Introduction
The food packaging market is thriving today with the growing demand for food products.
Meanwhile, it’s important to find quality packaging solutions, especially for food.
In this article, we’re going to cover the following topics so that you can sort out the reliable packaging from the many.
- the packaging market
- the importance of food packaging
- food packaging requirements in Australia
- food packaging innovations and solutions in the trend
- and more
Take your time and check them all out below.
The food packaging market
As data reveals, every year there are billions of dollars spent on packaging food and other items.
And 60% of all packaging stuff contributes to food products.
Earlier in the 20th century, most foods come without much packaging. People weighed and measured them directly and then placed them in bags. Or collect them with the shoppers’ bag and carry them home.
At that time, packaging was still a strange term for most people.
But today, packaging has become a massive and lucrative industry, given the increasing demand for food packaging products.
And often, it is the look of the packaging that persuades the customers to buy the food inside. Guess you might have a similar experience as well.
As a result, the food packaging industry is thriving currently.
Find more about the packaging market.
Advances in food processing and food packaging have played a major role in keeping the U.S. food supply among the safest in the world. In short, packaging preserves the advantages of processed food, allowing food to safely travel long distances from its origin and still remain healthy at the time of consumption. However, packaging technology must strike a balance between food protection and other concerns, including energy and material costs, increased social and environmental awareness, and strict regulations on the disposal of pollutants and municipal solid waste.
Why food packaging is important?
Because food packaging can help you with so many things you might not even realize before. A nice food packaging solution can:
Protect your food
Quality food packaging can protect your food from damage or contamination. On the other hand, food without proper packaging can bad for many factors, typically micro-organisms, air, moisture, and toxins. Food packaging can delay product spoilage, retain the beneficial effects of processing, extend shelf life, and maintain or improve food quality and safety. In this case, packaging protects against three main external influences: chemical, biological, and physical.
Many products, especially food require more extra care than the other goods in many cases. They need protection against falling, crushing, and pushing during transport, the fruits for example.
In this case, a rigid package like a laminated container would definitely be a great helper. The container will make your fruits stay close together and protect them. As the saying goes, unity makes strength, this gives them enhanced strength against the force.
In the meantime, you need good food packaging solutions with nice performance against the climate. Factors like temperatures, light, and humidity can all affect the shelf life of the food.
Make your food stand out
As we discussed above, there are times you buy the food because of its beautiful looking.
So, excellent packaging with creative designs can really make your food products stand out and boost your sales.
At the same time, food packaging as a media itself can contain lots of information. That is to say, advertising on the packaging is another way to have customers identify your products among the many.
We believe you can recognize to forget the famous coke brands on the shelf. And the way their companies do the packaging just contributes a big part to that. The shapes, the logo, the color, and all other elements comprising the whole thing. The food packaging serves as part of the quality of your products today.
Ease the transport
When it comes to transport, the convenience to move is also important besides protection during the process.
Thus, a good solution for food packaging is easy to handle, such as moving and lifting.
At the same time, space also matters for transport. Sometimes, you just hope that box can fit into space and complete a full lorry load at a time.
For cases like that, you’ll need packaging solutions that could tailor to your need. A well-designed food packaging can contain more products with the same materials and cost.
Convenient features such as ease of access, handling, and disposal; Product visibility; Resealable; Microwave microwave ability greatly affect packaging innovation.
As a result, packaging plays a crucial role in minimizing the effort required to prepare and serve food. Oven-safe trays, boiling bags, and microwavable packaging allow consumers to cook an entire meal with little preparation.
The new cap design allows easy opening, resealing, and special distribution features. For example, cookie makers recently introduced soft bags with a notched section that provides access to cookies. A sealing film with a peelable seal covers the opening prior to sale and allows resealing after opening.
Advances in food packaging have contributed to the development of the modern retail format, providing consumers with the convenience of one-stop shopping and the availability of food around the world.
These convenience features add value and a competitive advantage to a product, but can also affect the amount and type of packaging waste that needs to be disposed of.
A packaging that saves space brings you money, given the increasing price for space today. In other words, you will save the cost of transport with suitable food packaging solutions.
Offer useful information
As you know, you can find plenty of useful information on food packaging.
The ingredients, use-by dates, manufacturing information and etc.
And the barcode as well, which is very important for shops and supermarkets. Today, we’re all used to the check-out process at the cashier. Remember the barcode scanner?
