Food packaging: meeting consumer demand for sustainability

 

Introduction

The USA wants more sustainable and environmentally friendly food packaging in cardboard box with lid. This is the main lesson that emerges from a study conducted by Cite, an organization that manages the sorting and recycling of packaging and paper in the USA, published at the end of 2018 (see below).

So how to meet their expectations? Insight and examples of innovation, from Digipacks n ° 22 newsletters to inspire you.

Recyclability of food packaging: consumer perception

How is the concept of respect for the environment perceived by consumers when it comes to packaging? The central associated idea is indeed that of the recyclability of custom packaging for small business: in fact, 63% of the people questioned within the framework of the study conducted by Cite associate. This is all the more true when it comes to food products: in the ultra-fresh section, 70% of people would choose yogurts without cardboard riders for this reason. With these figures in mind, how can you innovate to satisfy your consumers better?

Packaging innovations for inspiration

Packaging is made exclusively from recycled plastics.

In the UK, this month launched packaging made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate. Intended for ready-to-eat (prepared salads, etc.), this packaging limits the use of virgin materials and is fully integrated into the circular economy by transforming recycled black plastic into new packaging.

Plastic-free packaging

Still, in the ready-to-eat food department, the Rape company has developed 100% bio-based sandwich packaging. The cardboard is made from stalks and leaves of rice, wheat, corn, and sugar cane. A thoughtful way to exploit these harvest by-products, most of the time burnt (only 20% of these by-products are currently used). For cellulose film, these are wood fibers from sustainably managed forests. Recyclable up to 7 times, this packaging is fully home compostable.

Another innovation without any plastic: packaging intended for meat offered by the company Covers. 80% recyclable and made from 75% renewable materials, these are made of certified cardboard from sustainably managed forests to replace black plastic trays.

Biodegradable coffee capsules at home

Alpha has just launched its solution in Australia: coffee capsules designed from bio-based organic materials, mainly from sunflower bales. Biodegradable at home within six months, these capsules are also available with a home composter to encourage consumers to adopt these ethical practices.

Information for consumers: not to be overlooked!

Easy to recycle, made from recycled materials, etc.: While many innovation strategies can be implemented to meet the demand for recyclability of packaging, be careful to keep consumers well informed! Non-specialists can be confused by professional mentions and not perceive all the innovation of the product - or how it respects the environment.

Thus, while 86% of respondents believe that the mention of "materials of plant origin" is proof of the packaging's respect for the environment; they are only 46% when the packaging uses the word "bio-based packaging." Explain the jargon, the methods, and support your consumers in their eco-responsible approaches, like the Alpha Company, to ensure that they fully understand your innovation.

For further

To go further in your packaging watch, access all of our content on the subject on our thematic summary online. You can visit SM Custom Packaging. And to stay informed of market trends, consumer expectations, and agrifood innovation, consider subscribing to our blog (it's free!).