Understand Asia’s Drive Toward Sustainable Food & Beverage Packaging

Sustainability is becoming a key element for foor and beverage (F&B) packaging manufacturers in Asia, thanks to growing consumer demands and the increased attention on the impact of packaging waste. As reported by Research and Markets, the global sustainable food packaging market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% and reach USD 249.5 billion by 2025. Certain preferences, market stakeholders, and initiatives are driving this trend forward and may affect your production processes. Learn how consumer preferences and initiatives from key industry players are shaping a shift toward sustainable packaging. Then, learn how the right adhesive can make it easy for you to manufacture greener packaging.

According to a global report by McKinsey & Company, consumers in Asia are willing to pay more for sustainable food and beverage packaging. This shows that consumers are increasingly open to purchase products from companies that contribute to the greater good of the environment. This has driven the industry to produce greener packaging with more ethically sourced materials and more transparent supply chains. It has also influenced the development of sustainable packaging designs.

Furthermore, with governments incentivising recycling as part of a more comprehensive, circular economy approach targeted at eradicating waste and re-utilizing resources, it has instilled the positive habit among the general public. Consumers are taking more ownership of their waste and are generally more environmentally conscious. This means consumers expect greener solutions from F&B packaging providers too.

Over the years, a growing number of food service outlets and food delivery companies have started placing sustainable packaging practices at the centre of their corporate social responsibility focus. Many companies have eliminated single-use packaging and replaced them with sustainable althernatives, for example.

Globally, many F&B giants also have pledged long-term sustainability commitments, such as reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of recycled polyethene terephthalate (rPET) and other sustainable materials for their packaging needs. These efforts will significantly reduce packaging waste and at the same time cultivate lifestyle change among consumers. This also means that if your packaging solutions do not enable heightened sustainability, you could risk losing business.

As an F&B packaging manufacturer, you can contribute to the goal of a circular economy by reviewing your current manufacturing processes and identifying ways to make them more sustainable. For instance, introducing recyclable materials for your packaging, reducing usage of materials, or utilizing more sustainable, durable and lightweight packaging solutions.

However, you should ensure that your packaging can be recycled easily without creating processing issues. Food packaging made with non-compostable adhesive cannot be recycled as they do not compost and can cause damage to machines in the recycling process.

Fortunately, when food packaging is made entirely from compostable materials, these problems can be avoided. The composted packaging can be used as fertiliser to stimulate plant growth when placed in a 'composting environment', as the components allow it to disintegrate into natural elements. This reduces toxicity in the soil and minimises harmful greenhouse gases, which would usually be generated from food packaging waste. Additionally, natural materials are also lighter than manufactured materials, which can help reduce shipping costs due to reduction of weightage.

Compostable packaging is easy to achieve when you use a compostable adhesive such as Bostik’s Thermogrip® 43298. As the first-ever BPI-certified compostable hot melt adhesive on the market, this product allows the packaging to break down fully after disposal into natural gases and biomass, significantly reducing land waste processing costs. This adhesive works in service temperatures ranging from 0° to 180° F (-17.7° to 82° C), meaning that it can be used in any process methods. It also enables you to create BPI-certified F&B packaging, so you can maintain your current process and meet sustainability preferences.

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, adding a compostable adhesive to your F&B packaging production can help you meet market requirements without sacrificing packaging quality and help you take advantage of new opportunities. To learn more about this adhesive or to request a sample, contact a Bostik representative today.

You can also learn more with this other relevant content:

• Why is Compostable Packaging One to Watch?
• How Bostik's Compostable Adhesive Helps You Stand Out
• 4 Need-to-Know Facts About Compostable Packaging