CORRUGATED PACKAGING HELPS REDUCE FAST FOOD WASTE

20 July 2015


CORRUGATED PACKAGING HELPS REDUCE FAST FOOD WASTE

To meet the demands of today's modern lifestyles more innovative dishes are being created by the UK's £30billion fast food industry, which is why takeaway food packaging has also been developed to help tackle the waste often associated with meals on the go.

It's a myth that reducing the packaging will automatically cut the amount of waste from fast food - in fact effective corrugated solutions can help the environment by reducing the amount of consumer food going to landfill, says the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI).

The recyclability of paper packaging is well known - McDonald's Restaurants reported that during 2013 its eateries worldwide recycled 77% of its cardboard waste - but the material also delivers advantages elsewhere in the fast food supply chain.

CPI Director of Packaging Affairs, Andy Barnetson, said: "Corrugated packaging has superb environmental credentials, and this is being recognised by the fast food industry. Its thermal properties are renowned for keeping food warmer, while bespoke, recyclable corrugated board trays are becoming a firm favourite for fish and chips.


"Not only does corrugated protect products and prevent spills and leaks, its boxes are designed for heat retention for food on the go: the insulated fluting material keeping it fresher for longer therefore encouraging the consumer to eat all the contents."
Companies in the Corrugated Industry have introduced a range of packaging solutions for hot food, specifically designed for takeaways, combining innovative design with fine fluting to make the product easier to handle and consume.


Corrugated packaging has long been favoured by pizza lovers because of its insulation qualities but here there have also been some great recent developments, including an innovative pizza delivery container that easily divides into four cardboard plates so that people can enjoy their meals without the need for washing up!

The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA), which promotes the interests of packaging suppliers and users in the UK takeaway sector, believes the fast food industry is making huge strides to combat waste, especially with the range of packaging options and containers now available.


FPA's executive director, Martin Kersh, said: "There have been some phenomenal advances in takeaway packaging. Developments are taking place all the time. I think that some of the best and some of the more creative developments in the packaging field have taken place in food service.


"Corrugated has excellent heat retention qualities and like all packaging materials has contributed to the common denominator of keeping food in the best condition for longer so people are encouraged to eat it all and not waste it."
In addition to fast food, this highly versatile material can be found in a large variety of sectors including retail multiples, manufacturers and distributors; from heavy industrial components to the most fragile items. Corrugated packaging protects around 75% of goods in transit and has led the way on issues such as lightweight packaging and space efficiency in stores and trucks, which has resulted in fewer lorries on the road.

 



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