But think of the scenario, if there’s no barcode on it, how much more time are we going to spend? Too hard to imagine right? And the food packaging is the thing to display the barcode. We guess you rarely see a barcode on the food itself, don’t you?
All these factors lead to the growth of the food packaging demand. Along with the increasing needs, there are requirements for food packaging.
The packaging is the appearance of the product and is often the only product exposure consumers experience before purchase.
Therefore, unique or innovative packaging can promote sales in a highly competitive environment. Packaging may be designed to enhance the image of the product and/or distinguish the product from the competition. For example, larger labels can be used to hold recipes.
Packaging also provides information to consumers. For example, package labels meet legal requirements regarding product identification, nutritional value, ingredient claims, net weight, and manufacturer information.
In addition, the package conveys important information about the product, such as cooking instructions, brand logo, and price. All these enhancements may affect waste disposal.
Now let’s check the case in Australia.
Safety and packaging standards in Australia
Who develops the standards for Australian food and food packaging?
FSANZ does. The independent agency was founded by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991, aka the FSANZ Act.
As part of the Australian Government’s Health portfolio, FSANZ develops food standards for the Australian and New Zealand food industries.
What are the food packaging requirements?
Food safety is always an issue worth our undivided attention.
It is important to make sure the packaging is safe for food products. If you’re doing a food business, the case matters more for you.
Find more details in the following content.
According to Standard 3.2.2 – Food Safety Practices and General Requirements, a food business must:
- Use packaging materials that fit its intended purpose
- Use material unlikely to cause food contamination
- Make sure food safety during the packaging process and guarantee no contamination during the process
The risks during the packaging process
There are chances the food becomes unsafe due to food packaging mistakes. For instance, the following cases can damage food quality.
- some pollutants get into the food during the packaging process
- hazardous bacteria infected the food from damaged packaging
- the packaging debris or fragments break off and then enter into the food, typically plastic or glass pieces
- poisonous substance from the unsafe packaging dissolves and stains the food.
So, risks of food safety are common to see with food packaging of low quality. And food safety involves life safety, never save the several bucks on food packaging and trip your food business over.
When it comes to chemical leaching, it can happen in specific conditions. For example, some of the packagings is safe in normal conditions, but it will become harmful when the situation changes.
Reduce the risks by choosing the right packaging solutions
Here are a few tips and principles for your choice:
- always use food-grade and clean packaging
- make sure the food packaging is complete and not damaged
- buy from reliable suppliers like PrimePaclearn the ingredients of your food and double-check the packaging, make sure it is suitable
- ask your packaging suppliers for certifications of their packaging products as proof of food-safe quality
- pay attention to the instruction and symbols on the packaging, and make sure the food packaging fits your needs
Use packaging in correct ways:
- think further in advance about where to store the packaged food. And make sure the packaging solution is safe enough for the food
- handle the packaging with care and clean hands
- store the packaging in a clean place and double-check the environment to avoid damage
- always use proper ways to clean and sanitise the packaging. And ensure the methods have no impact on food safety
- always avoid re-using single-use packaging and reuse packaging only if safe for the food
- use enhanced packaging solutions to avoid chemical leaching in the case of any risks
Food packaging labels
Since its establishment, FSANZ has set a bunch of food labeling standards for food safety in Australia. And the specific standards take their form in the Food Standards Code.
Besides Australia, these standards by FSANZ also apply to New Zealand.
The Food Standards Code covers the requirements for general labeling and information to display. And the requirements involve all food and tell specific applications in various situations.
For instance, requirements on food for retail sale, catering purposes, or intra-company transfer.
In the meantime, the Code also includes requirements for labeling and information applying to some specific food products only.
On the other hand, the requirements for food are also subject to fair trading laws and food laws. The 2 laws prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive information in both Australia and New Zealand.
Why we need food labels?
Food labels provide us with information so that we have a better reference for buying the food, typically the following items:
- the food description
- ingredients of the food in detail
- information for nutrition
- use-by date or best before date
- instruction like ways to store and prepare
- warnings if the ingredients are likely to cause allergy
Requirements for food labeling
When it comes to the requirements for food labeling, the following information is necessary to display according to the Code by FSANZ. And that applies to food packages for retail sale and catering purposes.
Name or description of the food product
The name or description of the food must display on the food package labels. And the information should be clear enough so that you can identify it apart from the others.
And the prescribed name for the food must display on the packaging label of the food if applicable. In the cases of no prescribed name, the packaging label should contain information about the food name or description. It’s for the purpose to show the true nature of the food.
