Most consumers think that cardboard takeaway food packaging like sandwich boxes and takeaway trays are recyclable and plastic free. Unfortunately that is not always the case. Chapelton help food producers find the best pastic free takeaway food packaging solutions and in this blog post we highlight some key issues.
you realise Single use plastics are in the news. Pressure is being put on everyone from supermarkets and service stations to takeaways and fast food retailers to reduce plastic waste and stop selling single use plastics. Takeaway food packaging is a prime target for activists, governments and the general public because by definition its a disposable product.
Of course, anyone involved in the supply chain knows that takeaway food packaging does a much more important job than the average customer might think. Sandwich boxes, salad trays and other wraps need to package food from the production line to the moment a customer opens the product, keeping it fresh and undamaged throughout.
Hot food takeaway containers and other fast food packaging needs to keep food warm and prevent moisture from seeping out, while a delivery driver or customer transports it from store to home.
No wonder plastic has played an important role in the food to go industry, helping to drive growth by keeping costs low and extending the shelf life of fresh products.
Plastic barriers in takeaway food packaging
Even containers like cardboard sandwich boxes often have a polyethylene barriers to look moisture in (or keep moisture out) and help preserve the freshness of the product.
Many consumers assume that cardboard packaging like this can be recycled via household collections but unfortunately that is not true. This type of food packaging generally ends up in landfill or is incinerated. Although it can be separated in the recycling process it is difficult and can only be done through commercial waste recycling (not via kerbside collections or public recycling facilities). Although some plastic layers are water soluble so can be removed before re-pulping this type of packaging needs to go to a specialist facility not a standard recycling plant.
If it is not handled correctly the non-biodegradable plastic elements in this waste end up contributing significantly to the global micro plastic pollution problem.
How to go plastic free with food to go packaging
Consumers awareness levels of the issues surround plastic waste continue to rise and many people now have a better understanding of the way plastic is used in food packaging including plastic barriers on cardboard.
As such our clients are increasingly asking for plastic free packaging that provides the same functionality and quality as those that use plastic barriers or trays. They want solutions that help meet consumer demand; enabling the end user to do the right thing by recycling their sandwich box or takeaway container correctly. They also want to reduce plastic waste in the manufacturing process and be able to increase the amount of fully recyclable waste they can sell on to recycling companies.
Plastic free cardboard food packaging
Cardboard food packaging doesn’t have to be coated in plastic to be fit for purpose, cost effective, printable and heat seal-able. A range of compostable and recyclable barriers are available to protect the integrity of the product and ensure that food to go packaging doesn’t contribute further to global plastic pollution.
Plastic free cardboard sandwich boxes, salad trays and food packaging for fresh snacks deliver the same benefits as their polyethylene equivalents, with a choice of base materials and certification levels, and can be recycled as a mono-material. Recycled baseboard is also available, increasing your green credentials further.
Our suppliers are also based in the EU which makes a significant difference to the carbon footprint of our clients and reduces the leads times – the majority of cartonboard is imported from the Far East. The is especially beneficial if you want a more bespoke product as we can supply small volumes and scale up accordingly.
To see for yourself click on this link to request samples of our cardboard takeaway packaging materials.
Got any questions about going plastic free?
We know that its not always easy to reduce plastic waste and convince clients and decision makers that cardboard food packaging can deliver the performance they want. So if you have questions or would like more information, including pricing and detailed specifications, please get in touch.
As a specialist, cartonboard and plastic free packaging supplier, we have a wealth of experience helping brands and manufacturers make positive steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and plastic waste.
