The Challenge with Foodservice Packaging and Waste Reduction
Consumers are spending money on food. Since the increase in popularity and availability of QSRs and the rise of COVID, consumers have increasingly turned to convenience foods in the form of take out, grab-and-go, and food delivery.
This change in consumer behavior is fueling the growth of the foodservice packaging industry which is happy to keep up with demand.
The foodservice packaging industry is expected to grow a whopping 29% between 2021 and 2027 rising from $114.28 billion to $148.25 billion. This growth is stimulating conversations around foodservice packaging and waste reduction in all corners of the globe.
How Much Food Packaging Waste Is There?
According to the EPA, 28% of total waste in 2018 was comprised of packaging and containers. Almost 54% of this waste was recycled. Another 21.5% was combusted, with landfills receiving almost 21% of the total waste.
A surprising fact is that despite 1,000 more tons of waste produced in 2018 vs. 2017, fewer tons were landfilled in 2018 than in 2017 (30,740 tons vs. 33,010 tons). The difference was attributed to recycling efforts with 4,000 more tons recycled in 2018 vs. 2017. Within the types of waste being recycled at a greater rate, much is attributed to paper-based products. Plastics also grew in recycled tonnage, but not by nearly as much.
The world, and the impacted industries, are taking note. The focus is now shifting to how, collectively, we can rethink the best ways to approach foodservice packaging and waste reduction.
Consumer Effect On Food Service Packaging and Waste Reduction
According to a consumer study conducted by McKinsey & Company, more than half of consumers surveyed are highly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging.
Consumers are also willing to spend more for eco-friendly packaged products and would place a greater emphasis on that aspect of a product purchase decision if there was greater selection.They are also interested in the use of recycled packaging and in the recyclability of packaging, especially plastics and plastic alternatives.
Aiding consumers in their preference for eco-friendly packaging and encouraging more customers to join the trend, foodservice retailers can influence success through their packaging choices and by stating on the packaging if it is recycled, recyclable, renewable, sustainable, biodegradable, or compostable.
Why It’s Important to the Environment that We Reduce Foodservice Packaging Waste
It’s no secret that the US and worldwide human population is continually expanding. This will only create greater opportunities for foodservice businesses and the packaging industry to capitalize on the increasing need for convenient food options.
Along with population growth will be more food packaging which must be carefully viewed from an environmental impact lens. There are, essentially, two main ways to reduce food packaging waste:
1 – Reduce the amount of foodservice packaging by requiring customers to bring their own reusable packaging materials and shopping bags
2 – Reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills by manufacturing more foodservice packaging that is renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable
While some small retailers are starting to experiment with the concept of not providing any packaging materials for their customers, we will focus the rest of this article on ways to reduce waste through the use of packaging materials that can be manufactured and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
Ways to Accomplish Foodservice Packaging Waste Reduction
If we continue to increase our use of sustainable foodservice packaging, we will continue to make a dent in the total amount of waste that must be incinerated or disposed of in landfills.
There are several ways to continue to offer packaging but reduce packaging waste:
Reusable shopping bags
Increasing in popularity, reusable tote bags for shopping are taking off in supermarkets, wine shops, and even retail dry goods stores. Reusable bags offer multiple positive aspects:
- Reusable bags reduce a store’s outlay on packaging costs
- Some retailers sell their reusable bags making them a break even transaction or even one that produces a profit
- Reusable bagasse bags are environmentally friendly and made from sustainable materials
- Reusable bags can be branded offering retailers additional advertising exposure each time a customer uses the bag
Bagasse bags, in particular, offer many benefits. Learn all 17 benefits of bagasse bags.
Recycled and recyclable packaging
Using recycled materials to manufacture new packaging is a major factor in waste reduction efforts. One such recycled product that is also recyclable is molded fiber. Molded fiber is a terrific innovation in packaging materials, not just for foodservice retailers but for purveyors of bottled goods that are shipped directly to consumers.
Even used for egg cartons, molded fiber offers every shape imaginable, is lightweight, and offers protection against damage due to jostling. Learn more from our molded fiber FAQ.
Compostable packaging vs plastic, glass or aluminum
Some packaging made from plastic, glass, or aluminum is recyclable – and that’s great! Unfortunately, not all recycled materials actually get recycled and instead end up in landfills, in our oceans, or just out in nature where it pollutes our air and waters.
A great alternative to recyclable materials are those that are biodegradable or compostable. Biodegradable packaging, such as single-use cornstarch bioplastics and packaging made from paper and bagasse will decompose returning to their natural, organic elements when acted upon by microorganisms.
Compostable packaging also breaks down into natural elements through its exposure to air, water and temperature conditions. Composted material is nutrient-rich and great for use in garden beds giving it a second life after having been used as packaging.
Learn more about the difference between biodegradable and compostable packaging.
How to Choose Foodservice Packaging to Encourage Waste Reduction
When considering your options for waste reducing foodservice packaging, think about all of your use cases and whether you want to go “all in” or transition over time.
Start by listing every piece of foodservice packaging, accessories and bags you will need. For each, list the volume and costs to determine where your largest expenditures are. Those may be the right places to start moving to sustainable items!
Next, explore the various options at your disposal and compare costs to determine where you can make the biggest improvements in your business while also considering consumer preferences and environmental impact.
If you are a fast food, QSR or other eat-in dining establishment that encourages customers to dispose of their own used packaging at the end of their meal, consider bins for recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable items and be sure to use signage that helps them determine what to dispose and in which bin.
Factor in the cost of waste removal at your store as well. Moving towards a recycling program may help reduce your overall operational costs.
And, of course, consider your customers and what they are likely to prefer. Sustainable packaging is preferred by many and is an attractive feature for consumers when choosing where to eat. Your eco-friendly practices (which you should brag about!) will keep customers coming back again and again.
Let Servous Help Your Business Contribute to Foodservice Packaging Waste Reduction
Our specialists at Servous are experts in helping you decide the right packaging for your foodservice establishment that can help you move towards greater sustainability while cutting costs.
Our wide array of foodservice packaging options covers use cases for grocery stores, QSRs, delis, grab-and-go, takeout, and even catering.
Let our specialists at Servous walk you through our different offerings as well as tell you about our many customizing options. We can help you find just the right solutions for your store or restaurant to match your budget.
Contact us today to speak with our sustainable packaging experts.