Besides, the packaging labels must tell the truth about the food. And manufacturers are responsible for the correctness of the information. They should not display fake information or have it displayed misleadingly or deceptively.
Name and business address for suppliers of Australia or New Zealand
The food package labels should show the name and the Australian or New Zealand business address of the suppliers.
And the term “supplier” refers to the following roles:
- packer
- manufacturer
- vendor (the business that sells the food)
- the importer (the business that brings the food into Australia)
And the requirement of the business address is worth our attention. The address MUST BE a PHYSICAL ADDRESS and NOT a POST OFFICE BOX.
Ingredient listing
The food packaging labels should list all of the following items unless with exemption:
- ingredients (any substance, including all additives added to the food during the whole process from preparation, manufacture to handling the food)
- compound ingredients (any ingredient comprising more than 1 ingredient, like egg noodles. Typically, egg noodles are made of flour, water, and egg.)
And there are requirements for the displaying order of the ingredients and compound ingredients. Manufacturers must display them in descending order.
At the same time, the names of the ingredients should be detailed enough to describe them. And make sure they are correct as no misleading or deceptive information is acceptable.
The date marks
Pretty easy to understand, the food package should have a dark mark of either item below:
- best before date. The date is a reminder of the best quality deadline. In other words, the food might remain safe to eat after that date. But the cost could be the loss of some quality.
- use-by date. This date refers to the safety deadline for the food. That’s to say, if you eat the food after that date, it is risky for your health. And any food is not allowed to sell after the use-by date.
The date marks rules apply to all packaged foods with a shelf life of 2 years or less.
Lot identification
Lot identification can identify:
- the production batch of this food
- the place of packaging or production of food.
If there is a food safety problem, then this information will play an important role in the recall of products.
However, marking the date and supplier’s detailed address information usually meets this requirement.
Besides, some foods do not need to be labeled with batches, including:
- ice cream/rock candy separate section
- small package food. Batch identification is included when bulk packages or containers for sale are stored or displayed.
Directions for use or storage
If you don’t know the potential threat of certain foods to your health and safety. Then the food label of these products must include instructions for use and storage.
Follow these instructions to ensure food safety before use within the shelf life. For example, “refrigerate after opening” or “store away from sunlight.”
Nutrition information panel
The nutrition information sheet will give you a detailed introduction to the nutrient content of the food. It includes:
- protein
- energy (kilojoules or calories)
- saturated fat
- carbohydrate
- sodium (salt)
- sugars
- fat
There is a standard format for this nutritional information, which shows the average nutrient content per serving and per 100 g (or 100 ml, if liquid) food. If you want to know more about standard 1.2.8 and nutritional information requirements, you can refer to FSANZ.
Percentage labeling
If the key ingredients are already mentioned in the food description. Then, the label of some packaged food must show the percentage of “characteristic” ingredients in the food.
For example, if there is a yogurt called strawberry yogurt, the producer must list the percentage of strawberries in the yogurt ingredient list.
If you want to know more about standard 1.2.10 – food ingredients and characteristics, you can refer to FSA Australia and New Zealand.
Country of origin
Food packaging labels must indicate the country in which the food is manufactured or produced, or specify that the product is made from local or imported raw materials.
Please note that this regulation does not apply to food produced or imported in New Zealand.
On July 1, 2016, the Australian government officially implemented the new country of origin food labeling system. Under the new system, the requirement of origin label belongs to Australian Consumer Law.
However, before the government enforces the new law on July 1, 2018, companies have two years to change food labels that meet the requirements of the new law.
On July 1, 2018, the government adopted proposal No. p1041 to amend Codex Alimentarius and canceled the original country of origin labeling requirements
Is the country of origin label applicable to New Zealand?
In fact, in New Zealand, the government does not force producers to use country of origin labels. It is entirely up to the suppliers themselves whether to label them. Therefore, the supplier can choose not to display this information.
There is an exception, however, for the country of origin of the wine supplier. At the same time, when the supplier provides the country of origin information, it must be accurate. There should be no mistakes in this step, otherwise, the government will punish the suppliers.
However, all foods must be labeled with the contact information of a New Zealand or Australian food supplier. So you can contact the supplier and ask for more information about the food.
Legibility requirements
To facilitate consumers to easily understand the label information on food packaging. The label must be simple, clear, comprehensive, and it must be in English. It is also important that the font size of the food warning statement must be greater than 3 mm high, and for small packages, it must not be less than 1.5 mm.
