There are many benefits of plastic packaging, like high durability, lightweight texture, and the ability to keep food fresh for a long time. However, now, it's not just the food that needs to be fresh; the way we package the food matters as well.
Consumers are paying attention. They’re flipping over containers, checking symbols, and questioning whether a box will end up in a bin or a compost heap.
For modern food brands, packaging is all about the message, which reflects your values, priorities, and responsibility. Besides, eco-friendly packaging doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive. There are cost-effective alternatives, too.
So, let’s understand the best eco-friendly food packaging choices that don’t just look good, but do good too.
List of Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Options For Food Businesses
Here are some eco-friendly food packaging options that you can choose from, as per your budget and the type of food you want to pack:
1. Bagasse Packaging (Sugarcane Pulp)
Bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane fibre left after juice extraction. It’s moulded into plates, bowls, containers, and clamshells. Naturally biodegradable and compostable, bagasse packaging breaks down within 60 - 90 days in commercial composting conditions. It's microwave and freezer-safe and withstands temperatures up to 200°C.
Pros:
- Fully compostable (EN 13432 certified in most UK products)
- Oil and water-resistant
- Microwave and oven-safe
- Made from agricultural waste, reducing landfill input
Best for:
Hot and cold meals, takeaway containers, curry boxes, street food, and high-moisture items like pasta or rice.
2. PLA (Polylactic Acid) Bioplastic
PLA is a bio-based polymer made from fermented corn starch or sugarcane. It’s used in clear lids, cups, cutlery, and film wraps. PLA resembles petroleum-based plastic in look and feel but is industrially compostable under controlled temperatures (≥58°C).
Pros:
- Transparent and visually appealing
- Compostable under industrial conditions
- Suitable for cold foods and drinks
- Low carbon footprint compared to PET or PVC
Best for:
Cold salads, fruit cups, smoothie containers, sandwich packs, and cold drink cups however, it is not suitable for hot liquids.
3. Cardboard Packaging
Made from virgin or recycled wood pulp, cardboard and kraft packaging are widely used due to their versatility. They can be coated with water-based or biodegradable PLA liners for added grease or moisture resistance. FSC-certified options support sustainable forestry.
Pros:
- Widely recyclable
- Custom-printable with soy/vegetable inks
- Lightweight and rigid for structure
- Home compostable (uncoated varieties)
Best for:
Pizza boxes, bakery items, burger wraps, sandwich wedges, and meal sleeves.
4. Glass Containers
Glass is an inert, non-toxic, and infinitely recyclable material. It maintains food integrity and doesn’t leach chemicals. Glass is heat resistant and can be reused or returned under deposit schemes. However, it is highly fragile, meaning it can be heavy and breakable even if there is light pressure on the container.
Pros:
- Zero leaching of toxins
- 100% recyclable with no quality loss
- Preserves flavour and freshness
- Reusable for refill models
Best for:
Premium sauces, chutneys, dairy products, cold beverages, and ready-to-eat gourmet meals.
5. Aluminium Foil Containers
Made from thin sheets of aluminium, these aluminium foil containers are recyclable and offer high heat resistance. Some come with PET or paperboard lids, so you can choose which one is suitable for your business. Aluminium is lightweight, durable, and an excellent barrier against oxygen and light.
Pros:
- Oven and freezer-safe
- Fully recyclable
- Great insulation properties
- Resists grease and moisture
Best for:
Hot ready meals, pies, lasagnas, curries, and takeaway food require reheating.
6. Pulp Moulded Fibre Packaging
Made from recycled paper, cardboard or agricultural waste, this material is formed into trays, cartons, and inserts using high-pressure moulding. It's home compostable and recyclable.
Pros:
- Compostable at home
- Shock absorbent and insulating
- Made from recycled content
- Low water and energy usage during production
Best for:
Egg cartons, fruit and vegetable trays, coffee cup trays, and bakery goods.
7. Cellulose-Based Film
Derived from wood pulp or cotton linters, these transparent films mimic plastic but are certified as home-compostable. They decompose naturally without releasing toxins. Some are coated for moisture resistance.
Pros:
- Home compostable
- Transparent and breathable
- Suitable for organic and eco-conscious branding
- Odour and taste-neutral
Best for:
Wrapping sandwiches, dry snacks, chocolates, cheese, and bakery items.
Why Eco-Friendly Packaging Matters Today?
Around 5 million tonnes of plastic are used in the UK, and out of this, 2.25 million tonnes of plastic is used for food packaging purposes.
As of 1st October 2023, the UK government has introduced a ban on single-use plastic in order to curb waste and the harm it causes to the environment in the long run.
Besides, plastic can have a disastrous effect on health. Heating the food in plastic containers or storing the hot food for a long time in such containers can cause the plastic to break down into microparticles, called microplastics.
This microplastic gets latched onto the food, and it goes straight into the body, where it doesn't dissolve. The microplastics in our body can disrupt hormones, impair immune health, and increase the chances of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
People are understanding the impact of plastic on the environment and are voting for sustainable alternatives. Now, 8 out of 10 customers are willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging.
When you opt for eco-friendly packaging options, you can attract an audience which firmly believes in sustainable packaging and is also health-conscious.
Besides, the UK government offers decent schemes and tax breaks for businesses opting for eco-friendly packaging materials. For instance, the Plastic Packaging Law incentivises the use of recycled plastic in the packaging. Any packaging with ≥ 30% recycled plastic is exempt from the tax, so this means that packages with ≥ 30% recycled plastic avoid a hefty £220+ per tonne charge. This is an easy win for food businesses that order in large volumes.
The Bottom Line
Switching to eco-friendly food packaging is critical for small food companies seeking to increase sustainability and connect with today's environmentally and health-conscious consumers. So, if you are interested in buying and trying eco-friendly food packaging products for your business, then you can purchase from Food Packaging Direct.
We have a lot of varieties when it comes to biodegradable food packaging options. So, you can order in bulk for decent discounts, and see how it improves your brand image among your customers.