14 New Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Options (2024)

Newer eco-friendly food packaging ideas are being put in place every day by new startups and even old companies. If you cannot re-use or recycle these food packaging options, they create unnecessary garbage for the environment. At least, even if they can’t be recycled or reused, they must be self-degradable or compostable. However, that should be an easy process and should not take more time, resources, or fuel to complete the degradation or degeneration process.

But most of the products currently available do not seem to work in this direction satisfactorily. Therefore, newer eco-friendly packaging ideas are taking shape.

Also, providing a platter with different options can be a benefit for every stratum existing in society. Some products have a high manufacturing cost, while others have a lower manufacturing cost, which influences product selling prices. Thus, having a variety of options is often an advantage. Right now, there are only a few standalone options for eco-friendly food packaging. However, with the start-ups working right towards it, there can be more options on the plate, and that can serve the people well.

By 2026, the global eco-friendly food packaging market is estimated at USD $280 billion in terms of its worth. There was already a rise of 50% observed in this direction.

It is, however, estimated that, in comparison to the glass, paper, and plastic packaging options, these are available on the market in small quantities. The demand curve is higher in comparison to the availability of end products in the market.

We look into the most extraordinary eco-friendly food packaging options below.

If you are a startup that needs packaging options, this list of eco-friendly food packaging options will guide you to a better start.

Image Credit: ScienceDrect.com

List of 14 eco-friendly food packaging options to try

Here is a list that will tell you about different sustainable and eco-friendly food packaging options for you to try.

1. BIOFASE (Mexico based) and avocado pits

Avocado pits are a waste people need to deal with after consuming the fruit. The company uniquely collects disposed-of avocado pits.

Points to remember:

1. Mexico is one of the largest producers of avocados in the world, apart from Kenya, Indonesia, and Peru.
2. In 2023, Mexico produced 2 million metric tons of avocados.

The company collects avocado pits from wherever possible and makes them into bioplastics.

They make up almost 60% of the plastic, and the rest are the organic compounds necessary to maintain the mechanical and physical properties of the product.

Petroleum products alter the natural carbon cycle, but this product, along with many other products currently available, reintegrates the carbon back into the natural cycle. Avocado pits serve as a promising eco-friendly food packaging option in the current startup industrial setup.

What use can avocado plastics be put to?

Use this eco-friendly food packaging option in making straws, cutlery, plates, and containers, plastic can be suitably used.

Nearly 130 tons of seeds are used each month, and these eco-friendly food packaging units are exported to 25 countries around the world.

2. Cornstarch eco-friendly packaging

Image credit: LeKAC

Cornstarch is proving to be an extensively and widely available biodegradable packaging alternative and can be used in place of Styrofoam and plastic containers.

Eco-friendly food packaging with cornstarch polymers is being possible due to its polylactic nature.

Environmentally safe, this cornstarch eco-friendly packaging option can be used to manufacture bags, trays, boxes, and plates.

There are two big advantages to using a cornstarch packaging alternative.

1. It is available infinitely.
2. The plastic obtained is biodegradable, recyclable, and absolutely compostable.
3. It will reduce the carbon footprint immensely and is a cost-effective solution.
4. They unlock different opportunities and can be designed in many different ways.

Packman Packaging is one of the big names in this sector, and many more have come around locally.

3. Bamboo Takeaway Packaging

Image credit: Dreamtime

Universal Biopack of Thailand is one such company that has invested in this segment. They are already producing 3 lakhs to 1 million units in a month. Initially, they extracted bamboo from the chopstick manufacturing company and began their journey into the suitable production of eco-friendly food packaging.

Properties that stand out make bamboo packaging one of the ultimate options.

1. Cassava-based packaging and bamboo packaging are compostable and degradable.
2. They take not less than two months and not more than six months to decompose.
3. The products release 35% extra oxygen as they decompose.

The bamboo can be used to make boxes, lunch bags, trays, bowls, cups, and cutlery items.

4. Popcorn and the University of Göttingen in Germany

Popcorn is one of the best sources of styrofoam, like plastic. It is a plant base and breaks down easily, unlike styrofoam, which takes years to break down.

It is readily available, can be composted at home and is 100% biodegradable by nature.

Nordgetreide and the University of Gottingen have entered into an agreement to manufacture the plastic for commercial use. The University and Nordgetreide have been arranged by MBM ScienceBridge GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Göttingen Public Law Foundation.

They crush the corn and then apply steam to continue with the expansion of the crushed corn into granulated popcorn.

What makes popcorn plastic an eco-friendly food packaging option? 

• It is a sustainable, edible product alternative.
• The plastic quality can possibly lend a hand in biomedicine, medical technology, chemistry, physics, and agricultural science.
• It is being treated as an alternative to polystyrene, a petroleum-based product.
• They have a water-repellent property and are completely biodegradable.
• The plastic can be composted without leaving behind any residue.

5. Mushroom-based packaging options

These packaging options are made of hemp-herd and mycelium of fungus. The fungus grows from the roots and works by growing into branches and forming a mass of fibers. The invention dates back to 2006, and in 2020, Swedish giant IKEA thought of using the product options and began manufacturing and shipping some of the products.

Why are they eco-friendly food packaging options?