If you want to know more, the FSANZ user’s Guide on legibility requirements for food labels contains more letters that you can check out.
Other labeling requirements
In addition to the above several tags, the following will give you some additional tags. However, information on the following additional labeling requirements requires you to visit the FSANZ website (external website):
nutrition claims (Standard 1.2.8)
- health claims (Standard 1.1.3, clause 1)
- irradiated food (exposed to radiation) or food containing ingredients that have been irradiated (Standard 1.5.3)
- vitamin and mineral content (Standard 1.3.2)
- certain milk products and royal jelly (Standard 1.2.3, clauses 3)
- genetically modified food (Standard 1.5.2)
- infant formula labeling (Standard 2.9.1)
- novel foods (Standard 1.5.1).
Exemptions from labeling requirements
Here are some of the less commonly used food labels:
- Food without packaging
- Inner packaging food. They are designed for sale only and generally have no outer packaging. But if there are separate parts of certain substances, people have to make oral or written statements
- Food is produced, packaged, and sold on-site at a sales location.
- Food packaged in the presence of customers
- For whole or chopped fresh fruits and vegetables (except germinated seeds or similar products), customers can see the status and quality of fruits or vegetables through packaging.
- According to the requirements of customers, provide packaged ready to eat food.
- Food sold in fundraising.
Even if you produce food that doesn’t need to be labeled. The code also requires you to tell customers some information about food, either orally or in writing, at the time of sale.
Warning and advisory statements
Advisory statements
For certain foods or ingredients that may pose health risks to certain consumers, suppliers must provide advisory statements.
This kind of food or ingredients are:
- If the food contains strong sweeteners, the supplier must indicate that the food contains phenylalanine. Because phenylalanine may affect the health of patients with phenylketonuria who have a rare genetic disease.
- Guarana or guarana extract. For foods containing guarana or guarana extract (a natural source of caffeine), the supplier must indicate that the food contains caffeine.
- As long as the food contains added phytosterols (which may reduce cholesterol absorption), the supplier must state the following on the label:
– when eating this product, people should match it with healthy eating habits,
– this product may not be suitable for children under five years of age and pregnant or lactating women, and
– Phytosterols do not provide additional benefits when ingested more than 3 grams per day.
- For cola drinks containing caffeine, the supplier must indicate on the label that the product contains caffeine.
Warning statements
When people may not know that the food or ingredients pose a serious health hazard, the supplier must attach a warning statement to the food. For example, foods containing bee product royal jelly must have a warning statement.
For example, a statement as easy as “this food contains royal jelly.” but clear enough to understand with no misleading or false information. According to reports, royal jelly may cause severe allergic reactions. In rare cases, it can lead to death, especially in patients with asthma and allergies. Therefore, this step is very important.
Full list of advisory statements
In addition, the code of food standards requires Advisory statements for certain products. Find the full list on https://www.foodstandards.gov.au
More about the labels
The names for the fish
Although the Food Standards Code has made detailed requirements for most of the food. But the Code has not defined the names for fish yet.
On the other hand, Standards Australia and the seafood industry have been working together to develop an Australian Fish Names, Standard. This is going to provide guidance on standard fish names in Australia.
Find more details on http://www.fishnames.com.au/. You can search the fish names from their Fish Names Database.
When it comes to the fish names in New Zealand, visit the website of Ministry for Primary Industries.
So what can you do to make sure that you receive what you give?
Sometimes, when fishing or wholesale, you may choose the wrong fish.
However, this error is passed on to consumers through the supply chain. Therefore, to make sure you get the money you pay, you can choose a reputable fishmonger/restaurant.
If you’re worried that businesses may label fish the wrong way, you need to contact the supplier first. Besides, if you are not satisfied with the explanation or response of the merchant, you can contact the relevant law enforcement agencies below for further action:
- If you are in Australia, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Council: www.accc.gov.au or call 1300 302 502 (free for Australia callers).
- If you are in New Zealand, please contact the Ministry of primary industry www.mpi.govt.NZ, or 0800 00 83 33 (free for New Zealand callers).
Allergic issues caused by the food
Food allergies are common to see in our daily life. If you’re allergic to some food, you might understand the feeling more than anyone else.
And the typical food allergens include wheat, soy, sesame seeds, nuts, eggs, milk, fish, and etc.
It might be easier to avoid them if you know them in advance. But there are times allergies occur to you even before you realize it. The reason can be getting the wrong food into the stomach.
So, it’s of importance to display the potential allergens on the food package label.
