You’ve probably heard of eco friendly food packaging, but do you know how important it is for the planet and how strongly it can enhance your brand identity? This article will guide you through everything you need to know, including the materials to use and avoid.
Key takeaways:
Eco-friendly packaging refers to packaging materials designed to minimize environmental impact by using less energy and fewer natural resources. Often made from recycled or renewable materials, it aims to reduce waste, avoid toxic substances, and provide packaging that is easier to recycle, reuse, or compost.
In addition, Grand View Research shows the sustainable packaging sector is projected to grow from $272.9 billion in 2023 to $365.8 billion by 2027, with a 7.6% annual growth rate. This highlights the need for packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining product safety and consumer appeal.
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Also Read: Edible Packaging: The Future of Sustainable Design
Choosing the right materials for your product that are safer for both consumers and the environment can reflect your brand values and support environmental sustainability. Explore this list to find suitable eco friendly packaging options that support your brand.
Paper and moulded pulp are eco-friendly packaging options made from renewable resources. They’re easily recyclable and break down naturally, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce environmental impact.
Glass is a durable, reusable, and fully recyclable packaging option. With a much longer lifespan than plastic, glass offers a safer and more sustainable choice.
PLA bowls and cups are made from cornstarch and designed to look and function like regular plastic. They work well as primary food containers and offer several benefits, including biodegradable, food-grade, waterproof, and durable.
Recycled materials like paper and cardboard offer an eco-friendly food packaging option. Made from reused resources, they can be recycled again after use, making them a sustainable choice for both businesses and consumers.
Food-grade stainless steel is durable, rust-free, heat resistant, and fully reusable. Many stainless steel lunch boxes use silicone seals or BPA-free lids for leak protection.
Cellulose packaging is made from natural materials such as hemp, wood, and cotton, and is both biodegradable and compostable. It’s often used as an alternative to plastic food packaging.
Kraft paper is a sustainable food packaging option made from recycled materials and fully biodegradable. It’s sturdy and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of food items.
Bamboo is biodegradable, durable, and heat resistant, making it a strong option for food packaging. It’s commonly used in items like glass jars with bamboo lids, plastic-free lunch boxes, bread boxes, and serving bowls.
Sugarcane packaging is biodegradable, chemical-free, and often used as primary packaging for food items, including sachets. These containers are food grade and resistant to heat, cold, liquids, and microwave use.
Rice husk, a low-cost and renewable byproduct of rice farming, is fully biodegradable and has natural bio-adsorbent properties that can help absorb pollutants. It’s commonly used to make sealable lunch boxes and shatterproof serving bowls.
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Understanding which types of food packaging to avoid can help strengthen your brand identity and improve the customer experience. Use the following list to steer clear of materials that may harm your product’s quality.
Plastic straws, bags, and disposable cups are major pollutants that often end up in the ocean. Because they don’t break down naturally, they accumulate over time and pose serious threats to marine life.
Styrofoam has been banned in many US states because it contains toxic chemicals like styrene and benzene, both known carcinogens.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used in producing PVC, which is found in many plastic products. BPA can leach into food, and has been linked to infertility, metabolic disorders, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
The widespread use of disposable takeaway containers creates significant waste, contributing to pollution and the release of environmental toxins.
Many aluminium food cans use BPA linings, raising concerns about potential health risks.
Also Read: How Reusable Packaging Builds Stronger Brand Identity
To strengthen your eco-friendly packaging design, typography is one of the key elements to pay close attention to, as it plays a major role in shaping how consumers perceive a product’s values.
For that reason Lettermine Studio offers high-quality font collections crafted specifically for clear branding and eco-friendly product messaging. You can also explore more premium options from Lettermine Studio, designed to suit any style or message you want to convey.
