Lynn Dyer, FPI president: βWhen it comes to foodservice packaging and the materials used to manufacture them, interest in βsustainableβ, βgreenβ or βenvironmentally-friendlyβ options continue to be popular. Whatβs notable this year is the overwhelming number of mentions related to compostable packaging.β
Major material trends include:
Packaging: Environmentally friendly or sustainable packaging remains a long-term overall trend. Specifically, compostable packaging was mentioned. Other trends include the shift to a more natural look through the use of βKraftβ paper over bleached paper to promote the belief that βbrown is the new green.β On the other hand, another trend of note includes an increase in graphics and color as operators recognize the opportunity to promote their brand on packaging.
Raw materials: βGreenβ packaging is apparent in raw materials, as different resins and papers are trending based on both the real and perceived environmental advantages of those materials.
