Sustainability is increasingly important for packaging

Some consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the footprint of their food: of the impact on the environment and climate, but also of the impact on their own health. They are placing increasing demands on how food is produced. This also applies to packaging. Consumers want fewer products packaged in (plastic). This is quite a challenge. Food must be safe to consume, even after a storage period or half a trip around the world. It is looking for a balance between less (plastic) packaging and less food waste due to spoilage or damage.

Another reason to package products sustainably is the price. From 2024, the difference in price between recyclate packaging and new plastic will be increased. This makes non-recyclable packaging a lot more expensive. The idea is that this means that there are more incentives to package sustainably.

Ways to make food packaging more sustainable

• Use sustainable materials that are less harmful to the environment. For example, paper, cardboard or other materials that can be recycled easily.
• Minimize the amount of packaging material. This reduces waste and makes the product lighter during transport. This can be done, for example, by using thinner material or fewer different layers of material.
• Avoid using harmful substances such as BPA, PVC and/or plasticizer chemicals.
• Use biodegradable packaging. These are materials of (in) direct natural origin, such as paper, cardboard and wood. Nowadays, there are also bio-PE and bio-PET packaging and even packaging made from natural fibers, fungi or a combination of all of these.
• Make the packaging reusable. Longer use of packaging helps to reduce waste and promote reuse. This can be done, for example, with packaging made of glass, stainless steel or hard plastics.
• Improve packaging traceability. Packaging that provides information about the origin of ingredients and the production chain reinforces awareness of sustainability.

Modifying an existing type of packaging is not easy. It often takes months, or even years, before a definitive choice can be made for how to become more sustainable. The first step is to at least be aware of the current impact and make a plan where the impact can be reduced. After that, we can start looking for the right material, testing in production and food safety. Last but not least: make sure the packaging matches your brand's story.

When you start making products more sustainable, really do it. Consumers are critical of greenwashing and false sustainability. If you're not ready to become more sustainable yet, consumers value transparency about this more than a detailed marketing story.