The Growing Focus on Sustainable Food Packaging

In Italy, sustainability in packaging is becoming an increasingly central factor in consumer choices. According to the Osservatorio Packaging del Largo Consumo by Nomisma, 40% of Italians plan to increase their purchases of food products with sustainable packaging in the next 12 months. This percentage rises among families with young children and Generation Z, who are particularly conscious of environmental sustainability.

The transition to sustainable packaging is not just a consumer trend but involves the entire production chain. Companies in the sector must adapt to increasingly stringent regulations and market demands that prioritise low-impact solutions, promoting new materials and circular economy models.

1. The Functions of Food Packaging

To understand how the sustainable packaging trend impacts consumption habits and the packaging industry, it is essential to clarify the key functions of food packaging:

• Protection and Preservation: Ensures product integrity, minimising deterioration from external factors (light, humidity, contaminants).
• Food Safety: Prevents contamination and preserves food freshness.
• Ease of Transport and Storage: Optimises logistics, reducing waste along the supply chain.
• Communication: Provides mandatory information (ingredients, expiry date, nutritional values) and enhances brand visibility through design.

2. Characteristics of Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging must meet the following criteria:

• Recyclable and Biodegradable: Made from renewable and easily disposable materials.
• Reduced Weight and Volume: Optimises transport and reduces CO2 emissions.
• Safety and Hygiene Compliance: Protects the product without compromising food safety.
• Circular Model Compliance: Materials can be reused or recycled without impacting the environment.

3. Eco-Friendly Choices for Food Packaging

The main sustainable alternatives include:

• Biodegradable Packaging: Made from PLA, corn starch, and cellulose.
• Recyclable Packaging: Cardboard and mono-material plastics such as PET and PP.
• Reusable Packaging: Glass and stainless steel containers to reduce single-use materials.

Most Common Materials:

• Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP): Recyclable and durable.
• FSC Certified Cardboard and Paper: Sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• Glass and Aluminium: Infinitely recyclable materials.

4. Consumer Preferences for Sustainable Packaging

According to the Osservatorio Nomisma, consumers prioritise:

• Reduced Excess Packaging (59%)
• Fully Recyclable Packaging (58%)
• Low CO2 Emissions in Production (46%)
• Use of Recycled or Biodegradable Materials (45%-44%)
• Plastic-Free and Reusable Packaging

5. The Use of Compostable Materials

Using compostable materials reduces environmental impact and supports the transition to a circular economy. Popular solutions include:

• PLA (Polylactic Acid): Derived from corn starch, compostable and biodegradable.
• Bagasse: Made from sugarcane waste, used for food containers.
• CPLA: A heat-resistant variant of PLA, suitable for biodegradable cutlery.

6. Best Alternative Bio-Materials for Food Packaging

Sustainable alternatives include:

• Cellulose/Bagasse: Used for biodegradable plates and containers.
• Corn Starch and PLA: For compostable cups and bags.
• Tapioca, Seaweed, Potato Starch: Innovative solutions for food packaging.

7. Types of Sustainable Food Packaging

7.1 FSC and PEFC Certified Paper Bags and Pouches

• Sourced from sustainably managed forests, offering an alternative to single-use plastic.

7.2 PLA Bio-Packaging

• Ideal for cold foods, biodegradable, and compostable.

7.3 Green CPLA Packaging

• A PLA version suitable for hot food and beverages.

7.4 Bagasse Packaging

• A biodegradable material derived from sugarcane waste, widely used in food delivery.

8. “From Cradle to Cradle”: The Lifecycle of Sustainable Packaging

The “Cradle to Cradle” (C2C) model surpasses the traditional “from cradle to grave” concept by ensuring materials are reused indefinitely in production cycles without generating waste.

9. Biodegradability and Compostability

A key aspect of sustainable food packaging is distinguishing between biodegradability and compostability:

• Biodegradable: Materials that decompose naturally.
• Compostable: Materials that break down into nutrient-rich compost under optimal conditions.

10. Biodegradable Packaging in Food Packaging

The spread of biodegradable packaging enables more sustainable waste management. However, it is essential to evaluate:

• Decomposition Timeframes
• Compatibility with Waste Disposal Infrastructure
• Durability and Functionality for Food Packaging

11. Implications for Brands and Distributors

80% of consumers seek transparent information about packaging lifecycles. This means businesses must:

• Invest in sustainable packaging to enhance brand reputation
• Communicate effectively about the environmental benefits of packaging
• Adopt certified and EU-compliant solutions

12. Economic and Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Packaging

Adopting eco-friendly packaging brings tangible benefits:

• Reduced Waste Disposal Costs
• Increased Consumer Appeal
• Environmental Certifications Enhancing Corporate Reputation
• Lower Carbon Footprint

In conclusion, sustainable food packaging is a necessity for the future. Investing in green solutions allows businesses to meet market demands, enhance their brand image, and contribute to environmental conservation.