Plastic taxes, regulatory bans of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, and environmental pledges are keeping sustainability attributes such as recyclability, biodegradability, compostability, and plastic reduction top of mind for food processors and retailers. At the same time, more and more consumers are approaching the proteins case with a growing interest in products that boast eco-friendly packaging and processing.

Within a complex protein category with many packaging options and formats, creating differentiation on shelf while staying convenient and cost competitive is a real challenge. As an innovator in protein packaging, Sealed Air believes there are five must-haves in a sustainable protein packaging strategy—and it starts with trays.

1. Evaluate a Range of Sustainable Materials

Recycled plastic content has been used in food packaging trays and bottom webs for many years, and developments such as these have inspired processors and retailers to explore even more sustainable packaging options. Solutions such as trays that do not require absorbent pads, or plant-based options are great ways to reduce the use of traditional plastic. The most progressive operations incorporate fiber or bio-based materials into their packaging, creating a potentially recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable pack.

2. Don’t Sacrifice Operational Efficiency

Shifting to more sustainable packaging doesn’t have to disrupt operational efficiency. When building a packaging strategy, you need to strike a balance between performance needs, operational and environmental impact, and cost. For example, some applications may reduce plastic or feature more renewable options, but negatively impact packaging performance and increase rework levels, or require a large capital investment. That’s why it’s critical to select solutions that are fit-for-use in your existing operations.

3. Consider Consumer Preference

Renewable packaging continues to gain momentum, driven by rising consumer perceptions for non-plastic, “sustainable” options or packing that uses less plastic overall. Trays that incorporate alternative materials have a higher sustainability perception among consumers than plastic trays. When rated as more sustainable, there becomes a greater likelihood that consumers will follow end-of-life recommendations to properly dispose of the trays and are happier knowing that their waste is not causing negative environmental impacts.

4. Build Your Brand

High quality design and printing on packaging helps to build brand loyalty and recognition. Trays and bottom webs have long been regarded for their branding and merchandising capabilities. Showcasing your environmental commitment on-pack is an excellent way to catch the attention of a growing number of sustainable-minded shoppers and stakeholders. This could entail messaging on packaging materials, disposal instructions, or even a QR code directing the consumer to your full sustainable packaging story.

5. Stay Ahead of Regulations

Like many industries, regulatory headwinds play a key role in global, industry-wide shifts. In this case, a growing ban on EPS foam and plastic tax legislation is forcing some processers and retailers to rethink the future of their protein packaging. In this rapidly changing environment, failure to address EPS or find a suitable replacement early could leave you without a packaging solution, and possibly without customers.

Total-Solutions Provider

Your sustainable packaging strategy should be just that—sustainable. And while there are many ways to incorporate sustainability into your packaging operations, it’s critical to work with a partner that can deliver market-ready packaging solutions that prevent waste, enable circularity, and reduce climate impacts across the packaging lifecycle from sourcing and manufacturing, to design, transport, and recovery. For processors and retailers seeking clear value in sustainability solutions, Sealed Air is the total-solutions partner whose unique view across the value chain enables a comprehensive approach to advance your sustainability and business goals.