5 Types of Eco-Friendly Food Packaging and Which Ones to Avoid
Each year, we add 400 million tons of plastics to landfills and oceans. Environmental pollution has already started showing its devastating effect on all living things, and this is why companies across the United States, particularly the food industry, are shifting to eco-friendly solutions. Food packaging is an essential part of restaurants, food manufacturing companies, and delivery services. If you want to make your food packaging more sustainable, scroll down to find out the most environmentally-friendly food packaging materials and which ones to avoid.
Types of Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Materials
Eco-friendly food packaging materials are available in a variety of types. Here are some of the most popular eco-friendly materials you should consider for your food business:
1. Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are a popular eco-friendly alternative to paper and plastic food containers. They are famous for their durability and cost-effectiveness. Corrugated boxes are made from recycled paper to minimize paper wastage. Recycled paper is compressed to create a durable thick paper which is then used to manufacture food containers of all shapes and sizes.
2. Corrugated Cardboard Holders
Corrugated cardboard boxes have a thicker layer. For this reason, these heavy-duty holders are used for holding heavier objects like 4, 6, or 8 large-sized cups, ice-cream containers, and similar items.
3. Compostable Bagasse Molded Fiber
Compostable bagasse molded fiber is one of the best alternatives to plastic and new paper. Obagasse is extracted from renewable resources like sugarcane and wheatgrass. The fiber extracted from used consumer content, also called molded fiber, is merged with bagasse to create a durable and biodegradable or ‘compostable’ food packaging material.
4. Bamboo Fiber Containers
Bamboo fiber is a natural material extracted from bamboo plants. It is biodegradable and has all the favorable characteristics for storing food items. Bamboo fiber is durable and demonstrates high heat resistance. For this reason, bamboo containers are the perfect materials for serving hot beverages and soups. Click here to check out our exquisite variety of bamboo fiber food packaging items.
5. Eco-Friendly Paper Straws
Plastic straws make up a big portion of plastic waste every year. When thrown into the water, these straws can get stuck into fish gills or other marine animals’ mouths, causing instant death. Plastic straws are rapidly being replaced with eco-friendly paper straws. Not only are they biodegradable, but eco-friendly paper straws are also BPA-free and made of non-toxic materials to ensure safety.
Food Packaging Materials to Avoid
There are certain food packaging materials that businesses need to avoid at all costs. Here are two of the most dangerous food packaging materials:
Styrofoam
Styrofoam has been banned in many states across the US due to its hazardous characteristics. Styrofoam contains two toxic materials, neurotoxins, styrene, and benzene. These materials have been termed carcinogens and tend to mutate human cells and cause cancer. Styrofoam constantly releases toxic gases into the food and the atmosphere, especially when the food is hot.
Plastics with BPA
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical ingredient used in the production of PVC – a substance used in a wide range of plastic items. BPA tends to penetrate the food itself. The presence of BPA in food items can cause infertility, metabolic abnormalities, and even cancer.
Buy Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Products at Affordable Prices
Eco-friendly food packaging items are the best choice for any food business. We are offering impressive discounts on a variety of eco-friendly food packaging, including eco-friendly disposable cups, plates, straws, bowls, shopping bags, dessert cups, and much more!
Buy our exclusive custom-printed paper shopping bags, paper ice cream containers, custom-print drink cups, and custom-printed disposable utensils, and make an impact on your customers.
Check out the sale section to get your best pick.