[FR] How do you choose recyclable food packaging?

Your customers’ environmental awareness continues to grow. This can be seen, for example, in the choice of packaging, where people are increasingly sensitive to the way it is designed and used. Legislation on packaging has followed suit, and has been tightened to meet consumer expectations and prevent health risks.

For you, the food and beverage industry in particular, these developments mean that you need to be fully aware of them in order to adapt to the regulations and your customers’ needs.

As you will have realised, the choice of recyclable food packaging is not a trivial one. That’s why we’re focusing on the criteria for choosing them, and, as a bonus, an overview of the main uses with over twenty examples of packaging to consider.

Selection criteria for your recyclable food packaging

In the rest of this article, you’ll discover a selection of recyclable food packaging. But first of all, consider the criteria that will enable you to select the safest, most responsible and most attractive food packaging for your customers.

Health and safety rules

Even if you have a great deal of freedom in the choice of food packaging to suit your strategy (in terms of format or colour, for example), there are health and safety rules to be observed.

Hygiene and health go hand in hand – especially when it comes to food. The slightest bacteria can contaminate foodstuffs, with more or less serious effects on consumer health.

Food safety is therefore the most important issue for food packaging standards. These standards must ensure that packaging does not contaminate food and does not represent any danger to consumer health. To help you, refer to the “Hygiene Package”: a set of European regulations specifying the rules and good practices to be respected.

Specific regulations

Each type of food packaging has its own regulations, which your own packaging must comply with:

• Standards for plastic packaging are designed to ensure that packaging does not contaminate food.
• Standards for cardboard and wood packaging are designed to ensure that the packaging remains strong and durable.
• Those for metal packaging are designed to ensure that the packaging is both airtight and protective.

The end of single-use plastic

It should also be remembered that the French Energy Transition Law for Green Growth (LTECV) includes a ban on single-use plastics.

Certified recyclable materials

French legislation encourages the use of packaging that has less impact on the environment.

It is therefore recommended to choose packaging that is easily recyclable (particularly cardboard) or reusable. The aim is to limit waste volumes and give your packaging a new lease of life.

Check with your manufacturers and distributors that your packaging is certified in this respect.

Using recycled plastic under certain conditions

Some recycled plastic packaging can be recycled… but be careful!

Packaging made from recycled materials cannot be used in contact with food unless it complies with the health safety standards defined by European regulations (Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004), which guarantee that there is no risk of contamination.

So check that your recycled plastic packaging is certified by the manufacturer.

Logos that clearly indicate the recyclability of the packaging

When you choose your recyclable food packaging, make sure it includes logos indicating the recyclability of the product.

These may be :

These logos guide your customer to the right end-of-life for your packaging, in the right recycling channel.

Optimum protection for your products

As well as being recyclable, your packaging must fulfil its primary function: to protect your products during transport, right up to the final consumption stage.

In the case of foodstuffs, you need to make sure that your packaging has been designed so that your product can be transported without being altered. Note that some food packaging can also be reheated in the microwave for later consumption.

Simple assembly and filling of the packaging

The eco-responsibility of your packaging goes hand in hand with its practicality. They must enable you topack your food products quickly and efficiently: a key element in serving your customers in the best possible way.

Care for the customer experience

The final criterion for choosing recyclable food packaging is the customer experience you can develop around your brand. Packaging is a simple lever to activate to build consumer loyalty, by offering them a smooth and pleasant consumption experience.

First of all, your packaging must be adapted to the type of consumption of your products. Whether you sell your products as takeaways or home deliveries, your food packaging must allow them to be eaten on the go. When your products are delivered or transported, they must also be easy to carry and watertight.

You can also think about personalising your recyclable packaging. Personalised food packaging allows you to leave a lasting impression on your customers. Materials such as paper or cardboard can be printed in your brand’s colours – using eco-responsible inks so as not to harm the recyclability of the packaging.

20+ examples of recyclable food packaging for a good customer experience

Choose from the following examples of recyclable food packaging to help you combine ecology, product protection and customer experience.

Recyclable cardboard food packaging

Recyclable plastic food packaging

Recyclable paper food packaging

Recyclable wooden food packaging

Recyclable aluminium food packaging

Need other types of recyclable food packaging than those shown here? Visit the RAJA online shop to discover all our eco-friendly food packaging.

And don’t forget that there are other types of responsible food packaging besides recyclable packaging to help you in your ecological transition. Biosourced food packaging (made from sugar cane, cellulose, corn starch, etc.), biodegradable, compostable, reusable… There’s plenty of choice to delight your customers while limiting your environmental impact!