17 Best Types of Eco-Friendly food packaging in 2023

By YANXIYAN
August 25, 2023

Today, I will dive into the fascinating world of eco-friendly food packaging.

As sustainability and environmental consciousness continue to gain momentum, finding innovative alternatives to traditional packaging materials has become essential.

In this article, you will discover the 17 best types of eco-friendly food packaging options available in 2023.

Glass Packaging
paper-based packaging
Recycled Cardboard Packaging
cornstarch packaging
Bagasse/Sugarcane
palm leaf packaging
Mushroom-based packaging
Rice husk packaging
Bamboo food packaging
rPET Recycled Plastic
PBAT packaging
Bioplastics (PLA)
PHA food packaging
cellulose packaging
Gelatin films
aluminum
stainless steel

Let’s dive in!

Glass Packaging

Glass packaging is an excellent, sustainable food option made from abundant, naturally occurring materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone.

Why?

One of the most significant advantages is recyclability!

For example, Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality or purity.

According to British Glass, 80% of recovered glass containers are made into new glass bottles.

And Glass containers can be recycled into new glass bottles within 30 days, making it a closed-loop recycling process.

By the way, the glass container is suitable for food preservation.

For example, a jar of homemade tomato sauce stored in a glass container will retain its freshness and flavor much better than if stored in plastic.

Furthermore, Glass is an inert or non-reactive material, meaning it does not leach harmful chemicals or flavors into the food products it contains.

Lastly, Glass is a more transparent container than other containers. It allows for attractive presentation and branding opportunities.

Paper-Based Packaging

Paper-based packaging is an environmentally friendly solution that is gaining traction due to its biodegradability and recyclability.

These packaging materials, often made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, provide a greener alternative to traditional plastic.

Why is it favorable?

Paper packaging’s foremost advantage is its biodegradability. Unlike plastic, paper decomposes naturally and contributes to reducing landfill waste.

For instance, a paper bag will typically break down in about a month, while plastic bags can take hundreds of years.

In addition, statistics from the American Forest and Paper Association indicate that the US has a paper recycling rate of around 68%, one of the highest in the world.

This high rate underscores the ease with which paper-based products can be recycled, reducing their environmental footprint.

Moreover, paper packaging is versatile and can be used for various foods, from dry goods like cereals to takeout meals.

It’s also perfect for brands, offering great creative design and information space.

Finally, modern advancements have improved paper packaging’s resistance to oil, water, and other liquids, thus expanding its uses in food packaging.

Recycled Cardboard Packaging

Recycled cardboard packaging is another excellent eco-friendly choice.

Not only is it made from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, but it’s also biodegradable and widely recyclable, aligning with our growing environmental consciousness.

Why is it a smart choice?

One key benefit of recycled cardboard is its high recyclability rate.

According to a report, over 92% of cardboard was recycled in 2021` in the US, demonstrating its potential for a closed-loop recycling process.

Further, the production of recycled cardboard uses up to 70% less energy than making new cardboard, contributing to lower carbon emissions.

This statistic by The World Counts highlights the energy-saving benefits of choosing recycled materials.

Moreover, recycled cardboard packaging is versatile and robust, making it ideal for a wide range of food products.

From pizza boxes to cereal cartons, it’s a go-to choice for many food manufacturers and restaurants.

Despite being recycled, this packaging material doesn’t compromise on branding opportunities.

Its smooth surface is perfect for printing logos, product information, or engaging designs.

Cornstarch Packaging

Cornstarch packaging represents a newer wave of sustainable packaging, harnessing the power of renewable resources to create a biodegradable and compostable alternative to traditional plastics.

Why consider it?

A standout advantage of cornstarch packaging is its compostability.

Do you know an adequately processed cornstarch packaging can degrade in commercial composting facilities within 90-180 days, leaving no harmful residues behind.

Moreover, cornstarch packaging is derived from corn, a renewable resource.

A study states that corn-based plastics reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional plastics, underscoring its environmental benefits.

Despite being plant-based, cornstarch packaging doesn’t compromise performance.

It can be used to package a wide range of food products and has excellent resistance to oil and grease, which is ideal for takeaway containers or disposable cutlery.

Furthermore, with the right processes, cornstarch packaging can offer clear and glossy surfaces, opening up possibilities for eye-catching branding and product visibility.

Cornstarch packaging stands out as an innovative, eco-friendly solution that combines functionality with sustainability, making it a compelling choice for the future of food packaging.

Bagasse/Sugarcane Packaging

Bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane processing, is finding new life as a sustainable material for food packaging.

Transforming this agricultural waste into a useful product contributes to resource efficiency and waste reduction.

Why choose Bagasse?

