People today are ever on the move and usually take out their meals. So, restaurant owners have to prepare by offering quality take out packaging. However, there is a need to play a part in protecting the environment. The best solution is to use eco-friendly material throughout the establishment including take-out packaging. This will significantly pay off since consumers today prefer supporting businesses whose operations don’t endanger the environment.
It is quite challenging to find a balance between affordable and sustainable takeout packaging material. Investment in eco-friendly packaging comes with an initial cost but this is offset by the long-term benefits to your business. So, it pays to be knowledgeable about the options available when it comes to selecting biodegradable take out packaging.
Types Of Eco-Friendly Take Out Containers
Compostable Containers
According to Biodegradable Products Institute, composite take out containers break down into organic matter in about 80 days. Food packaging labelled commercially compostable required breaking down into organic matter in a commercial composting facility. When customers takeout their orders, the containers can’t just break down in a landfill. There is a need to have a commercial composting facility in the area for people to discard the containers in the trash to ensure sustainability.
When looking for biodegradable takeout containers wholesale, compostable options are a great choice but need appropriate disposal to break down into organic matter. Giving your customers compostable packaging sends out a signal that you are playing a part in lowering your environmental footprint. This makes your business to appear meeting the rising sustainability demands. Compostable take-out packaging is environmentally friendlier and customers easily realize your sustainability efforts.
Options For Compostable Take-Out Packaging
Paper bakery bags are the cheapest form of compostable packaging although limited to dry foods. Wet or greasy foods leak through paper bags creating a messy look. Additionally, greasy and wet foods might cause the bag to rip. Bagasse goes through environmentally friendly production from byproducts of sugar and wheat extraction. You can get takeout packaging mage from bagasse including
- Containers
- Plates
- Trays
- Bowls
Made from corn resin, Polylactic Acid ( PLA) Coated Paper packaging is from renewable material. This makes it more sustainable compared to plastic made from petroleum. Corn PLA is for making an impermeable liner for paper containers and cups. This limits them from becoming soggy or leaking. However, the exterior of the packaging is likely to become hot to touch.
When looking for the best compostable packaging to showcase your products, PLA is the best option for coming in clear options. Although PLA containers feel and look like plastic, your customers are less likely to get any performance disruption. These containers need composting after use.
Recyclable Take-Out Packaging
This type of takeout packaging is reclaimed to make new materials commonly made from plastic. Keep in mind that not all plastic is recyclable and usually end up in landfills. Ensure to check the recycling code usually found at the bottom of the packaging containers. This is usually a number with three arrows in a triangle chasing each other. Investing in recyclable take-out packaging easily accepted by recyclers increases the chances of being sure that the packaging is reclaimed.
Options For Recyclable Take-Out Packaging
The most affordable option for eco-friendly packaging, recyclable containers help boost your sustainability efforts. Keep in mind that some consumers take all kinds of plastic not to be sustainable than compostable packaging. Aluminum containers are thin metal and the most cost-friendly option. These are safe for use in the freezer and oven with exceptional liquid and grease control. Luckily, Aluminum take out packaging is widely accepted by recycling companies.
Polypropylene is an affordable packaging solution for takeout customers for their lightweight and durability. This packaging is usually reusable and easily accepted by recyclers as long as they are free from food debris. Slightly expensive compared to polypropylene, Polyethylene (PET) is widely accepted by recycling facilities. This material is ideal for clear containers and cups although they have poor heat tolerance.
How To Differentiate Between Biodegradable And Compostable Containers
Compostable food packaging breaks down into water, carbon dioxide, inorganic compounds, and biomass. Composting waste is consumed by microbes to form organic matter known as humus. This fertilizes soil without leaving any residue. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) tests packaging to verify whether it’s compostable and safe for break down in a commercial composting facility. This is verified with a BPI approved symbol of a leaf and an arrow-shaped tree with the word compostable.
Biodegradable packaging is marked as recyclable and compostable. These containers are made with additives that compromise the quality of recycling including corn starch and vegetable oil. Biodegradable take out packaging requires breaking down in a composting facility with regulated heat and humidity.
Bottom line
It pays to make your business go green. Customers will appreciate getting their takeout orders in eco-friendly packaging. This portrays your business commitment to lower your carbon footprint and makes your establishment appealing.
