U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates each year the world produces around?300 million tons?of plastic waste, that’s nearly the weight of the entire human population.? Consumers are becoming more health and environmental conscious and limiting plastic just as corporations are seeking to meet the high standard of UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.?
In response, consumers are valuing alternative packaging choices and seeking ways to leave minimal footprints (though increased recyclability, composting, reuse and circularity). Food companies are similarly looking to curb waste and pollution through strategic partnerships and more environmentally friendly packaging. To that end, we highlight several packaging companies who are leading the PACK in paper packaging and eco-friendly strategies.
- Achieve Pack recently debuted Pouch.eco using 100 percent compostable plant-based materials to produce containers for both small and large food and beverage companies. Global partners include Coffex in Australia, Trader Joe’s in the U.S., and Loblaws in Canada.
- Apeel ?reduces waste from packaging and food discard through their plant-based protective layer around produce, using materials already existing in the seeds, peels, and pulp for their stay-fresh coating. ?The odorless, tasteless, and plant-based product saves millions of fruits and vegetables daily. With big partners like Kroger, this brand is one to watch.
- Folia materials created the world’s first paper-microwave susceptor using green chemistry process beating the typical aluminum bonded to plastic or plastic tray microwave susceptors.? Fully recyclable and greener process.? CPG’s meet SDG’s and consumers say their food tastes crispier, not soggy. Win/win!
- Tanbark Molded Fiber’s sustainable packaging made in Maine (America’s wood basket and the birthplace of molded fiber), bringing fiber packaging to the forefront, vitalizing forest circularity packaging, and receive recognition from the White House and several global awards.
- Anchor As one of New Zealand’s biggest milk producers, Anchor's debut of their plant-based, 2-liter milk bottle made from renewable sugarcane has caught the eyes of many.
- PACK’D launched FROZEN recyclable paper bags- the world’s first mass-scale frozen food packager to do so.?The bags are paper based as noticed by the ‘scrunchable sound’ and are recyclable curbside.? They are expanding widely to Ocado grocers across the UK.
- Conscious Foods works with local smallholder farms to offer foods that are good for people and the environment, and offer a return-option for customers to send back the plastic packaging to headquarters, where it is recycled or reused. In return, customers can receive a free packet of raw sugar with their next order.
- Simple Snack uses tray packaging made from agricultural waste, which I recyclable and home compostable- with a lidding film made from materials that are 100 percent backyard compostable. All veggies should look this good packed!
- Futamura‘s compostable cellulose film, NatureFlex is eco-friendly, made from renewable resources with all of the features of cling wrap. They offer a range of compostable single-use containers for tea/coffee, snacks, produce, and also dried food packaging.
- Weet-Bix?Australian morning breakfast cereal giant has pushed their recycling reach by ensuring box and inner soft plastic bag are fully curbside recyclable. A smart choice for you and the planet!
- Nestle’s SMARTIES are the 1st global confectionery brand to switch to paper based coated, recyclable packaging – removing approximately 250 million plastic packs sold globally every year.
- Imperfect Foods delivers groceries that help consumers fight food waste by sourcing overstock or blemished but still quality foods, the taking back all packaging to be reused or recycled. That's full circle eco-innovation!
- Paptic creates a recyclable vegetable pouch from Wood-fiber base, now seen in packaging for onions and potatoes in the grocer aisle.
- Notpla created food packaging produced from seaweed and plants, including their famous drink/ sauce packages which are both biodegradable and edible.?Their drinkable water ‘bubble’, Ooho and solutions for takeaway food boxes have received huge media attention.
- Ecologic debuted a world’s first paper bottle made from fully recyled and recyclable material. The inner liners are composed of recycled plastic and fully trace source materials, earning the certified 'California waste diverter' status, and several best sustainable packaging awards.
- Danone Two Good Good Save Lemon Yogurt partnered with Full Harvest?launching the first consumer product with 100% Verified Rescued Produce, curbing what could be up to 21% of lemons typically succumbing to food waste due to manufacturer overages or external blemishes.? The innovative sourcing for food use and curbing food waste offers double benefit.
written by: Dawn Davis, for questions or comments about this article, please reach out to: [email protected]
