As more people become aware of their environmental footprint, they are seeking more sustainable food packaging options. Cornstarch biodegradable food packaging is quickly becoming a popular choice among food vendors and consumers alike.
Cornstarch biodegradable food packaging is made from a renewable resource, which makes it a much more eco-friendly option than conventional plastics. It also produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy to produce. Additionally, when disposed of correctly, it is completely compostable, meaning that it breaks down naturally into harmless compounds.
Cornstarch biodegradable food packaging also has several practical advantages. It is food-safe, resistant to food fats and oils, good for print applications, low flammability, has a high aroma barrier, and is UV resistant. It is also strong, making it a durable option for food packaging.
The popularity of cornstarch biodegradable food packaging is growing rapidly, and with good reason. Food vendors can rest assured that they are providing their customers with a more sustainable packaging option, and consumers can feel good about choosing a product that is more environmentally friendly.
According to a report by Globe News Wire, the biodegradable packaging market is projected to reach a value of $126.85 billion USD by 2026. Additionally, the FDA has approved PLA (polylactic acid) for use as a polymer, making it 100% food safe.
A study conducted by the National University of Singapore found that starch-based biodegradable films had a tensile strength of 7.5 MPa, an elongation percentage of 15.3%, a water sorption of 0.13%, and an efficacy of biodegradability of 97.5%. The study also noted that the inclusion of sodium silicate inhibited fungal growth for both corn starch and potato starch bioplastics. Furthermore, the water vapour permeability of the plasticized films increased by an increase in glycerol concentrations. You can find the full study here.
he US government has accepted biodegradable packaging and has implemented measures to promote sustainable packaging solutions. For example, the US Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Program has set a goal to source all packaging for federal agencies from biobased materials by 2025. Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency has also set goals for reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of more sustainable packaging materials.
In terms of grocery packers, a survey conducted by the Food Marketing Institute found that nearly 90% of grocery packers are now using sustainable packaging materials. Additionally, the survey found that almost all grocery packers have implemented waste reduction practices such as recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics.
here are several benefits and advantages for grocery packers who adopt sustainable packaging solutions. These include reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, reduced environmental impacts, improved product and brand visibility, and improved shelf life of products. Additionally, sustainable packaging solutions can help grocery packers meet corporate sustainability goals, reduce waste, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Here are five grocery packers who have achieved success in adapting to sustainable packaging solutions:
- Walmart – Walmart has made significant investments in sustainable packaging, such as transitioning to 100% recyclable packaging, eliminating plastic bags, and introducing reusable containers.
- Kroger – Kroger has implemented several sustainable packaging initiatives, such as reducing single-use plastics, transitioning to 100% recyclable packaging, and introducing reusable containers.
- Aldi – Aldi has committed to reducing plastic packaging and waste, and has implemented measures such as switching to compostable packaging and using reusable containers.
- Nestle – Nestle has committed to reducing its use of virgin plastics by one-third, and has implemented initiatives such as using recycled materials for packaging and eliminating single-use plastics.
- Target – Target has committed to transitioning its packaging to 100% recyclable and reusable materials, and has implemented measures such as eliminating plastic bags and switching to compostable packaging.
Companies that do not adopt sustainable packaging solutions in the near future will likely face a number of challenges. These include increased costs, decreased customer satisfaction and loyalty, decreased brand visibility, and increased environmental impacts. Additionally, these companies may face increased competition from more sustainable brands, as well as increased regulations and fines from government agencies. Ultimately, companies that do not adopt sustainable packaging solutions will be at a disadvantage in the long-term and may find it difficult to stay competitive.
