Food packaging: 7 best practices to comply with regulations

For several years now, the world of food packaging has been undergoing a small revolution. Exit packaging based on hydrocarbons that is not very environmentally friendly: the trend is now towards eco-responsible packaging.

And among the wide range of environmentally friendly packaging, one of them particularly stands out: food cardboard packaging.

Discover in this article 5 reasons why so many companies trust food cardboard to package their products, as well as a good dose of inspiration for choosing your own packaging .

The advantages of food cardboard for your business

It respects eco-responsible legislation

Currently, one of the biggest challenges for catering or food industry professionals is to subscribe to new eco-responsible legislation , which is emerging all over the world .

The Single Use Plastics Directive banned single-use plastic products, such as cutlery, stirring sticks, straws and plates

The 3R decree aims to reduce “useless” single-use plastic packaging by 100% by the end of 2025

So, for your part, you must find alternatives to plastic packaging , to ensure that your products are packaged in line with these laws.

Good news: cardboard food containers help you with this challenge, and even contribute to your eco-responsible strategy!

Should you ban plastic packaging?

Not necessarily ! Cardboard or plastic: both materials have benefits, and can perfectly match your eco-responsibility needs. To do this, simply choose plastic packaging with limited environmental impact.

Need to know more about this? Consult our comparative article “Cardboard packaging -vs- plastic packaging: which material to choose for your packages?” , and make an informed choice.

It allows optimal food safety

Yes: food cardboard packaging does indeed protect your food products optimally… and sometimes even as well as plastic packaging!

However, you must ensure that the corrugated cardboard used for your food packaging is suitable for food contact : a real essential for preserving the food you sell inside.

It adapts to your products, to protect them well

The cardboard used in the manufacture of food packaging is resistant to bursting and impacts.

Boxes, trays, small pots, cups, pizza boxes, burger boxes, salad bowls, kraft paper bags and bags, bottle packaging… There are many formats of food packaging, adapted to each of your products , whether you offer fast food, takeaway or products sold in e-commerce.

What’s more, the right cardboard food packaging can also include other elements, to best protect your food:

Continue reading this article to find out what type of specific packaging may be suitable for your business!

It makes your deliveries or takeaway easier

Whether you offer takeaway or e-commerce home delivery, well-chosen food cardboard packaging can facilitate the transport of your food .

What’s more, since July 1, 2021, catering establishments have been required by the EGAlim law to offer doggy bags to their customers once on-site catering has been finalized.

So take the time to choose your packaging according to the modes of transport that you offer to your customers. Opt for example for packaging with directly integrated handles, or kraft paper bags, practical and environmentally friendly.