Eco-friendly packaging - biodegradable friends of gastronomy, home and the environment!
Eco-friendly packaging - two words that are becoming more and more talked about every year. This fact should not come as a surprise - after all, the current trend is to live according to the "spirit" of eco, which we, as a society, can only welcome. In today's post we wanted to talk about the advantages of using such eco solutions, using the example of the assortment available on SlowPack.
When can we say that packaging is eco? Are eco-friendly and biodegradable containers the same thing? Who should opt for a natural alternative to traditional plastic containers? We tell you all about it in the rest of the article - enjoy your reading!
Eco-friendly packaging - eco, that is, what kind of packaging?
Nowadays, it is quite easy to assign the "eco" label to various products, led by foodstuffs. Although most of them can indeed boast this title (confirmed by certificates, among other things), not all of them are environmentally friendly.
But what is it like with eco-friendly packaging? What exactly are they? In the simplest terms: they are environmentally friendly boxes. What do we mean by this? First of all, the fact that after use they do not pose a threat to our planet, as well as our health.
An example of eco-friendly packaging, which in appearance resembles a traditional plastic box. Analyzing the material from which it was made (PLA), we will know that the title "eco" did not come here by accident.
Eco-friendly packaging for food and other products - a natural advantage over plastic and other artificial materials
Traditional plastic or packaging made of other plastics, although they generally work well for transporting meals, they are still not the ideal solution. Why? In this case, we need to think multidimensionally - despite fulfilling their primary function, they pose a real threat not only to the environment, but also to our health.
A good, or rather "bad" example here is plastic, which contains a large number of chemicals in it that can cause undesirable reactions in the body and contribute to the development of endocrine diseases. Another issue is that plastic packaging and other products after use, although recyclable, are often discarded in inappropriate places such as lawns or bodies of water, where they decompose very slowly, so that they linger in the environment for thousands of years, posing a real danger to humans, animals and plants.
The complete opposite here is ecological packaging for food, cosmetics or other everyday products. Their main task is to leave the smallest possible footprint on the environment, and thus - on our health.
Ecological packaging - examples that show their advantages for the environment and health
Above we mentioned the low impact on the environment - at this point it is worth clarifying this term - because it consists of a couple of factors, namely:
- responsible production - one of the main assumptions of manufacturers of ecological packaging is the low consumption of energy needed to make them, as well as the use of natural materials,
- utilization - this refers to recycling, i.e. turning them into products that can be reused,
- biodegradation- that is, the natural decomposition of the products in a composter.
Biodegradable vs. eco-friendly foodservice packaging - are there differences?
When talking about eco-friendly packaging, the word "biodegradable" is often used interchangeably. Are bio products different from those with the label eco?
In a nutshell, we can say that:
- biodegradable packaging is always an eco-friendly container,
- however, not every eco box for food or other products is biodegradable.
So what can the term biodegradability be attributed to? This term refers to materials that decompose naturally after use, thus "returning" to the environment.
Therefore, biodegradable packaging cannot include, for example, glass products - as these do not decompose safely.
Eco-friendly food packaging - let's get to know them better
At this point, it's worth breaking down eco packaging into its constituent parts, so it will be easier to grasp what it actually includes. Above we gave an example of an eco-friendly box, which owes its title to the material from which it is made.
And this is the key to being an "eco product" - the origin of the product. And not just any kind - because we are talking about natural raw materials, which, fortunately, are not lacking on our planet. What materials are we talking about? It's best to show it on a "living" example. Here we will reach to the offer of our ecological wholesaler and present ecological packaging, briefly describing their properties - they may differ more or less depending on what they are made of.
- ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING FROM PLA
First up are the eco-friendly takeaway packaging made of PLA, which we've had time to mention today.
Although they are deceptively similar to traditional plastic containers, it is worth knowing that they are their complete opposite. Why? First of all, because they do not emit any harmful substances into the environment during decomposition. As a result, they can be safely subjected to industrial composting or recycling without worrying about the negative effects of decomposition.
Thanks to their origin, eco-friendly packaging for sandwiches and other foodstuffs is characterized by good resistance to tearing, getting wet, moisture, as well as the effects of lower temperatures, making them ideal for transporting cold and summer meals.
Biodegradable, eco-friendly food box in the form of a round PLA container. Ideal for salads, desserts, fruits or ice cream.
Round bowl-shaped container made of PLA (cornmeal). Ideal for salads, desserts or fruits. Aesthetic appearance, streamlined shape, durability, resistance to low temperatures and, most importantly, biodegradability. All this makes the container a full-fledged ecological packaging, which is worth using both at the catering establishment and at home.
Eco-friendly PLA container with original design and stable handles is great for transporting and serving snacks of all kinds. 100% biodegradable, so it is friendly to our planet, as well as to our health - it does not affect the taste experience in any way (just like the aforementioned products, by the way).
There is a lot to talk about PLA eco-friendly packaging, as best illustrated in one of our previous posts. If you want to learn more about this material, as well as eco boxes made from it, read our article Polylactide (PLA) - a bioplastic worth using!
