Many countries, and several U.S. states, are banning single-use plastics and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” from being added to food packaging.
An alarming 380 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and nearly 40 percent of plastic used across the world comes from packaging. This waste is often not recyclable. In fact, it’s estimated less than 10 percent of plastic has been recycled since 1950.
Plus, consumers are demanding more sustainable products, including packaging. Some are even willing to pay a premium for products delivering on sustainability claims. Research shows 87 percent of consumers are concerned about the environmental and social impacts of the products they buy, and 80 percent say sustainability is an important factor in their purchasing decisions.
If your company is ready to make the shift to eco-friendly food packaging, what are the options available on the market?
Plant-based packaging is fast gaining popularity as the sought-after eco-friendly alternative in the food services industry. For example, mushroom packaging uses clean, ground agricultural waste fused together by a matrix of mushroom roots. Seaweed packaging is made from gelatinous ‘agar’ found in seaweed and algae.
One growing plant-based alternative is bioplastics, or corn plastics. The organic composition of recycled starch procured from waste and Polylactic acid (PLA) provide the flexibility and durability required for food packaging. As the name suggests, these products share the look, feel and functionality of plastic; in fact, they can easily be mistaken for plastic to an inexperienced eye.
Companies like Ford, Heinz, Nestlé, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Coca-Cola Company and Danone are working together to guide the sustainable development of bioplastic feedstocks. Furthermore, global chains like Starbucks and Burger King have already added some PLA products to their overall waste reduction strategy.
What’s ahead for sustainable food service packaging?
The latest innovation in foodservice packaging is set to disrupt the industry because it’s a completely natural alternative to Styrofoam. Evanesce® Molded Starch technology is made with upcycled plant materials, otherwise known as inedible food waste, and can be molded into a diverse range of products including trays, cups, meal trays and food containers. Free from harmful toxins such as PFAS, BPA and any other synthetic polymers, it is both marine and soil biodegradable and decomposes into soil in 90 days or less.
Evanesce was founded on the idea that sustainability not only be affordable, but also look and function the way a consumer expects. The two biggest challenges in adopting sustainable options are either the products are not functionally viable or they are too expensive.
As a complete solution to replace single-use plastics and Styrofoam food packaging, Evanesce offers two product lines: Evanesce® Biopolymers and Evanesce® Molded Starch technology. Certified compostable, the plant-based, American-made food packaging looks and feels like their petroleum-laden counterparts.
Evanesce is currently producing compostable PLA straws at its first manufacturing facility in Early Branch, S.C. and expanding its U.S. manufacturing capacity with a second facility in northern Las Vegas. The range of foodservice products will include straws, trays, cups, lids, takeout containers, plates, cutlery and more. Learn more about Evanesce and its foodservice packaging solutions at evanesce.com.
Douglas Horne
Douglas Horne is the founder and CEO of Evanesce, whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of sustainable food packaging alternatives. He is a serial entrepreneur and corporate development specialist with over 20 years of experience building successful teams and businesses in many industries. He is a passionate advocate of sustainability and the circular economy, with a purposeful focus on providing responsible solutions for the foodservice industry and end-consumers.