Don’t forget that especially when you are running a food business. Some allergies can even kill.
So, always be careful when listing the ingredient information on the food package.
Ingredient lists and percentage labeling
Ingredient lists
The supplier must list the ingredients in descending order of weight.
This means that when suppliers produce products, the first component contributes the most and the last one contributes the least. For example, if sugar is at the top of the list, sugar accounts for the largest proportion of the product.
If the product contains added water, the supplier must list it in the batching table according to its feed weight. Also, any water lost during processing (e.g. water lost in the form of steam) should be noted by the supplier. The only exception is added water:
- less than 5% of the finished product,
- being part of the broth, brine, or syrup in the ingredient list, or
- for the reconstruction of dehydrated components.
Sometimes, foods contain compound ingredients. The producer mixes two or more ingredients. This is the compound ingredient. For example, ketchup can spaghetti, which is made of flour, eggs, and water.
And the supplier must state all the ingredients that make up the composite components in the table.
Unless the amount of this compound is less than 5% of the final food. For example, one compound that may be less than 5% of the final meal is tomato sauce (made of tomatoes, peppers, onions, water, and herbs) on a frozen pizza.
However, if the composition of the compound is a known allergen. No matter how much of this ingredient you use, you have to label the food package.
Percentage labeling
The supplier must label most packaged foods with the main ingredients or percentage of ingredients in the food. Then consumers can compare similar products.
The main ingredient of strawberry yogurt is strawberry. The label says, for example, 9% strawberries.
Another example of a typical ingredient is the cocoa solids in the chocolate.
There are also foods, such as white bread or cheese, which may not have characteristic ingredients or characteristic ingredients. It’s all possible.
Truth in labeling: measures, weights, and legibility
Truth in labeling
Fairtrade laws and food laws in Australia and New Zealand require food companies to label their packaging. The labels placed on the package by food enterprises shall not mislead consumers through false, misleading, or deceptive statements.
Besides, in Australia, this legislation includes the Australian Consumer Act (ACL) contained in the competition and consumer act 2010, as well as the state and territory fair trade act and the food act.
In New Zealand, however, this legislation includes the food act 2014 and the Fair Trade Act 1986.
Then, the Australian Competition and Consumer Council (ACCC) implements the law of the competition and consumer act 2010. However, in New Zealand, the Commerce Commission is responsible for implementing the fair trade act of 1986.
Name or description of the food
The supplier must label its exact name or description on the package of the food. This can indicate the true nature of the food.
For example, “strawberry yogurt” should contain strawberries. If it’s strawberry yogurt, not real strawberry. Then the supplier should indicate on the label is strawberry yogurt.
Weights and measures
Weighing and measuring are some of the most important pieces of information about food. Therefore, the supplier must attach accurate weight and size information (quantity of food in the package) to the food.
Also, both the Australian National Institute of Metrology and the Department of consumer affairs of New Zealand regulate the declaration of weight and measurement.
Legibility requirements
Food standard specification requires that the label must be clear and eye-catching. And it is different from the background and uses English.
Next, the size of the text in the food warning statement must be no less than 3 mm high.
Also, unless on small packages, the type size must be at least 1.5 mm.
Food packaging innovations
With the growing global environmental pollution, we need to rethink the way that most of the food is packed.
Food packaging has become a major component of most household waste.
According to the EPA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 45% of the waste in US landfills is wasted food and discarded packages. And many of those packages are food-related.
We should be aware that using sustainable food packaging is no longer just an option for individuals. Instead, it has become an urgent need to protect the global environment.
Many people are trying to reduce the amount of food packaging they bring into their houses.
But soon they will find that it’s not an easy task.
Food packaging is closely related to people’s life. If we want to reduce the amount of food packaging waste more effectively, joint efforts of all sectors are needed. Individuals should use less food packaging.
And also, other sectors of society, such as businesses, manufacturers, and political entities, have to play their roles. Only by joint efforts can society realize zero waste as soon as possible.
Innovations in sustainable food packaging are leading us to a further step to a sustainable life.
Meanwhile, we still have a long way to go for a fully sustainable goal.
And the good news is, more and more businesses are adopting new materials. At the same time, government policies also help to accelerate progress.
And PrimePac is one of these businesses with the honor to pay our effort to a society with less waste.
Why do we need innovations in food packaging?
Most of the food we buy now needs plastic wrapping and packaging. Plastic food packaging is very useful and convenient, right?
But its harm is also obvious. Plastic will bring a heavy cost to human beings and the Earth.
