As populations increase, so does the amount of food consumed. Since most people purchase all, or the majority, of their food supply from grocers and restaurants, the amount of food packaging required to sustain these populations is also increasing.
This results in the growing problem of how to dispose of all that foodservice packaging, much of which are one-time use containers coming from QSR and fast casual restaurants. Environmental concerns shared by governments, corporations, and consumers have driven an increasing awareness in the value of biodegradable food packaging.
Here, we will talk about the different types of biodegradable food packaging as well as what biodegradable means and why it is important.
What Does Biodegradable Mean?
Biodegradable means that a material will decompose in the environment safely, without causing environmental damage. Materials that are biodegradable are made from organic matter and are able to break down quickly, typically in less than one year.
Examples of biodegradable materials are fruits, vegetables, plant materials, and animal carcasses. These materials are able to decompose in a natural environment with the help of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that feed on the organic matter.
Is Biodegradable the Same as Compostable?
Sort of, but not exactly. Composting requires human intervention to create the right conditions for a material to decompose. Compostable packaging requires the right temperatures, light and oxygen to influence decomposition.
Biodegrading is a 100% naturally occurring process that can take days, years, or even millenia depending on the material in question.
The Importance of Biodegradable Food Packaging
We are a consumer society. We shop in stores bringing home new items wrapped in their own packaging and carried in shopping bags. We order items from the comfort of our homes that are conveniently delivered to us the next day. These experiences result in a lot of packaging waste that largely ends up in our landfills.
This is true for the foodservice industry as well. Grocery store and restaurant purchases account for 21% of our total consumer spend. As individual brands adjust their product’s packaging on the shelves to more sustainable options, grocery stores are following suit by choosing from a variety of types of biodegradable food packaging for their bakeries, delis, produce, seafood and meat counters.
Restaurants are also shifting towards biodegradable food packaging to meet consumer demand and be at the forefront of helping to protect the environment through less contribution to landfills.
How Much Packaging Is In Our Landfills?
Per the EPA, there was 30.5 million tons of retail containers and packaging sent to landfills, making up 20.9% of the total refuse sent to landfills in 2018. Of this amount, only 21.5% is incinerated.
Environmental concerns, however, show us that certain types of biodegradable food packaging options are a much better solution than incinerating packaging materials which serves to increase the amount of Co2 in the atmosphere.
Besides incineration, we should also point out that recycling programs also serve to reduce landfill waste – and we’re all for that!
The Benefits of Biodegradable Food Packaging for Humans
Biodegradable Food Packaging is Safe
Biodegradable food packaging not only helps protect our environment, it is also healthier for us. Devoid of chemicals and other toxins, biodegradable food packaging helps keep our food tasting great and reduces the consumption of things we really don’t want in our bodies.
Biodegradable Food Packaging is Renewable
Using sugarcane by-products and cornstarch to manufacture the different types of biodegradable food packaging products makes great use of existing renewable natural resources that might otherwise go to waste.
Biodegradable Food Packaging is More Easily Disposed
Instead of contributing to already clogged landfills, biodegradable materials completely break down into their original matter components quickly. This can be done at the landfill but also through home or commercial composting centers.
Biodegradable Food Packaging Reduces Pollution
Once biodegradable food packaging is fully decomposed, it is gone for good! Unlike with traditional plastics and glass that last for hundreds or potentially thousands of years before decomposing, biodegradable materials end where they started – naturally.
Our Favorite Types of Biodegradable Food Packaging
Next, let’s talk about the various types of biodegradable food packaging options available that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Bagasse Packaging and Bags
Biodegradable meat and produce trays made from sugarcane bagasse are made from 100% sustainable materials and are 100% biodegradable and compostable. Besides the environmental benefits of using bagasse trays and containers, there are other practical benefits including:
- Bagasse trays and containers are soak proof – perfect for transporting fresh meats and produce from grocer to home kitchen
- The durability of bagasse makes it suitable for both prepared takeaway foods as well as fresh raw meats
- Bagasse is grease and moisture resistant – great for refrigerated storage and even reheating
- Bagasse is flexible and sturdy making transportation and usage easier than with thin plastics
- Bagasse trays and containers are microwave and freezer safe
- Bagasse bags are sturdy, reusable, brandable, and cost-effective
Cornstarch Packaging
Another 100% biodegradable option are meat trays, produce trays, and clamshell deli containers made from cornstarch. Like bagasse, cornstarch trays are made from 100% renewable, natural, biodegradable, and compostable materials.
- Cornstarch trays are made from a very durable and sturdy bioplastic and come in a variety of thicknesses and textures
- Cornstarch packaging materials are toxin-free and chemical-free making them perfectly safe for use in human food consumption
- Cornstarch packaging is resistant to oil and fat and has a high aroma barrier
- Cornstarch can be crafted into many custom shapes and sizes
Disposing the Various Types of Biodegradable Food Packaging
Biodegradable materials will quickly decompose under the right conditions. Depending on where the consumer is located, they may have access to local biodegradable programs along with recycling services.
Others may choose to create their own home composting process to safely and responsibly dispose of materials that can then be repurposed into mulch and fertilizer for their home garden.
Foodservice businesses, such as fast casual and quick service restaurants, are beginning to offer specialized bins for biodegradable materials, allowing their diners to contribute to the mission of a more sustainable planet.
Contact Servous for Biodegradable Food Packaging
At Servous, we are believers in supporting the preferences of our customers by manufacturing responsible, biodegradable food packaging to the foodservice industry.
We have a selection of types of biodegradable food packaging for grocers, delis, restaurants, and QSRs for dine-in, to-go, and delivery orders. We offer a wide range of options to fit any budget so that you can handle and present your food with excellence.
Contact us today to see what options might be the best for you and be sure to ask us about our packaging customization!
