How food and beverage brands are making sustainable packaging a reality

Packaging is a front-and-center, can-hold-in-your-hand reminder of how a brand’s operation affects the world. It’s clear from consumer surveys that consumers are shunning single-use plastics for packaging container options that are recyclable, compostable and biodegradable.

Many consumers, especially Millennials, recognize added value in sustainably packaged products. According to Nielsen, 64% of U.S. households buy sustainable products. Furthermore, a 2020 survey showed a majority of consumers prefer to purchase foods that are sustainably packaged, with many saying that they will pay more for them. As such, sustainable package design can do more than provide a better environmental choice; it has the potential to elevate and amplify a brand’s story and value.  

However, making the shift to sustainable packaging does present obstacles—especially in the food and beverage sector where processing, distribution and shelf life all play critical roles in the success or failure of a product. What’s more, sustainable packaging must be visually appealing enough for consumers to pick them up and hopefully purchase them.

All these issues are critical to success. I invite you register for the free SupplySide Network 365 Education Series, “Packaging that Pleases People, the Plant and Profits,” taking place Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. ET. Attendees will learn about consumer desires for packaging options, strategies to reduce the amount of packaging companies use, and the challenges and opportunities with creating and using sustainable packaging.

Hosted by Sandy Almendarez, content director at Informa Markets, the webinar will feature insights from representatives at Waste 360 and NothingWasted!, Numi Organic Tea, the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), Osc2, Sambazon, Sun & Swell, RCD Packaging and Regrained.