More businesses are prioritising sustainability, and biodegradable food-safe packaging has become a popular choice for brands wanting to reduce their environmental impact. However, when it comes to food, safety and product protection always come first. Below, we break down what you need to know about biodegradable food packaging, how it works, and what to consider when choosing food-safe solutions for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the safety considerations of using biodegradable food packaging.
- Learn how biodegradable materials can support both environmental goals and food protection.
- Discover PackQueen’s approach to safe and sustainable food packaging.
Why Businesses Are Turning to Biodegradable Packaging
Many business owners today aim to meet both financial and environmental goals. Since millions of tonnes of packaging are used each year, switching to biodegradable food packaging is one effective way to demonstrate strong eco-friendly values. However, in food-related industries, this shift introduces important safety considerations that must be addressed.
Challenges of Biodegradable Food Packaging
Biodegradable food packaging must achieve several important objectives. It needs to keep food protected, look appealing, remain cost-effective, be easy to use, minimise environmental impact, and above all, be safe for consumers.
Some challenges include:
- Preventing food spoilage during storage and transport
- Ensuring packaging supports brand presentation
- Competing with traditional materials in production and transport cost
- Providing convenience throughout distribution
- Avoiding harmful chemicals or treatments
One emerging solution has been edible or plant-based packaging made from cellulose or other natural materials. These options are flexible, printable, heat-sealable and provide protection from gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, they currently lack moisture resistance, and research continues to strengthen their performance.
Non-edible biodegradable packaging is also available. Some variations may be treated with toxic coatings to improve durability or moisture barriers, which is why verifying food packaging safety is essential before selecting any packaging product.
Food Packaging Safety: What to Look For
Food packaging safety should always be the priority. At PackQueen, we ensure all biodegradable food packaging materials are 100 per cent food safe, durable, sustainable, and designed to protect your products at every stage.
When choosing biodegradable food-safe packaging, consider whether it:
- Uses fewer resources than traditional packaging
- Is lightweight to reduce transport costs
- Is stackable for easy storing and distribution
- Contains no toxins or allergens
- Has lower production costs
- Is reusable, durable and recyclable
- Supports convenience for producers, distributors and consumers
Selecting vetted and safe food packaging solutions means you do not need to compromise on quality or risk customer safety.
Choose Safe and Sustainable Food Packaging with PackQueen
Choosing biodegradable food packaging does not mean taking risks. PackQueen provides safe, durable, and sustainable packaging solutions designed to protect your products and support your environmental goals. Explore more options with PackQueen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biodegradable food packaging always food safe?
Not necessarily. Some biodegradable materials may be treated with coatings or additives that are not suitable for direct food contact. It is important to choose certified food-safe biodegradable packaging from trusted suppliers.
What materials are used in biodegradable food-safe packaging?
Common materials to make biodegradable food packaging include plant-based fibres, cellulose, sugarcane bagasse, and other natural materials. These provide good strength and flexibility while being more eco-friendly than plastic alternatives.
Does biodegradable packaging protect food as well as plastic?
Biodegradable options offer strong protection against gases and general handling. However, some materials may have limitations with moisture resistance, so selecting the right style for each type of food is important.
Why should businesses switch to biodegradable food packaging?
It reduces waste, aligns with growing eco-friendly consumer preferences, and lowers environmental impact. It can also reduce transport costs due to lighter materials.
