5 Ways to Make Your Food Packaging Sustainable in 2021

Your restaurant may now be relying primarily on delivery and take-out orders due to the coronavirus pandemic. Because of the imposed strict restrictions on food safety, using single-use packaging is more important now than ever. But instead of those plastic ones that produce carbon emissions and impact the environment and wildlife negatively, you can opt for eco-friendly food packaging instead. Here are the ways to start making your food packaging sustainable during the pandemic:

1. Choose recyclable or biodegradable single-use items

Keep in mind that your food packaging says a lot about your business, and your customers are sure to take notice. In fact, they prefer to do business with companies that are aware of their impact on the environment, even with the threat of COVID-19. Therefore, it’s important to use recyclable or biodegradable food packaging for your orders. 

These single-use items are generally more expensive, so they are not usually a popular choice for cost-effective restaurants. However, spending costly upfront fees can help you save more money over time. Since customers, especially the environmentally-conscious ones, are willing to pay more for products that are marketed as environmentally friendly, you can attract and retain more consumers.

2. Use paper or cardboard as much as possible

If some of your food products require some amount of plastic to be used in your delivery or to-go orders, try to cut back on it as much as possible using paper or cardboard. For example, you can save yourself the hassle of packaging everything separately and using plastic bags for each order if your customers did not specifically ask for certain products that need to be packed in plastic. You can also use a paper bag printed with your logo to attract more customers and take care of the environment.

3. Store your orders in smaller packages

The key to reducing your ecological footprint is to minimise the packaging materials you use, which means you have to use smaller containers, bags, and boxes. This way, your restaurant can be more environmentally friendly and even lower your delivery fees. You can also experiment with your items’ size and positioning to see if they can fit in smaller containers.

4. Consider edible packaging

Now that your customers are becoming more environmentally conscious, you have to make the necessary changes to address their needs and demands. One way to do this is to consider using edible packaging. 

Unlike traditional ones that are hostile to the environment, this type of packaging is made of biodegradable materials specially designed to be eaten or have properties that make it easily compostable. Therefore, it won’t end up filling up recycling centres or landfills. It can also be an excellent addition to your delicious offerings. 

5. Switch to plantable packaging

Plantable packaging refers to materials with seeds embedded in them, allowing your customers to plant them after being used. It works exceptionally well for packing small and lightweight items, and it can also be used as product wraps or fillers.

Conclusion 

Switching to eco-friendly food packaging lets you keep your customers’ safe from the virus, reduce your negative environmental impact, and stay ahead of the competition. To do this, try the creative ways listed above to make your takeaway containers more sustainable during the pandemic.

If you are looking for a supplier of eco-friendly food packaging in Australia, then you’ve come to the right place. We at Keeo can provide you with 100-per cent compostable, plant-based packaging. We also offer custom printed paper bags, coffee cups, and more. Order now!