of your market. It also gives you another avenue to promote your brand and product lines. It can boost your sales since more consumers want to buy from a company committed to lowering its carbon footprint.
Helps save Money
Sustainable food packaging is lighter materials that can ultimately help you save shipping costs. Consider local carriers and packaging materials for the provision of supplies.
Your expenses will benefit from a thoughtful logistics plan. Your customers will enjoy it if your products are lightweight and easy to recycle or manufactured from recycled materials.
What is biodegradable food packaging?
The term “biodegradable” refers to food packaging that degrades quickly. Microplastics often break down biodegradable plastics (smaller fragments of plastic).
Biodegradable materials are a desirable ‘greener’ alternative to plastic; nonetheless, if microplastics end up in the ocean, they are extremely harmful.
The rate at which a given material disintegrates and returns to the ground is influenced by several elements, including oxygen levels, temperature, moisture, and the material’s composition.
Despite the lack of a single standard, biodegradable food packaging is often defined as a product that decomposes in fewer than 180 days.
It can be tough to define an exact definition with so many new items on the market and so much discussion surrounding the phrase “biodegradable.” While the term “biodegradable” is frequently used to designate an organic substance that can decompose, the key area of contention is the period in which it must do so.
What are the benefits of biodegradable food packaging?
Consumers expect businesses to reflect their ideals. They’re significantly likely to buy from a company that has a personality, whether that personality presents itself in charity initiatives or environmentally beneficial practices. Biodegradable packaging gives a potential for expansion as more people become interested in green living.
However, the benefits with biodegradable packaging go beyond a better image for your company. With the apparent benefits of this change are appealing, they are generally simply a small part of what transformation requires. They notice significant changes elsewhere as a result of switching to biodegradable plastics.
As we go over the advantages, it will become evident that eco-friendly products helps the environment and the bottom line of a business.
Free of Toxins
Although the number of biodegradable food packaging options is currently limited, most of the materials available are not toxic and allergy free. People concerned about the packaging they buy and the materials used in their packaging should consider this.
A consumer who is aware of the consequences of their purchase will nearly always prefer bio plastic-packaged products over traditional packaging.
Require Lesser Resources
Biodegradable food packaging can reduce water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and more.
Of course, this is good for our environment, it also cuts costs involved with the packaging marketing cost. Bioplastic could be used to replace normal packaging materials, resulting in weight savings compared to regular plastic.
Low Production Amount
The three R’s of sustainability are followed by the majority of biodegradable materials.
A business can re-use them by utilizing materials with coatings that increase their durability. A company can recycle their packagining, diverting waste from landfills while lowering the cost of new materials.
A business person who decides to invest in biodegradable food packaging can significantly reduce costs through using scarce resources, re-using inventory, and buying recycled raw materials. As a result, they will have lower packaging costs over time and will be able to spend their money more freely elsewhere.
Convenient Disposal
Consumers can dispose of their recyclable materials, compostable products, and biodegradable packaging more easily. It gives the consumers more options for disposing of waste materials, and businesses should strive to make goods as convenient as possible.
Consumers who wish to recycle their trash, for instance, will not be required to make allowances for any of the non-recyclable packaging. They can compost biodegradable packaging, increasing the product’s value beyond its original use.
Sustainable food packaging and biodegradable food packaging – Is that the latest trend in the industry?
Yes, sustainable food packaging and biodegradable food packaging is the latest trend in the industry. The above benefits of these two types of food packaging material prove they are the right material to consider buying. They will not harm the environment since they are environmentally friendly packaging. Additionally, they will help boost your business.