Making plastic requires a large amount of limited and heavily polluting fossil fuels. Research by the Pacific Institute, a global water organization, provides some background.
In one year, the production of plastic for bottled water that Americans bought, consumed a lot of fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are equivalent to about 17 million barrels of oil. As we all know, the heavy use of fossil fuels will make global warming more serious.
So, to deal with the climate crisis, it is important to reduce plastic use, especially the use of single-use plastics.
Moreover, the plastic issue has created some other issues. One of the famous is the pollution of water.
So, environmental organizations believe that recycling plastics is a way to deal with plastic waste. They encourage people to recycle plastics.
By recycling plastics, we can reduce the number of new plastics that will be made.
What’s more, we can move away from a throw-away society towards a circular society, balancing environmental and economic development.
But the fact is that recycling alone is not enough. It can only be a partial and incomplete solution.
Not enough just to recycle plastic food packaging
- One of the reasons is that most plastics of food waste in our homes are not recyclable, such as some black plastic items. These plastics cannot be recognized by grading machines at recycling centers. So, it’s necessary to think of other ways to deal with these non-recyclable plastics.
- The third reason is that recycling plastic costs much. It uses nearly double the energy, labor, and machinery than simply to put the plastics in a landfill. Besides, all recycling has extra environmental costs. For example, trucks transporting plastics produce carbon emissions on the road.
- One more reason, we can only recycle most plastics once or twice before they are down-cycled. Down-cycled means to be recreated into some lower-value items. Recycling companies turn plastic into fabrics because plastics will not be recyclable after several uses. Obviously, fabrics have a higher value. It is more profitable to turn plastic into fabrics. But it worth our notice that some clothes made from plastic bottles can no longer be recyclable.
And when plastics enter into landfills, they will break apart over time. But the process will usually continue for centuries.
So, next time when you think that buying recyclable plastic items is environmental-friendly, please remember the recycling plastics is usually a one-or-two-time process.
The bio-plastics thing
Many innovations in sustainable food packaging use the idea of bioplastics.
Bio-plastic, also called biodegradable plastic, is a kind of plastic that will break down over time. It is unlike traditional plastic polymers.
Such plastics can be broken down by some living organisms, such as bacteria. And researchers believe that bioplastics can be an effective solution to most of the problems of plastic waste.
As we mentioned just now, most plastics will not break down naturally in the environment or will take several centuries to break down.
So, the existence of traditional plastics will create a waste crisis that will last for generations. Compared with traditional plastics, bio-plastics take a very short time to break down.
Renewable Natural Bio-plastics or Synthetic Bio-plastics?
There are two types of biodegradable plastic.
One type is bio-plastics and the other type is biodegradable synthetic polymers.
Bio-plastics are made from renewable raw materials. On the other hand, biodegradable synthetic polymers are made from petrochemicals. They contain biodegradable additives to make the break-down process faster.
You might feel confused about the terms “biodegradable” and “compostable”.
Biodegradable material can break down into some fragments, while compostable material can break down into useful compost. So, biodegradable plastic may remain inorganic compounds during the break-down process.
But a fully compostable plastics, on the other hand, will break down without leaving any inorganic compounds in the environment.
We have talked about the features of different types of bio-plastic. And the features determine whether the type of bio-plastic is the most eco-friendly and sustainable choice.
The Best Bio-Plastics:
Are fully compostable
Under the right conditions, bio-plastics can be entirely broken down by micro-organisms. Bio-plastics will be converted into carbon dioxide and water, which means that bio-plastics are biodegradable and even compostable. Starch-based bioplastic is an example.
Such plastics will not harm the natural environment as traditional non-biodegradable plastics do.
Unfortunately, the synthetic polymers are imperfect yet. They will leave inorganic compounds in the environment. Our goal is to improve them, so that they will not leave inorganic compounds, just like true bio-plastics. We can fully combine compostable plastics with organic materials in a large amount of waste. It helps reduce the quantity of non-recoverable solid waste.
Usefully sustainable, eco-friendly, natural raw materials
A true, green bio-plastic must be a kind of entirely renewable agricultural resource.
Ideally, its raw materials should be farming by-products. It uses land that is not nutritious enough for sustainable food production. Energy and water use of agriculture should also be considered.
Compostable bio-plastic must be carbon neutral if it is produced by truly sustainable organic farming methods.
Manufacturers would like to use non-renewable fossil fuels to produce synthetic plastics. It harms the natural environment a lot and also contributes to global warming.
