Eco packaging is the sector’s response to the increasing demand for sustainable packaging, to reduce the environmental impact by using green materials with a focus on innovation and research. Here are the eco food packaging solutions available and how to choose the most environmentally friendly packaging for your food packaging needs.
Why choose eco food packaging?
Eco food packaging is environmentally friendly packaging produced in line with the principles of the circular economy, to reduce the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of and promote safer and more natural packaging solutions made from recyclable materials.
At the same time, eco food packaging must meet certain standards and requirements to protect the food from contamination, ensure the optimal preservation of the packaged food and maximize its shelf life. It should also be a tool that companies can use to enhance the commercial side of their food products.
Using eco-friendly packaging for food products offers a number of advantages. Above all, sustainable packaging minimizes interaction between the food and the packaging, preserving the freshness and taste of the food. It also improves the image of companies in the food industry, enhancing the brand’s reputation and making its products more appealing on the market.
Eco food packaging also allows companies to reduce their environmental footprint, to align themselves with the sustainability targets established by the European Union and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
What is a green consumer looking for?
Today, consumers are more aware of the impact of their choices so they pay a lot of attention to factors like the sustainability of the packaging of the food products they buy. It’s a trend that reflects their desire for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, for example by choosing organic products, 0km products from short production chains and healthy foods.
Consumers value eco-friendly packaging made from recyclable raw materials, which may be certified like FSC paper and cardboard, and also compostable and biodegradable packaging that can be disposed of without having a negative impact on the environment. It is the same for green packaging made from materials that can be reused or transformed without ending up in landfill or waste-to-energy plants.
These characteristics must always be specified on the packaging, using clear, transparent and complete communication. It is important to explain to the consumer which materials are used to make the packaging, where they came from, how they should be disposed of after use and what benefits they bring to society, the environment and people’s health.
This information should also be included in a wider context, which covers the efforts made by the company in terms of sustainability (the use of renewable energies in the production plant, certified organic farming and paying a fair price to small suppliers). Eco packaging should be part of a company’s sustainability strategy, which should involve all aspects related to the product, from production to consumption.
Examples of eco-friendly food packaging
Innovation in the field of food packaging is making considerable progress in terms of packaging sustainability, offering a wide range of green solutions to reduce the environmental impact of packaging used for food products. Here are some examples of eco-friendly food packaging.
PLA
One example of eco food packaging is PLA, or polylactic acid, a bioplastic derived from the processing of the sugars from beet, corn or sugar cane. PLA packaging is compostable and biodegradable. The material also boasts characteristics that are excellent for marketing the product and preserving it, as it is transparent, resistant and has a very popular glossy consistency.
Aseptic carton
An innovative and eco-friendly type of packaging is aseptic carton, used in the food industry especially for drinks, like fruit juice packaging and milk packaging. This material is safe, protects the contents well and is practical to handle and use as ergonomic packaging.
It also offers optimal hygiene standards and is very resistant, making it particularly suitable for palletization, storage and transport processes. Plus, it is easy to recycle, with a low environmental impact.
Volmar is active in the field of eco packaging, offering specific solutions for companies that want to switch to eco-friendly food packaging. Our range of eco-friendly packaging includes packaging made from PLA, cellulose derivatives and MATER-BI.