Edible Packaging Material: An Evolving Sustainable Packaging Trend
The importance of edible packaging materials is undeniable in the packaging industry. The market trends of this innovative and sustainable packaging material show an exponential increase in its popularity. According to a report shared by Market Research Future:
“Edible Packaging Market Size was valued around USD 1.6 Billion in 2023.”
The high market volume of this packaging depicts its great demand among users. If you are a food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic business, edible packaging can change your business game and boost your brand to many folds.
But, first, you need to understand what is edible packaging material, what is its significance, and how it is made. Here is a detailed guide about edible material for packaging as an evolving sustainable packaging trend. Read on!
What is Edible Packaging Material?
Choosing edible packaging materials is a unique idea having its roots in bringing sustainable and health-friendly packaging solutions to the industry. This type of packaging material has no harm even if the consumers eat it because they are made of edible sources like fruits, vegetables, and seeds.
Also, edible material for packaging readily degrades under natural circumstances leaving no carbon footprint behind. That’s how it is friendly to our environment, unlike non-biodegradable plastics, and metals.
Significance of Edible Packaging
Edible packaging is one of the most eco-friendly and less harmful for humans packaging solution. It takes part in promoting the greener future of our planet as it is biodegradable.
Also, this type of packaging does not contain any toxic chemicals making them favorable for the health of the people. In other words, it won’t make you sick even if you consume it.
Its significance also lies in its multipurpose usage in various industries. Edible packaging can be used to pack food items, medicinal drugs, and some cosmetic products. They retain the original composition without toxifying them.
Materials Used to Make Edible Packaging
The materials used to make edible packaging are sourced from vegetables, fruits, and other plants that the users can eat. They are processed to make sturdy films and sheets that can be altered in the form of boxes, wraps, spoons, etc. Some of the common edible packaging materials are listed below:
-
Potato Starch
Potato starch is one of the most popular materials used to make bioplastic. This exclusive material dissolves in water leaving nothing toxic or pollutant behind. It is commonly used to make the packaging that is for one-time use. For instance, you can make tiny sachets with them.
-
Vegetable-Based Wraps
Vegetable wraps are one of the best edible and sustainable packaging solutions that help keep food items fresh for a long duration. They also increase the shelf life of these products. Vegetable-based wraps mostly come in the form of thin that make them protect items wrapped in them from dust, dirt, and other external factors.
-
Seaweed
Seaweed bags, sachets, and pouches have become highly popular in the packaging industry due to their remarkable sustainability and biodegradability. They can be used to pack various types of products. They are made of seaweed which is an edible packaging material.
-
Rice
Biodegradable & edible trays, spoons, and bags are perfect to serve meals and pack food products. Rice-based packaging is one of the best options for those who are looking for multi-purpose yet edible packaging solutions for their products.
Popular Examples of Edible Packaging
One of the best things about edible material is that it can be used to make an array of packaging. From sachets to coffee cups, you can make everything using edible materials. Here are some commonly used packaging solutions that you can make using edible sources:
-
Edible Straws
A sustainable alternative to polyethylene straws having no health or environmental harm is edible straw. These straws are made of sugar-based material that people can use to consume beverages, juices, and other drinks.
After consuming the liquid, consumers can eat the straws reducing the wastage of natural resources. These straws can be made in different flavors so the consumers not only enjoy the drink but also savor the straw as a snack.
-
Rice & Wheat-Based Spoons
The best alternatives to plastic cutlery that impart no harmful effects on health and keep the environment greener as well are rice & wheat-based spoons. These spoons are made with a blend of wheat, rice, and sorghum flour, making them an edible cutlery solution. After having your meal with these spoons, consumers can enjoy their crunchy bites.
-
Eco-bags
Eco-bags are one of the most sustainable alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics. They are made of bio-plastics possessing eco-friendly and edible properties. These bags are mostly made with seaweeds, potato starch, and other edible materials.
Eco-bags are an excellent choice for packing food products as they not only avoid pollution but also keep food items fresh for a long duration.
-
Edible Coffee Cups
A creative and eco-friendly packaging solution to keep your coffee hot and enjoyable for longer is an edible coffee cup. We know that cookies and coffee are a perfect combination to savor your coffee time. Cups made of wafer or cookie material not only give you an edible packaging solution but also help coffee lovers enjoy the blend of cookies & coffee.
Some Negatives of Edible Packaging Material
Although edible packaging is friendly to human health and the environment, it has some negatives that can not be overlooked. This type of packaging is biodegradable but its manufacturing undergoes an environment-harming process countering the fundamental benefit of this packaging.
The maintenance of edible packaging is also not easy. As this packaging can bear limited temperature, pressure, and humidity, its maintenance cost can be burdensome for the budgets of the companies.
Moreover, consumers are not habitual to eating such packaging. They may just throw away edible bags after taking the products out of them instead of consuming them, resulting in waste of food.
Future of Edible Packaging
People have become more aware of pollution and its hazardous effects on our planet. That’s why they prefer alternative packaging except for plastic ones. One of the best alternatives is edible packaging. So, its market trends are blooming.
According to Research by Market Research Future: The market size of edible packaging was around USD 1.6 Billion in 2023, and exhibiting a (CAGR) of 5.93% in the forecast years (2024 - 2032).
Source: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/edible-packaging-market-5435
Another fact backing the evolving trends of edible packaging is that The U.S. Department of Agriculture & American Chemical Society both have been creating edible packaging material made of casein (a film made from milk-derived protein that is around 500 times more effective at preventing food from oxygen reactions than the conventional plastic films).
Where to Source Edible Packaging?
If you plan to source edible packaging from a reliable packaging partner, look no further than OXO Packaging. We are among the best packaging companies all over the USA.
Considering your dedication to our environment and care for the health of your customers, we will make perfect packaging from edible materials that will make your brand stand out from others.
If you have any queries or want to order edible packaging, contact us via call or email. We will get back to you with an instant and free quote. Get in touch!
Final Words!
As people have become more aware of pollution hazards and the harms of toxic packaging on their health, the importance and trend of edible packaging is getting an exponential bloom. This packaging poses no harm to the consumers even when eaten by them.
We have discussed a detailed guide on edible packaging material in this blog. If you are still confused or have any queries, you can reach out to us. Also, you can contact us to get a free quote for your edible packaging today!
Let's Call