- ECO PAPER PACKAGING
Let's move on to products that, as if you don't look, have been with us for a very long time. For a long time they were the only eco-friendly alternative to plastic. What are we talking about? Of course, about eco-paper packaging, i.e. universal containers, which are eagerly used by catering establishments and others. For years, they have been most popular during the spring and summer seasons, where they are used for barbecues, among other things.
As for ecological packaging - paper is a 100% nature-friendly material (it is completely biodegradable). What's more, it has great insulating properties, so that warm food closed in a paper container perfectly maintains its temperature.
As we mentioned a moment ago - paper food packaging is versatile, which means that it will serve us not only for storing hot dishes, but also cold snacks and other cold foods.
Here are some examples of eco-friendly paper packaging from the offer of our eco wholesaler.
Eco-friendly paper packaging for sandwiches, a box that we can most often find at gas stations or eating establishments serving fresh bread. This type of eco container will be perfect not only for packing sandwiches, but also cakes or small snacks. 100% nature!
Paper burger box, another example of an eco container friendly to our health and the environment. Lightweight, durable, roomy, and fully biodegradable!
Eco paper cup made entirely from recycled paper. 100% natural solution, biodegradable, not giving off any harmful substances during decomposition. This type of container will be perfect for transporting chicken, French fries, popcorn and other small foods. Thanks to the closure and its insulating properties, it perfectly keeps meals warm.
- CANE PACKAGING
Who would have thought that in today's world there are so many alternatives to plastic - and yet! Another of them is sugarcane, which manufacturers are eager to use to produce eco food containers.
Sugar cane packaging - just like PLA or paper boxes - is completely harmless to the planet. This is due to their natural origin - cane is, after all, one of the riches of our nature. But that's not its only advantage - for it shows excellent thermal properties, thanks to which the transported food retains its heat - this is also another similarity to paper or cornmeal products - the difference, however, is that biodegradable eco-packaging made of reed can withstand a much wider range of temperatures than the aforementioned products. They will work well for serving both cold and hot dishes. You can easily put them in the freezer or use them to reheat food in the microwave.
And all of this while being eco-friendly - reeds naturally and quickly decompose in a composter going back to where they really came from.
A resealable cane box with compartments that allow you to separate meals from each other, such as salad from potatoes. The packaging allows you to enjoy a warm meal for longer, great for keeping it warm during transport. Perfect for cold and hot meals (withstands temperatures from -15° to even +220°C). Eco-friendly packaging biodegradable at home.
Eco-friendly cane container with a separate place for the dip. The box is 100% made of sugar cane, making it a completely natural product friendly to our health and the environment. Lightweight, roomy, great temperature holding, biodegradable and eco-friendly - what more could you want?
Asugarcane cup that is an excellent alternative to disposable plastic cups and bowls. It will work great for serving cold ice cream, desserts, custards or hot soups.
Betting on biodegradable, eco containers - why is it so important?
Here it is unlikely to come as a surprise, but this is something that is always worth talking about out loud: one of the biggest problems facing our planet is plastic, as well as tons of other plastics, which linger not only on our lawns or in landfills, but, among other things, in the oceans, where they unfortunately pose a real threat to animal life.
Betting on eco-packaging is an excellent step to begin the fight against ubiquitous plastic and to realistically reduce the amount of plastic today, which will help us protect the planet and at least one percent improve its condition. Despite the fact that it's mainly about protecting the environment, it's also worth bearing in mind our health - because unfortunately no one will give it back to us. That's why choosing products labeled bio or eco is so important - seemingly a small step, but it can change not only our lives, but also those of people on the other side of the world.
Organic packaging for cosmetics, gifts or food - there is a place for bio alternatives everywhere
In every industry, without exception, there is a place for organic products. Whether it's a beauty salon, an auto repair shop, a catering establishment, a small business or a large corporation - wherever plastic has been used at least once, this can be changed once and for all.
It is not without reason that we cite the example of businesses here - for this is the best way to make consumers aware of the need for change - not tomorrow, next week or next year - today. The owner of a business - whether small or large - by reaching for eco-friendly alternatives in the form of packaging or other eco products, sets a great example for his customers and becomes a role model. Nowadays, building a brand on the basis of the eco trend is not just a cheap marketing ploy, but a real chance to succeed.
Of course, it's worth reaching for eco-friendly substitutes in your household as well, which we warmly encourage you to do today. Changing habits will come out to everyone's advantage.
Wholesale organic packaging and more - change habits together with SlowPack
Are you thinking about investing in eco-friendly packaging for your business? Or maybe you already want to manage a change in your home and throw away everything artificial and bet on something that is friendly to health and nature? Then you're in the perfect place - SlowPack is an online wholesaler and also a store where you can stock certified, approved single-use and reusable products that are made entirely from natural raw materials. In addition to organic packaging, our offer includes eco cutlery, eco straws, eco cups, biodegradable dishes and much more. We encourage you to take the first step towards better and choose natural products of the highest quality today.
SlowPack - Natural Choice
See other posts:
Biodegradable shopping bags - be eco and give up plastic!
Eco-friendly packaging in a catering establishment instead of plastic - a change for the better!
Natural barbecue and picnic utensils - grilling in the spirit of eco pays off!
On hot days, eco-friendly ice cream bowls will be just right!
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