Bagasse packaging is biodegradable and compostable.

According to the US Composting Council, bagasse products can decompose in a commercial compost facility within 30-90 days. This rapid breakdown rate helps reduce landfill waste.

This rapid breakdown rate helps reduce landfill waste.

Furthermore, because bagasse is a by-product of sugar production, it’s a resource-efficient material.

Do you know that utilizing bagasse in packaging saves resources and decreases pollution from burning it as waste.

Significantly, bagasse packaging doesn’t fall short in performance.

It’s sturdy, moisture-resistant, and can handle hot and cold foods, making it versatile for various food packaging needs, from takeaway boxes to disposable plates.

Additionally, it’s naturally light color and smooth texture provide a clean canvas for branding and information printing, enhancing its appeal to businesses.

Overall, bagasse packaging exemplifies how a by-product can be transformed into an environmentally-friendly and practical solution for food packaging.

Palm Leaf Packaging

Palm leaf packaging, made from fallen palm leaves, is a unique, sustainable solution in the food packaging industry.

This innovative approach not only recycles natural waste but also provides sturdy, biodegradable packaging.

Why choose palm leaf?

The foremost benefit of palm leaf packaging is its eco-friendly nature.

Fallen palm leaves are collected, cleaned, and processed into various shapes without chemicals.

According to the report, this process reduces waste and creates a product that can decompose in a composting environment in approximately 60 days.

Additionally, using palm leaves helps reduce deforestation.

Since no trees are cut down for its production, palm leaf packaging presents a more sustainable option than wood-based materials.

Palm leaf packaging is also known for its durability and natural aesthetic.

It’s sturdy enough to handle various food types and offers a unique, rustic look that stands out from traditional packaging.

Furthermore, the smooth texture of palm leaves allows for basic printing, offering opportunities for branding or product information display.

In a nutshell, palm leaf packaging transforms a natural waste product into an attractive, eco-friendly solution for food packaging, blending sustainability with a unique aesthetic appeal.

Mushroom-Based Packaging

Mushroom-based packaging is a breakthrough in the realm of sustainable packaging.

Made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, this type of packaging is renewable, compostable, and has a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional materials.

Why go for mushroom-based packaging?

A vital advantage of this packaging is its biodegradability.

According to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, mycelium-based materials can break down in a compost pile within a couple of weeks, reducing waste in landfills.

Additionally, mushroom-based packaging is created from agricultural waste and mushroom roots, making it a renewable resource.

As reported by the Ecovative, mycelium can grow and self-assemble into a desired shape within just a few days, saving time and energy compared to conventional manufacturing methods.

Mushroom packaging also excels in performance.

Its natural structure gives it excellent insulation properties and shock resistance, ideal for protecting delicate foods during transport.

While it may not offer the same printing possibilities as other materials, its unique, earthy appearance can differentiate a brand and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Mushroom-based packaging offers a renewable, compostable, and effective solution for food packaging, showcasing the potential of natural materials to reduce our environmental impact.

Rice Husk Packaging

Rice husk packaging is a rising star in the world of eco-friendly packaging.

It leverages the abundant agricultural waste of rice husks, turning them into a sustainable and practical solution for food packaging.

Why is it an excellent choice?

The primary advantage of rice husk packaging is its sustainability.

Globally, over 700 million tons of rice are produced annually, leading to massive husk waste.

Using these husks for packaging presents a unique way to upcycle this agricultural by-product.

For instance, companies like Huskup use rice husks to create reusable coffee cups.

They showcase the usability of this material while proving that rice husks are more than just waste.

Moreover, rice husk packaging boasts several practical benefits.

It’s naturally robust and can be molded into a variety of forms. Insulation properties akin to styrofoam keep your food fresh and warm.

Importantly, rice husk packaging is biodegradable.

An IOPscience study shows that packaging made from husks can be broken down naturally by micro-organisms in the soil, reducing the burden on our landfills.

Though rice husk packaging is still a burgeoning field, its potential for sustainable food packaging is immense.

It embodies the perfect example of turning waste into wealth, moving us towards a circular economy in packaging.

Bamboo Food Packaging

Bamboo food packaging represents a rapidly growing solution in the quest for sustainable packaging alternatives.

As a highly renewable resource with a fast growth rate, bamboo brings a new flavor to the world of eco-friendly packaging.

Why bamboo?

The most compelling feature of bamboo is its phenomenal growth rate.

As one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, some species of bamboo can grow up to 35 inches in a single day!

This rapid growth cycle makes bamboo a highly sustainable and renewable resource.

Consider this: companies like Bambu Home create a range of food packaging products, including plates, bowls, and utensils, all crafted from certified organic bamboo.