We think that the best bio-plastics can be carbon neutral and will degrade completely. But the fact is that some biodegradable plastics will still release damaging compounds into the environment.
What’s more, the process of producing a kind of plastics, the energy, land, and water involved, are all important. So, before you decide which is the best bio-plastics, pay attention to these factors.
Although bio-plastics have many advantages, we should keep in mind that even the best bio-plastics have a downside. For example, the best bio-plastics will release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in landfills.
Therefore, the best choice is not to use plastics or process natural bio-plastics by a small household composting system.
Compostable series are available on PrimePac now. Contact us and get a quote.
Food packaging solutions in the trend
To protect the environment, a good way to reduce the carbon footprint is to choose environmentally friendly packaged takeout food and drinks.
Let’s take a look at the following raw materials that can be used to make fully compostable polymers, which will help to better understand the innovation of bioplastics:
Food packaging with eco-friendly plastic
Potato starch, corn starch, and other first-generation bioplastics feedstocks
Several plant materials can provide cellulosic materials for bioplastics used in the packaging of the global food system.
Also, a series of potato starch, corn starch, and other plants have been used to replace synthetic plastics in food packaging.
However, the materials face criticism because packaging food with food-grade products means taking food from people and animals. With increasing competition for land, it has been criticized that the use of this material may be immoral in the face of global food shortages.
So, the long-term use of land to produce packaging rather than food might remain unsustainable.
Bamboo bioplastics for food packaging
According to the research conducted by INBAR, if people produce well, we can carry out a 100% bio base and complete biodegradation of bamboo plastic substitutes.
What’s more, bamboo-based materials can play an important role in the global bioplastics industry. People can produce about 2 million tons of bamboo-based materials every year.
One example of the second generation of bioplastics is bamboo bioplastics. Growers produce second-generation materials from non-food crops (cellulosic materials).
There are other examples, such as wood, awn, switchgrass, etc. The second generation of raw materials also includes wastes from the first generation of raw materials, such as waste vegetable oil.
Land use is the key to the sustainability of second-generation raw materials. We can’t use land suitable for food production to grow these bioplastic materials, which will affect food production.
So, we have to choose a land that is suitable for food production. And they should be materials that we can grow sustainably, with as little land, water, and other resources as possible.
Algae/seaweed feedstocks for bioplastic food packaging
Another innovation in bioplastic food packaging is the use of algae/seaweed. We call algae the third-generation raw material of bioplastics.
They have a higher yield and higher efficiency than the above materials. And they don’t need fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or land. Besides, like the materials mentioned above, they are naturally biodegradable.
However, it is difficult to use algae as raw materials for bioplastic food packaging on a large scale.
First of all, using seaweed or unicellular algae to make bioplastics is more expensive than other bioplastics.
Second, they are not widely used, and researchers need more information to study their applications.
However, in the future, algae-based bioplastics may revolutionize the bioplastics industry. They may play an important role in the development of food packaging.
Mushroom feedstock for bioplastic food packaging
The potential bioplastics base material we can use is not just plant materials.
Interestingly, we can use mushrooms and fungi to make bioplastics. At present, mushrooms and fungi have become another way to study biopolymers.
Besides, people have now replaced polystyrene with mushroom-based materials. Fungi may also have some other applications in the future.
Of course, bioplastics are not the only alternative to food packaging.
Now more and more people are doing research on food packaging with sustainable materials. Businesses and manufacturers are becoming more and more creative when packaging food with other sustainable materials.
For example, leaves, such as banana leaves, can be simply used to wrap vegetables, etc. Our innovation in food packaging materials may also revolve around reducing the total amount of packaging required.
Other eco-friendly food packaging options
Kraft paper
People can recycle 100% of the natural brown kraft paper containers. Because they are compostable and biodegradable.
Also, people use kraft paper to make food packaging has two flip and tray styles. They are simple and fashionable.
Therefore, when the store is using kraft paper food packaging box. Customers and passers-by will immediately know that you are an environmentally friendly organization.
Palm leaf plates and bowls
Palm leaf packaging is very suitable for mobile food trucks or mobile food stalls. There, customers are most likely to consume food or drinks near the food supply area.
Palm leaf plates and bowls are fashionable to take out packaging options. It’s suitable for festivals, fairs, markets and any kind of activity because the food there is on-site. Palm leaf packaging is made from 100% renewable and compostable leaves and water.
Thus, the palm leaf package does not contain any harmful toxins and will degrade naturally within two months after use.
