In response to the growing awareness among consumers regarding the impact that they have on the environment, businesses are rapidly moving towards packaging options that are more environmentally friendly. Considering that the majority of plastic is not recycled, traditional plastic packaging has emerged as a significant contributor to environmental pollution. When 2024 rolls around, the demand for environmentally friendly food packaging will continue to rise as businesses look for new and innovative ways to cut down on waste. In the coming year, there is anticipated to be a rise in the following five categories of environmentally friendly food packaging:Packing made of paper
The use of paper as a material for food packaging is among the most versatile and renewable options available. Kraft paper, which is typically made from sustainable sources and does not undergo bleaching, is utilized extensively for the production of bags, cartons, and boxes. Paper bags, as opposed to plastic ones, are now available at the checkout counters of many grocery stores. In addition, a number of fast food chains are conducting experiments with paper packaging for items such as salads and sandwiches.
A greater number of brands will transition to using paper-based containers, wrappers, and bags by the year 2024
Packaging made of paper is not only recyclable and biodegradable, but it can also be sourced and manufactured locally
To make paper water resistant for items such as salad greens, new coatings are being developed
These coatings will allow the material to break down naturally while still allowing the paper to be water resistant
In addition, compostable paper liners are becoming increasingly popular for use in the packaging of products such as nuts and dried fruit, which require an inner barrier
Paper is going to continue to be the dominant material in the sustainable food packaging sector as recycling infrastructure continues to improve
Plastics Derived from Plants
One more environmentally friendly alternative that is gaining popularity is the use of synthetic plastics that are derived from plants rather than fossil fuels. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are derived from fermented sugars, polylactic acid (PLA), which originates from corn starch or sugarcane, and cellulose-based polymers, which are extracted from wood pulp or agricultural waste, are examples of popular plant-based plastics.
The fact that plant-based plastics can be molded into the same durable and portable shapes as traditional plastics while leaving a smaller carbon footprint is something that people who package goods appreciate. Within industrial facilities, many are already capable of being composted. Plastics that are compostable and free of PFAS will be introduced by an increasing number of fast food chains and restaurants in the year 2024. These plastics will be made from agricultural byproducts rather than petroleum or natural gas. When production is increased, the cost of plastics derived from plants will decrease, and they will eventually surpass plastics derived from petroleum for certain applications.
Objects Made of Glass
More brands will switch to using glass jars for shelf-stable items such as snack foods, condiments, and other items by the year 2024. Companies that are committed to being leaders in sustainability, such as Danone and Unilever, are making investments in innovative glass supply chains. These supply chains involve the collection, sorting, and remelting of containers in the local area in order to reduce the amount of transportation footprint. Glass will continue to be used for products where the preservation of the product and the elimination of waste from packaging are of the utmost importance.
Products made from mycelium that are derived from the roots of mushrooms are a wild new player in the field of sustainable food packaging. Mycelium is capable of being molded or printed into any shape, and it grows extraordinarily quickly. As it expands, it is able to collect carbon from the atmosphere, and the material can be composted in its entirety.
The use of mycelium in the production of edible wrappers, clamshell containers, and even drink cups is currently being explored by a number of new businesses. It is anticipated that by the year 2024, mushroom-based alternatives will begin to replace single-use items such as yogurt cups, takeout containers, and other similar items. As production increases, mycelium packaging will get closer to being priced on par with plastic packaging while simultaneously providing a solution to the problem of waste packaging that is entirely natural.
The implementation of reuse and refill models is being implemented by some forward-thinking brands in order to completely eliminate waste from packaging. Customers are encouraged to bring their own mug or container to bakeries and cafes in order to receive a discount on beverages or baked goods that are filled. Instead of being sold in individual bottles, essential oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and others are instead sold from refillable dispensers.
It is anticipated that more reusable packaging schemes will become popular in the year 2024. It is possible for grocery stores to provide refill stations for pantry items such as rice, beans, and dried goods that are made available in bulk by the ounce. Innovative deposit systems will be tested by beverage companies in an effort to encourage the return of glass bottles and their subsequent refilling. Through reuse, waste is reduced at its point of origin, and the mindset shifts from one of convenience for a single use to one of long-lasting, durable products. There will be an increase in the number of refill and reusable options as the importance of sustainability continues to rise.
Among the most significant industries working to address the problem of plastic pollution on a global scale is the food industry. Businesses that adopt more environmentally friendly options will not only attract customers who are interested in sustainability, but they will also get a head start on regulations that are going to restrict certain single-use plastics. Compostable, reusable, and alternative packaging materials such as products derived from mushrooms, plant plastics, paper, and glass will experience exponential growth as viable and affordable alternatives by the year 2024. In light of the fact that businesses are becoming more conscious of the impact they have on the environment and that consumers are demanding more sustainable options, the year 2024 will be a turning point for the transformation of environmentally friendly packaging throughout the food system.