Sustainable Packaging

Today, it’s more important than ever for businesses across all sectors to embrace environmentally-conscious practices. But for many, this is often easier said than done. However, the team at Servous offers an array of different food packaging solutions and retail packaging solutions manufactured with renewable resources. 

Our sustainable packaging solutions are made from renewable resources that open the door to a host of enticing benefits. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of your business, our food packaging solutions are extremely durable, reliable, and are designed to perform similar to products made with nonrenewable resources. Let’s take a closer look at products made with renewable resources and how they can impact your business. 

What Are Renewable Resources?

Renewable resources and materials are the world’s most environmentally friendly source of food packaging materials. Simply said, renewable resources are materials that may be regenerated or regrown. It’s important to understand, however, that all renewable resources do not renew at the same rate. As such, some renewable resources are more renewable than others. 

Types of Renewable Resources Used in Sustainable Packaging

Businesses across all industries are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their use of plastic. As the push toward sustainability continues, the alternatives for sustainable packaging are on the rise. Here are some of the most prominent renewable packaging solutions on the market today. 

Bagasse Food Packaging

Bagasse is the left-over sugarcane fiber that remains after the cane has been turned into sugar. Today, sugarcane farmers create almost 80% of the sugar made in the world. This means there are massive amounts of available bagasse produced. 

Bagasse requires no extra resources to produce it because it’s considered a waste product. This remarkably abundant and renewable resource can regrow in as little as 10 months. This ability to quickly regrow makes sugarcane and Bagasse a greener alternative to paper and wood.

Learn more about bagasse.

Cornstarch Food Packaging

Cornstarch is a very renewable resource that is 100% compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable. Cornstarch manufacturing has significantly less environmental impact than other petrochemical-based plastics. And because the product isn’t made from plastics or chemicals, there are no toxic materials that can leak into your food. All while maintaining the consistency and feel of traditional plastic

Learn more about cornstarch.

Seaweed Food Packaging

Increasingly companies are turning to seaweed as an alternative packaging solution. This material is proving to be extremely popular and accessible 

Which Renewable Resources Are the Best?

Look for plant-based materials. For instance, corn-based plastics are some of the most eco-friendly and renewable materials available on the market today for food packaging solutions. When possible purchase products made from quick replenishing resources such as:

• Sugarcane
• Bamboo
• Cornstarch 
• And other plants.

Bagasse & Sugarcane Products Are the Best Renewable Solutions

Undoubtedly, the best renewable resources for food packaging are bagasse sugarcane and cornstarch-based products. Both are 100% compostable, 100% biodegradable, 100% recyclable, and extremely renewable. 

Most importantly, these materials perform very similarly to less renewable materials. As an added bonus, sugarcane renews every 10 months, which makes it one of the quickest renewable resources on the planet.

Wood-Based Materials Are Renewable

Wood-based products like paper are also a popular option because they can be recycled over and over again, and with time they can be 100% renewable.

Bamboo Renewable Resource

Plant materials like bamboo are fast-growing and can be used to make items such as disposable straws or coffee stirrers, which is a great way to reduce the amount of plastic in landfills.

Simple Choices Can Make a Big Impact

When it comes to eco-friendly solutions, everyone has to start somewhere. And it’s the little things that count. If your business can transition to using bagasse containers or cornstarch deli containers, you are well on your way o making an impact. Here are a few simple steps businesses can take when it comes to choosing renewable resources. 

• Whenever possible, choose paper over plastic.
• Consider using and/or offering reusable shopping totes to your customers. Servous also offers Recycled Polyethylene (rPET) Laminated Reusable Shopping totes.
• Help reduce deforestation by choosing to use quick replenishing renewable products whenever possible. Examples of quick replenishing products include bagasse and cornstarch. 
• Choose recycled paper over regular paper if at all possible.

Paper coffee stirrers made from sustainable bamboo are a great way to reduce the amount of plastic in landfills

The Business Case for Renewable Resources & Sustainable Packaging?

Choosing to use renewable resources and sustainable packaging doesn’t just feel good — it makes real business sense. According to a Nielsen Global study, choosing a more eco-friendly approach can help differentiate your business, win more customers, and prompt customers to pay more. 

Specifically, the study suggests that 72% of Generation Z and 51% of Baby Boomers are more likely to pay more for products and services from organizations committed to making a positive environmental impact.

Learn More About Sustainable Packaging