Eco-sugarcane
Ecological bagasse sugarcane containers are 100% biodegradable and compostable. Most importantly, it’s affordable, not as expensive as bioplastics made from seaweed.
What’s more, it has a variety of styles. This includes a clamshell, a tray with a pot cover, and a soup bowl. Sugarcane packaging is made of bagasse, which is the pulp of sugarcane after juice extraction.
They are non-toxic and durable. They are very environmentally friendly materials.
You can evaluate each green takeaway packaging option to determine which style is best for your business. Just to remind you, you don’t have to choose only one style of packaging. In other words, you can mix and match different styles of packaging according to your needs.
There is no doubt that your customers will support you in reducing waste and protecting the environment.
More about eco-friendly packaging on Why Use Eco-friendly Packaging for Your Online Business.
Sustainable packaging
Besides eco-friendly packaging solutions, sustainable packaging is another talking point in the packaging industry in Australia.
(source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_packaging
In other words, it means packaging with zero/less impact on the environment. Typically, recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging. And it is a further step of eco-friendly packaging.
Find more about sustainable packaging in the Sustainable packaging industry in 2020.
The latest trends in food packaging
As the industry is highly competitive and dynamic, it is important to understand the trends in food packaging. By incorporating these trends into your packaging, you can give your products more advantages:
Minimalist design: This trend is everywhere, from book covers to road signs. Take a break from your big fonts and messy design.
Bold colors: Bold colors are very popular in food packaging. In addition to attracting the customer’s attention, they also complement the design layout. Protein bars are the best example of this trend.
The font gets bigger: why not list your ingredients in a big font? It looks good and shows your credibility to customers.
Following food packaging trends can help manufacturers ensure that their food has the correct brand and design.
Shape creativity: imagine a watermelon juice packed in melon slices. If you sell herbal products like aloe, why not sell them in aloe leaf-shaped containers? Understand the point? Many food companies are becoming more and more creative in packaging.
Functional packaging: Dunkin Donuts has introduced a coffee cup lid designed to carry sugar and cream and some extra coffee. More and more organizations are merging into this trend, making it easy for their customers to carry food.
Most importantly, every kind of food needs packaging to enter the market. However, choosing the right food packaging is equally important. After all, packaging not only contains and protects your product, it also builds brand recognition.
How to choose the right food packaging
Which packaging is suitable for your food? Well, there are many types to choose from, from glass, paper, corrugated paper to plastic. However, not all food packaging is the same. All people have their own advantages, but also some disadvantages.
When determining the correct food packaging, you need to consider two key points:
Packaging should ensure the safety of your specific food
It should attract the attention of customers.
As a savvy company, you want your food packaging to be suitable for environmental and waste management practices, but the harsh truth is that packaging materials cannot meet all these requirements.
After all, they differ for certain attributes, which are determined by the following factors:
-Material
-Design
-Types of food to be packaged
-Shelf life
-Environmental conditions
-Easy to use
-Deal with
-Costs related to production and distribution.
What can we do as citizens around the globe?
To reduce the amount of food packaging we take home, we can make some changes. For example, we can:
- Grow at least some of our food to prevent food shortages due to the use of food packaging.
- Buy local, fresh, organic produce whenever possible. Instead of buying processed, pre-packaged foods, cook your own fresh ingredients.
- When shopping, we bring our own shopping bags instead of using plastic bags in the store. Similarly, when we buy takeout food, we also bring our own containers to hold the food.
- Before you go shopping, make a list of what you want to buy; when you go shopping, but according to the list. After purchasing the items on the list, check out to avoid impulse shopping and shopping.
- Replace retail purchases with wholesale goods, or shop in zero-waste stores as much as possible.
Conclusion
A quick review of the contents above. We’ve discussed the following things in this article:
The packaging is important because nice packaging solutions can protect your food, make your food stand out, ease transport, and offer useful information.
The requirements for food packaging in Australia, including safety and packaging standards, and the detailed requirements for food packaging labels.
Food packaging innovations are greatly in need. And recycling is not enough to solve the problem while bio-plastic is more friendly to the environment.
We also talked about trendy food packaging solutions today. That includes the eco-friendly plastic family members: plant starches, bamboo bioplastics, algae/seaweed feedstocks, and mushroom feedstock. And other eco-friendly food packaging options such as kraft paper, palm leaf plates, and bowls, and eco-sugarcane.
Besides, we also talked about one of the major talking points in the industry: sustainable packaging.
And what we can do as citizens in the globe.
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