• The packaging options are found to have high performance metrics.
• They offer a water-resistant option.
• The packaging can suitably decompose in a span of some weeks.
• Mushroom-based packaging offers a great insulation layer.

The product can be used to create cups, plastics, spice jars, and straws. They can also be used as sources of appropriate insulation if and where required.

6. Recycled PET plastics for the beverage industry

Image credit: Czarnikow

Beverages, including soft and hard drinks, were earlier packed in aluminium, cartons, glass, and even plastic. A total of 180 billion cans of soda and beer are used in a day, which is equal to 6700 cans every second. It accounts for the use of 1 million plastic bottles in a minute.

Currently, these beverage industries are transforming to the use of recycled PET plastics.

What makes them a good eco-friendly food packaging option?

• The plastic is 87% less heavy than glass bottles used as a preferred choice previously.
• Tight packing into cartons is possible due to the low weight and sleek shape convertibility options. They offer less loading time and use less packaging material.
• This plastic option can reduce emissions by half from industrial manufacturing and the packaging of bottles. They emit six times less carbon and lower the carbon footprint immensely.
• These PET plastics are 100% biodegradable in nature.

7. Sula Pac eco-friendly food packaging option

It is a patented plastic material and is an eco-friendly packaging option available.

Sula Pac has devised a solution for everything and works for cosmetics, food services (like straws, cutlery, kitchenware, and other products).

They also work as plastic for use in dry foods as well as supplements.

Why is Sula Pac important in serving as an eco-friendly packaging option?

1. They are sustainable alternatives to plastic.
2. It offers a microplastic reduction option and will greatly help in decreasing the problem of microplastics.
3. They can be re-circulated back and reused again and again.
4. Sula Pac has recently begun the take-back program and will provide a pilot project in this regard.

8. TIPA: Eco-friendly food packaging option

It was founded in 2010 and is an innovative food packaging option. They give us the following advantages over plastic as a suitable food packaging option.

1. TIPA offers durability and transparency.
2. They have a good sealable agent.
3. It promises a high shelf life and provides printability options.
4. TIPA can decompose in a span of 180 days.
5. Their end-of-life is the same as any organic matter, and that way, it will work best for brands and organizations.

9. Repaq technology

It is another German technology where the plastic is made of 90% cellulose and 5% water. 4% glycerine and 1% binders.

They provide a variety of products, like stick packs, pouches, and flow packs, and a wide mix of options for sustainable, eco-friendly food packaging.

It is one of the most innovative products currently available and will serve as a wholesome food packaging option.

10. Paptic Packaging Options

The Finnish Brand is providing a good fight against plastic pollution and was founded in 2015. The three people behind this firm are Esa Torniainen, Karita Kinnunen-Raudaskoski, and Tuomas Mustonen. Paptic was first released on the market in 2018, and the material is extremely capable of giving tough competition to its plastic counterpart.

The material is especially known for the following properties:

• The raw materials are renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
• The material provides a highly printable surface, making it easy for people to get it printed.
• It is an innovative, sustainable, and multiple-use product to replace plastic.

The Paptic packaging options can serve as grocery bags and foodservice bags.

They would also serve as garment bags and gift-wrapping bags.

The bags they make can be used for packing consumer electronics, toys, and fashionable items.

11. Elopak and paperboard

A Norwegian company, Elopak, specializes in liquid food packaging options and works in the aseptic market.

Made of paperboard, Elopak cartons offer a renewable, sustainable resource option. Their Pure-Pak eSense carton is specially built with a polyolefin blend barrier, and they don’t use aluminium. They have, in fact, removed aluminium from their packages entirely.

It is still easy to use and goes without the aluminium layer. That way, it keeps the container fresh and aseptic.

12. Tetra Laval

The Swiss multinational company Tetra Laval uses 80% renewable electricity as per 2022 reports and has increased its photovoltaic capacity. By doing so, the company is successfully moving towards its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.

They are working towards making packaging a sustainable solution. They are improving the packaging and distribution metrics of the company by adding up to 100% of renewable resources.

13. Boxed Water

They are a green alternative to plastic bottles and are made of 75% paper with an aluminium lining. The brand has planted more than one million trees in the national forest. They work by planting trees in deforested areas as well as deserts.

What makes boxed water an eco-friendly food packaging option?

• The packets are 100% recyclable.
• They are free of BPA and phthalates.
• These packets are made from trees that are resourced from well-managed forests.
• The company uses only one truck instead of 26 trucks to transport these plastic bottles. The packets can be used to significantly pull down carbon footprints.

14. A New Earth’s Project

The New Earth Project is trying to replace single-use plastic packaging options with those that can be recycled again and again. They target recyclable products and want them to remain in solution to prevent them from polluting seas and lands unnecessarily.

They make padded mailers, paper mailers, Vela bags, paper labels, protective bumpers, and even insulation wraps. The company also brings out different kinds of carton boxes and even works around mushroom packaging. Each of these can be pulled together for repackaging options.

Conclusion

If you want to understand which brands and works can solve your quest to find the right eco-friendly food packaging option, we are here with a list of different options. Packaging materials created in a conservative style from eco-friendly materials can be costly, but with time and increased use, we can work towards reducing their pricing levels and options. Eco-friendly food packaging is a budding start-up sector, and it aims to change the face of packaging forever.

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