In the food business, packaging isn’t just there to hold the food and protect its integrity. It’s the first thing a customer sees and the last layer of protection before their meal is served. Basically, it carries your product and your brand reputation. That’s why plastic has been the obvious choice for so long. Not only is it sturdy, but it also keeps food intact, shows your brand well, and works across almost any food type. But is it a sustainable option that doesn’t contaminate the food? No packaging option is perfect. The major drawbacks of plastic are that it doesn’t biodegrade, and it can introduce microplastics into the food over time. That’s why biodegradable food packaging is rising as an alternative food packaging supplies to plastic food packaging. Let’s understand in detail.
What is Biodegradable Food Packaging?
Biodegradable packaging is any type of packaging that can be decomposed easily or naturally break down under any conditions and in an undefined time. Biodegradable packaging is made from bio-based or fossil-based polymers, but its biodegradability depends on the molecular structure and strength of the polymer chain. To be able to break down naturally, the polymer structure, or the string of monomers, must be able to disintegrate into tiny pieces that can be easily and safely digested by microorganisms. Biodegradable packaging supplies are marked and certified “compostable,” which indicates that packaging supplies can safely and completely decompose under certain conditions and in a predefined time (like 6 months). What would be left would be nutrient-rich soil.
Type of Biodegradable Food Packaging Supplies?
Here are different types of biodegradable food packaging options that retail food businesses can use in their operations:
Polylactic Acid, or PLA
Polylactic Acid, or PLA, is derived from renewable sources like corn starch and sugarcane. It is a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. It looks clear-like plastic, and it is suitable for cups, salad bowls, and cold-food packaging. Since it softens at 40°C, it cannot be used for hot foods, microwaving, or heat-sealed products meant for transport.
Bagasse
Bagasse is a fibrous remnant of sugarcane stalks processed for juice extraction. It is sturdy, heat-resistant, and holds both dry and oily dishes well. The natural breathability prevents sogginess, and it maintains shape in microwaves and freezers. However, for foods with too much liquid, a biodegradable coating is required to avoid softening.
Cardboard
Cardboard, or paper-based packaging, is lightweight, cost-effective, and offers excellent branding flexibility, like printing logos, allergen details, or product information is straightforward. It is generally safe and sturdy when it comes to dry food, but for liquid and oily food, coatings and liners are used, so the biodegradability is reduced.
Moulded Pulp Packaging
Moulded pulp is produced from natural materials like recycled papers, bagasse (sugarcane waste), or wood fibres. The moulded pulp containers are microwave safe, heat resistant, and grease resistant, which makes them suitable for both hot and cold food. It is suitable for quick-service food, fresh meals, bakery products, and delivery containers.
Why Plastic Containers Still Dominate the Market?
Plastic takeaway containers are practical and versatile for ordinary food storage and transportation. Meals may be kept fresh and safe with options like plastic takeout containers and containers with lids. To safeguard the environment and public health, it is crucial to understand the benefits and drawbacks of various plastic types as well as safe usage techniques.
Benefits of Plastic or Recyclable Plastic Containers
There are several reasons why some people might find it difficult to give up plastic containers, despite them being harmful to the environment. These are as follows:
- Low cost: Of all the common packaging materials, plastic is the least expensive.
- Excellent Durability: Plastics offer excellent protection because they are not readily broken or damaged and can tolerate falls and minor stress without suffering any harm. It makes product transportation easier as it does not break when stacked on top of one another.
- Lightweight: When compared to options like glass and wood, most plastic materials weigh nearly nothing, which is excellent for minimizing the environmental impact of transporting goods packaged in plastic.
- Excellent versatility: Plastic packaging comes in a variety of forms, ranging from versatile and flexible to robust and durable, like plastic takeaway containers.
- Long-lasting: Plastic can last for long stretches of time without deteriorating, taking around a millennium to do so. Even though this is a benefit, there are drawbacks as well.
Red Flags of Using Plastic Packaging
Plastics might offer organizations several simple benefits, but this does not mean that the drawbacks should be ignored. Did you know, approximately 381 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, and at least 5 trillion particles of plastic are contaminating waterways. Other drawbacks include:
- Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Petroleum and natural gas are the main fossil fuels used to make plastic. This increases reliance on non-renewable resources and carbon emissions.
- Single-use nature: A large percentage of plastic packaging is made to be used just once, which results in an excessive amount of trash and resource consumption.
- Non-biodegradable: Most plastics are not biodegradable, which means they linger in the environment and can build up over time, contributing to global pollution in seas and other habitats.
- Chemical Leaching: When used near food and drink, some plastic packaging, particularly that containing specific additives, may be harmful to one's health.
Is Biodegradable Packaging Worth It?
Any packaging that considers the packaging's entire life cycle, from sourcing to production to transportation to usage to disposal, is considered sustainable. Biodegradable packaging options like BePulp and paper containers are often eco-friendly and fall under the more general category of sustainable product packaging. These are often made of recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable materials.
Benefits of Investing in Biodegradable Packaging
According to recent trends, customers are becoming more aware of the need for biodegradable food packaging and are willing to pay a higher price for it. Here’s why:
- Recyclable: Cardboard is made from recycled cardboard or renewable wood pulp that is turned into kraft paper. In contrast to plastic, which is primarily disposed of in landfills, it has a high recycling rate of 85.8 in Europe.
- Sustainable: Because cardboard decomposes more quickly and is biodegradable, it has a definite advantage over plastic in terms of sustainability.
- Reusable: One of the biggest benefits is that cardboard boxes are reusable and may be folded up when not in use due to their flexible corners.
- Cost savings: Because cardboard is reusable, purchasing it in large quantities can save your business a significant amount of money.
Cons of Biodegradable Packaging
Some biodegradable materials, such as plant-fiber biodegradable containers, might not be suitable for hot foods since they could decompose in the heat. Hence, it is important to consider the disadvantages of employing these solutions in your packaging.
- Costlier than plastic: Even though they wish to be more sustainable, small firms that cannot afford to make the change may suffer as a result. Because of this, smaller businesses can decide to remain with conventional food packaging supplies to save money.
- Insufficient Heat Resistance: As previously mentioned, some environmentally friendly materials might not be able to withstand high temperatures, which could result in contamination, leaks, or breakage.
- Chemical Leaching: There is a chance that chemicals may seep into the food if the materials are not approved for food contact.
- Restricted Shelf Life: Some environmentally friendly food packaging might not provide the same degree of protection as conventional plastic or glass, which could have an impact on the product's freshness or shelf life.
Plastic Or Eco-Friendly: Choose Wisely
Consumer preferences for sustainable solutions are driving an increase in the demand for biodegradable and sustainable product packaging. But, as a cost-effective food packaging option, plastic is one of the popular options.
You can make decisions that safeguard the environment and the health of your customers by being aware of the many kinds of materials, safety regulations, and testing needs.
At Food Packaging Direct, we're dedicated to offering premium, environmentally responsible packaging options that are safe for food and long-lasting. You can find both biodegradable and plastic food packaging supplies at a bulk discounted rate. Visit our store and order your desired food packaging supplies.