Their products demonstrate the versatility and functionality of bamboo as a food packaging material.

Another noteworthy feature of bamboo packaging is its natural antibacterial properties.

This characteristic makes bamboo a safer choice for food packaging as it reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, bamboo is compostable and biodegradable.

According to research published in the Journal of Polymers and the Environment, bamboo products can degrade significantly in soil within a few months, reducing landfill waste.

rPET Recycled Plastic Packaging

rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) packaging presents an eco-friendlier alternative to plastic food packaging.

Reprocessing post-consumer plastic waste, rPET reduces our reliance on virgin plastic production.

Why is choosing rPET a smart choice?

A key advantage of rPET packaging is its recyclability.

According to the Valgroup, PET is the most recycled plastic material worldwide, creating a circular economy where plastic waste is turned into new products rather than ending up in landfills.

Furthermore, producing rPET uses up to 79% less energy compared to virgin PET, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Significantly, rPET doesn’t compromise functionality.

It maintains properties similar to virgin PET, making it suitable for various food packaging applications, from beverage bottles to ready-meal trays.

Additionally, rPET’s clear nature and smooth surface make it ideal for printing, allowing businesses to showcase their brand and product information.

Overall, rPET packaging serves as a testament to how recycling can transform plastic waste into a practical and eco-friendly solution for food packaging.

PBAT Packaging

PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) is a type of biodegradable plastic growing in popularity as an eco-friendly packaging option.

PBAT combines the benefits of plastic-like characteristics with enhanced environmental compatibility.

Why should you consider PBAT?

A primary advantage of PBAT packaging is its biodegradability.

According to the researchers, led by Michael Thomas Zumstein of Switzerland’s ETH Zürich University, PBAT can biodegrade within six weeks under the soil, significantly faster than traditional plastics.

Moreover, PBAT packaging offers excellent flexibility and resilience, similar to regular plastic. This makes it a prime candidate for packaging various types of food.

A perfect example is the use of PBAT in producing compostable fruit and vegetable bags in supermarkets, which need to be robust yet environmentally friendly.

Additionally, PBAT’s translucent appearance lets consumers see the product inside, enhancing purchase decisions. It can also support printing for branding or product information.

PBAT packaging represents a significant step in our pursuit of eco-friendly food packaging, offering a versatile and degradable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

Bioplastics (PLA) Packaging

Bioplastics, specifically Polylactic Acid (PLA), have emerged as a promising contenders in the sphere of sustainable packaging.

PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane and offers an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Why consider PLA?

PLA packaging also holds its ground when it comes to food safety.

As per studies, PLA containers used for food packaging have shown no significant evidence of harmful substances transferring into the food.

The FDA recognizes PLA as a Generally Recognized Safe (GRAS) polymer for contact with food.

Derived primarily from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, PLA packaging emits fewer greenhouse gases during production compared to conventional plastics.

Furthermore, it has the added advantage of being compostable under the right conditions.

For instance, World Centric, a leading eco-products manufacturer, uses PLA to produce a wide range of food packaging items, from clear containers to cold cups.

These tangible examples showcase the utility and versatility of PLA in food packaging.

Notably, statistics reveal the increasing market potential for PLA.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global PLA market size is expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2025, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8% from 2019 to 2025.

PHA Food Packaging

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are emerging as a powerful player in the eco-friendly packaging arena.

As fully biodegradable plastics produced by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids, PHAs have the potential to reshape the landscape of food packaging.

Why should you opt for PHA?

PHA’s most significant advantage is its biodegradability. Unlike most plastics, PHA can decompose in various environments, including marine settings.

According to a study published in an article in Polymer Journal, PHA can fully degrade in seawater within six months, reducing the threat to marine life.

The usage of PHA packaging is still emerging, but several forward-thinking companies are making significant strides in its application.

A prime example is Genecis, an Ontario-based biotech leader.

With a US$6 million grant from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), Genecis is harnessing its patented fermentation process to produce stable, usable PHAs.

The company’s ambitious vision is to replace standard single-use packaging with eco-friendly PHA-based alternatives.

Moreover, PHA shares many beneficial characteristics of traditional plastics, such as flexibility and durability, making it versatile for different types of food packaging.

For instance, PHA is used to produce ZerO2 packaging, which extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by reducing oxygen transmission.

In a nutshell, PHA packaging combines environmental responsibility with functionality, making it a promising alternative in the sustainable food packaging market.

Cellulose Packaging

Cellulose packaging is making waves in the eco-friendly food packaging sector.

Cellulose is derived from plant fibers and offers a biodegradable and renewable alternative to traditional packaging materials.

Why cellulose?
The biggest perk of cellulose packaging is its compostability.

