How Do You Start Reducing Plastic in Your Packaging?

March 30, 2026

How Do You Start Reducing Plastic in Your Packaging?

What does reducing plastic in packaging actually mean?

Reducing plastic in packaging means using less plastic in food containers and wrapping while keeping food protected and safe. This involves replacing plastic with alternatives such as recycled fiber, using thinner plastic barriers, or removing plastic layers entirely where possible.

The approach typically focuses on three main strategies: switching materials, improving design, and combining materials. Switching materials means replacing plastic with recyclable packaging options such as cardboard or fiber-based materials. Improving design means using less plastic or removing plastic parts that aren’t needed. Combining materials means using the best of different options together—for example, using mostly recycled fiber with a small plastic barrier only where needed to keep food safe.

For food businesses, reducing plastic doesn’t mean giving up on what the packaging needs to do. Modern fiber-based packaging solutions can contain at least 85% less plastic compared to an equivalent fully plastic package, while still sealing out air, protecting food, and keeping products fresh for as long as needed.

Why should food businesses prioritize plastic packaging reduction?

Packaging choices have become a business necessity due to increasing regulatory requirements, customer demand, and cost considerations. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) now requires many companies to report on their environmental impact, making plastic reduction a compliance issue rather than merely a preference.

Customer behavior strongly favors brands that show they care about how their products are packaged. Research consistently shows that purchasing decisions increasingly factor in packaging choices, particularly among younger customers who make up a growing share of the market. This shift creates competitive advantages for businesses that adopt fiber-based packaging early.

From a cost perspective, alternatives with less plastic often provide long-term savings through improved recycling rates, reduced waste management fees, and potential tax incentives. Additionally, supply chains become more stable when businesses reduce dependence on petroleum-based plastic materials, which can swing sharply in price.

What are the main alternatives to plastic food packaging?

The main alternatives to plastic food packaging include fiber-based materials, plant-based plastics, glass, metal, and solutions that combine multiple materials. Cardboard packaging and recycled fiber solutions currently offer the most practical replacement for most food applications.

Fiber-based alternatives use recycled paperboard or cardboard as the main structure, often with a thin protective layer for food safety. These solutions can contain at least 85% recycled content compared to an equivalent fully plastic package, while keeping food protected. Fiber-based packaging in this category works particularly well for ready meals, fresh produce, and retail food items.

Plant-based plastic alternatives include PLA (polylactic acid) and other similar materials derived from renewable rather than fossil-based raw materials, though these break down only under industrial composting conditions. Glass and metal containers protect food well but add weight and transportation costs. The most promising solutions combine materials thoughtfully—using mostly recycled fiber with a targeted plastic barrier only where needed to seal out air or moisture.

How do you evaluate if alternative packaging will protect your food products?

Evaluating recyclable packaging protection involves testing three critical factors: how well it keeps air and moisture out, how sturdy it is, and whether it works with existing production lines and delivery processes. The starting point is identifying specific protection requirements—oxygen barriers, moisture resistance, temperature tolerance, and shelf life expectations.

Barrier testing measures how well alternative materials prevent oxygen, moisture, and light from affecting products. Modern fiber-based packaging can seal out air as effectively as plastic while using significantly less plastic. Temperature testing confirms that packaging holds up correctly throughout heating, cooling, or cooking processes. All trays are suitable for microwave use and freezing, but resistance to oven heat depends on the material chosen—for example, the Jospak Oven Tray is specifically designed for oven use.

Distribution testing simulates real-world conditions, including stacking, transportation vibration, and temperature changes. Working with packaging suppliers that can provide performance data and run pilot testing with actual products supports informed decision-making. Small-batch testing is a practical way to confirm that fiber-based packaging meets quality standards before a full rollout.

What’s the most practical first step for reducing packaging plastic?

The most practical first step is reviewing current packaging to identify which products use the most plastic and which have readily available fiber-based packaging alternatives. High-volume products are a natural focus, as material changes there make the biggest difference to both plastic use and costs.

Products that don’t require strong barrier properties are a good starting point—items with shorter shelf lives, frozen foods, or products sold quickly at retail. These applications often transition smoothly to cardboard packaging or fiber-based solutions without affecting food safety or customer satisfaction.

Partnering with suppliers that specialize in reducing packaging waste and can offer practical support during the transition helps keep the process manageable. Solutions that work with existing production lines reduce changeover costs. Many businesses find success by starting with one product line, refining the process, and then expanding across their range.

How do you handle the cost difference when switching from plastic?

Fiber-based packaging often costs more upfront per unit, but a full cost review that includes waste disposal savings, potential for higher product pricing, and long-term supply chain benefits frequently reveals smaller differences than initially expected.

The full picture includes lower waste management fees, a stronger brand image that supports higher pricing, and potential customer loyalty benefits. Fiber-based packaging solutions often qualify for incentives or tax benefits that help offset material cost differences.

Rolling out changes gradually spreads costs over time while building experience with new materials. Products that make the strongest business case—either the highest volume, the best margin opportunity, or the strongest customer demand for less plastic—are a natural starting point. Many businesses have managed cost transitions successfully by treating packaging choices as an investment in market positioning rather than simply an added expense.

Pohditko vielä, mikä pakkausratkaisu sopisi parhaiten sinun tuotteellesi? Ota yhteyttä, niin autamme valitsemaan vaatimukset täyttävän ja kestävän materiaalin juuri sinun tarpeisiisi.

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