We hear about it all the time, don’t we? Trees and plants are unable to breathe, marine ecosystems are experiencing serious degradation, and landfills are overflowing. Who’s the culprit? Plastics.
According to a study published in Science Advances, plastic pollution is an increasing problem, with food and beverage companies being the largest contributors. From soda bottles to snack wrappers, plastic is the backbone of convenience in the food and beverage industry.
Another study held that 56 brands led by The Coca-Cola Company are responsible for over half of global plastic pollution.
Companies in the food and beverage industry are waking up to the problem. Research shows that they are committing to plastic reduction. About 77% of companies are willing to accept the cost of implementing sustainable practices.
So, how can the food and beverage industry tackle the plastic crisis? We’ll discuss some of the best practices here.
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#1 Rethink Packaging Materials
More and more companies are moving away from traditional plastic packaging. They are swapping out traditional plastic packaging for eco-friendly alternatives.
It’s because of this, the global market for eco-friendly food packaging is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The market will grow at a CAGR of 7.1% and reach $319.4 billion by 2030.
Bio-plastics are a popular option in the food industry because they are 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. Parts of plants like cassava, sugarcane, and corn are used to manufacture them.
Paper-based packaging is another viable option. One of the largest coffee roasters in Canada, Club Coffee, has developed paper-based canisters for whole bean and ground coffee.
Entrepreneur’s recent feature revealed that McDonald’s has also switched to paper-based packing while revamping its McFlurry packaging. It has replaced plastic-based lids with paper-based ones.
Many are even opting for edible packaging. As the name suggests, these cups are 100% edible. That is, customers can eat them after enjoying their food or beverages.
#2 Build Better Recycling Partnerships
You’ll be shocked to know that many plastic items collected for the purpose of recycling are never actually recycled, informs Plastic Pollution Coalition.
Often, it’s because they are made of multiple materials that are difficult to separate or because local recycling facilities aren’t equipped to handle them.
Many businesses in the food and beverage industry are working directly with recyclers to design packaging that works with existing infrastructure.
Coca‑Cola, for instance, has designed a World Without Waste strategy that aims to create a circular economy for its packaging. The goal of the strategy was to make 100% of its packaging recyclable worldwide by 2025. Though not 100%, the beverage company’s 90% of packaging was recyclable in 2023.
Some, however, are taking things a step further and recycling their packaging. Recycling is one of the easiest ways to minimize your impact on the environment, remarks Corridor Recycling.
Investing in your own recycling facility is an option, but that would be expensive. Partnering with a recycling center would be a cost-effective option. These centers often supply businesses with recycling bins and pick them up with recyclable waste.
Take Long Beach, for instance. With over 300 food trucks bustling across the city’s downtown area, integrating recycling partnerships could significantly reduce waste.
If you operate a food truck in the area, collaborating with a Long Beach recycling center will allow you to manage waste efficiently. Such collaborations help close the loop on plastic waste and make sure more materials find their way into recycling streams.
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#3 Invest in Reusable Containers
The rise of food delivery has created a tsunami of single-use containers. It doesn’t have to be this way, however.
Adopt the reuse approach. You can offer reusable takeout containers that customers borrow and return, which will create a circular system.
Restaurants and cafes aside, fast-food chains can pilot programs where customers receive their orders in reusable packaging.
A recently published article in Packaging World stated that Burger King has introduced reusable cups in restaurants across Finland. KFC, Starbucks, and Peet’s Coffee have also collaborated on a reusable cups project in the small San Francisco Bay Area city of Petaluma, California.
This will not only help cut down on single-use plastics, but it will also create a more engaged and loyal customer base. Plus, eco-conscious consumers nowadays actively seek out businesses that prioritize sustainability.
In a nutshell, the plastic crisis won’t go away on its own. While governments and individuals have their roles to play, the food and beverage industry has the power—and responsibility—to lead the charge.
Whether it’s rethinking packaging or investing in reusables, every step matters. These changes don’t just benefit the planet, but they also make good business sense. And consumers are paying attention. More and more people want to support brands that are making sustainable choices.
So, are you ready to ditch the plastic and create a more sustainable future?