When disposed of properly, cellulose packaging can biodegrade within 2 to 6 months, according to the National Library of Medicine. This reduces the build-up of waste in landfills.

This reduces the build-up of waste in landfills.

Moreover, cellulose packaging is derived from renewable plant materials like wood pulp.

An example is the company “If You Care,” which offers cellulose-based sandwich bags made from sustainably harvested spruce trees, emphasizing environmental stewardship.

In terms of functionality, cellulose packaging is highly versatile.

It is known for its flexibility, durability, and excellent barrier properties, making it ideal for various food packaging applications.

Though cellulose packaging may not be as transparent as traditional plastics, it offers a unique natural appeal and supports printing for branding purposes.

In essence, cellulose packaging brings the power of plant-based materials to food packaging, offering a renewable and compostable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice functionality.

Gelatin Films Packaging

Gelatin films are a novel and sustainable approach to food packaging.

Derived from collagen, a protein in animal by-products, gelatin films offer an edible and biodegradable alternative to conventional packaging materials.

Why consider gelatin films?

Firstly, being edible and compostable, gelatin films offer a unique solution to reducing packaging waste.

This waste reduction extends beyond mere disposal – by being consumable, the packaging becomes a part of the product itself, adding an exciting dimension to the consumer experience.

What’s more intriguing is gelatin’s adaptability as a carrier of active ingredients.

These could include antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, or even flavoring agents, further enhancing the protective and sensory properties of the packaging.

Moreover, gelatin films can be enhanced with additional ingredients, such as antimicrobial agents or flavorings, to improve food safety and sensory appeal.

According to a study published in Food Hydrocolloids, incorporating essential oils into gelatin films can extend the shelf-life of food products.

Gelatin films are also versatile and customizable.

They can be tailored to various thicknesses and strengths to suit different food packaging needs.

Overall, gelatin film packaging is an intriguing prospect for its edible and biodegradable nature, offering a unique solution in the quest for more sustainable food packaging.

Aluminum Packaging

Aluminum packaging stands as a tried-and-true solution in sustainable food packaging.

Lightweight, durable, and highly recyclable, aluminum has long been famous for various food packaging applications.

Why aluminum?

One of the standout benefits of aluminum packaging is its recyclability. Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality.

According to The Aluminum Association, nearly 75% of all aluminum produced is still used today, thanks to recycling.

In terms of functionality, aluminum packaging offers excellent barrier properties, protecting food from light, oxygen, and moisture.

For example, beverage companies extensively use aluminum cans due to their versatility, durability, and superior preservation capabilities.

Aluminum packaging also provides ease of use and convenience.

It can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes, from food trays to foil wraps.

Its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it suitable for oven-ready or microwaveable meals.

Moreover, aluminum’s smooth surface allows for high-quality printing, presenting branding opportunities.

Stainless Steel Packaging

Stainless steel packaging is a robust and reusable choice in the world of eco-friendly food packaging.

Noted for its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, stainless steel offers a long-lasting alternative to disposable packaging.

Why opt for stainless steel?

Perhaps the most significant benefit of stainless steel is its reusability.

Unlike single-use plastic or paper containers, stainless steel can be used, cleaned, and reused for many years.

According to the Stainless Steel Association, a stainless steel product can have a useful life of over 100 years, reducing the demand for disposable packaging.

In terms of practicality, stainless steel packaging is hard to beat. It’s strong, resistant to heat and corrosion, and suitable for various foods.

Lunchbox manufacturers, for example, often opt for stainless steel due to its durability and safety, as it doesn’t leach chemicals into food.

Additionally, stainless steel packaging contributes to waste reduction.

World Stainless.org estimates that 85% of all stainless steel is recycled at the end of its life, reducing landfill waste.

Though stainless steel doesn’t support direct printing like plastic or paper, it can be engraved or paired with labels for branding.

To sum it up, stainless steel packaging offers a durable, reusable, and recyclable solution, contributing to the longevity of products and the reduction of waste in our food packaging systems.

Are Plastic Ice Cream Cartons Recyclable

Yes, plastic ice cream cartons are generally recyclable.

However, it’s important to check the specific plastic type and recycling guidelines in your area.

Cleaning the carton before recycling is crucial to avoid contaminating other items in the recycling bin.

Conclusion

Reflecting on exploring the 17 best types of eco-friendly food packaging in 2023, we see how sustainability and innovation can unite to make a tangible difference in our world.

From PLA’s versatility to PHA’s impressive biodegradability, these alternatives open new paths to reducing our environmental footprint.

So, what are your thoughts on this topic?

Have you experienced using PLA food packaging or perhaps one of the other eco-friendly options we discussed?

I welcome your comments, insights, and experiences below.