Whenever the food industry has faced roadblocks, it has always evolved through technology. This technological evolution has also introduced certain problems that start out subtle but become an urgent priority.
Packaging of takeaway food has become the next urgent priority in 2024.
With every order for delivery, a new set of packaging materials and eating tools (generally plastic) are used to assure food safety, freshness and convenience to the customers. They are discarded after a short or single use, which pollutes the earth and affects the living environment due to being non-biodegradable.
Why is Food Packaging important ?
The food delivery industry in India took off after the pandemic in 2020 due to people being apprehensive about safely dining in restaurants and other food places. Delivery was and has become a dominant business model in the overall food industry in 2024.
According to consultants, India’s online food delivery market is growing at a rate of 30% annually and is expected to reach INR 1,845.76 billion by 2027.
Now that restaurants are focusing more on food deliveries, proper packaging has naturally become the greatest source of customer accusation and retention. Some of the benefits of food packaging that the overall food industry has witnessed over the years include :
Stronger Brand Identity:
A well-designed package helps strengthen a brand’s image for quality and reliability, encouraging customer loyalty. Paying attention to things like easy opening, storage, and eco-friendliness shows care for both customer needs and the environment. Also, adding features that connect with the target audience makes the experience more memorable and keeps customers more engaged.
Improved Quality Management:
Packaging that prevents leaks and reduces food waste shows a strong focus on customer satisfaction and keeping food fresh. By choosing high-quality packaging, businesses strengthen their brand’s image for delivering top-notch food quality.
Better Convenience for Customers:
To improve customer satisfaction, businesses offer essentials like cutlery and napkins. Adding sanitizing kits also shows they care about customer safety. Packaging designed for easy on-the-go dining further enhances the overall experience.
Increased Eco-Friendliness:
By using eco-friendly packaging, businesses like CaneCart show they care about sustainability and appeal to eco-conscious customers. Choosing recyclable and biodegradable materials can boost their brand image and support a more sustainable future.
By prioritizing food packaging, businesses can enhance their brand image, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Investing in high-quality packaging is not just a cost; it’s an investment in one’s business success.
Explore CaneCart’s sustainable and affordable food packaging solutions, perfect for your business and personal needs, offering guilt-free, eco-friendly options.
What are the problems associated with food delivery apps regarding food packaging ?
The rise of food delivery services has revolutionized the way we consume food, offering unparalleled convenience and a vast array of culinary options. However, this convenience comes at a significant environmental cost.
Single-use plastics, from cutlery and containers to excessive wrapping, dominate the food delivery landscape. This excessive use of disposable materials has led to a surge in plastic waste, contributing to the pollution of our streets, oceans, and landfills; posing health risks to both animals and humans.
Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic, are increasingly infiltrating our food chain. Studies have shown that we may be ingesting up to 5 grams of plastic each week, potentially posing health risks. Food delivery services often use plastic packaging that can release microplastics into our food.
Online shopping, including food delivery, has significantly increased plastic waste generation. A study by the WWF revealed that online grocery orders can use up to four times more plastic than traditional in-store shopping.
While some food delivery services are taking steps towards sustainability, the industry as a whole still relies heavily on single-use plastics. It is imperative for both consumers and businesses to adopt more eco-friendly practices to mitigate the environmental impact of food delivery.
CaneCart’s initiative to provide eco-friendly packaging solutions comes as a direct response to this problem statement. Offering a wide range of shapes and dimensions, CaneCart makes sure that its food packaging solutions are both practical and biodegradable.
How does the food delivery industry tackle the plastic problem in 2024 ?
The food delivery industry is slowly transitioning towards sustainability. Some restaurants are experimenting with biodegradable packaging and compostable materials. Initiatives like “CaneCart” a 100% compostable and reusable food container supplier, offer promising solutions.
Looking back to traditional practices can also be a valuable source of inspiration. India has a rich history of using biodegradable materials for food packaging – banana leaves, sal leaves, wooden spoons, and terracotta containers. These solutions are not only eco-friendly but also support local cottage industries.
Research suggests that subtle nudges on food delivery apps can encourage sustainable behaviours among users. In China, simply changing the default setting on apps to “no cutlery” resulted in a 648% increase in orders opting out of plastic cutlery. Implementing such “green nudges” across the industry could drastically reduce plastic waste generation.
While green nudges are a positive step, tackling plastic pollution necessitates a multifaceted approach. A significant reduction in plastic production is needed from the manufacturers by increasing investments in the plastic recycling infrastructure. Australia’s current recycling rate of 18% for plastic packaging highlights the need for a comprehensive solution.
While Australia has banned single-use plastic cutlery in most states, the plastic problem extends beyond forks and spoons. Food containers, coffee cups, and packaging materials all contribute to the environmental burden. While green nudges can play a role, ultimately, shifting towards reusable packaging solutions will bring the most significant environmental gains.
Conclusive Thought
The food delivery industry faces a significant challenge as it continues to grow rapidly in 2024. While convenience and speed are essential, businesses must also prioritize sustainability to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics. The adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for ensuring the future of both the food industry and the planet.
CaneCart and other innovative suppliers offer practical, sustainable alternatives that help businesses reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining food quality and customer satisfaction. By investing in compostable and biodegradable materials, restaurants and food delivery services can take meaningful steps towards a more responsible and eco-conscious future.
The shift to green packaging solutions isn’t just about minimizing waste—it’s about creating a positive brand image, attracting environmentally conscious consumers, and contributing to the broader movement toward sustainability. With the right packaging, businesses can enhance their operations, improve customer experiences, and play a part in addressing the global plastic waste problem.
Ultimately, embracing sustainable food packaging is not only an investment in the environment but also in the long-term success of any food business looking to stay relevant in a changing world.