Some brands are trying to make their packaging edible. What this means is that the packaging can literally be eaten, because it’s made from safe materials for consumption, such as seaweed, starches, rice, and the like.
Though seen primarily with takeout items, other brands are using this. is it worth it? What are the benefits of this, and what are the drawbacks?
Well,. the benefits are for zero waste incentives. For companies looking to make sure their carbon footprint is next to nothing, this is a godsend. But, even though it is great for reducing carbon footprint, it does come with major logistical challenges, which we’ll go over here.
The Logistical Challenges
Some of the biggest logistical challenges involve the safety of these items. Though it does encase the item, it might not be enough to preserve it. shelf life of the items becomes a challenge, especially when you’re trying to prevent it from getting bad or spoiling.
Another issue is moisture resistance. In humid atmospheres, it can get into these items, and then degrade the item. The last thing you want is for the item to be soggy when you consume it.
Finally, the FDA regulations are another challenge. Though it is allowed, there are some challenges with how long it can be on the shelf. There are certain instances as well, that the items are not FDA regulated, putting the person at risk for getting sick if the item is spoiled.
Cases that Use This Type of Packaging
Though there are some challenges especially when getting people to even consider this type of packaging, there’s also some use cases which are coming forth.
Food subscription services use this type of packaging. For food subscription businesses, having a constant means in which your foods are shipped, and offering a sustainable edge to them, can help with improving your business.
Some promotional campaigns might benefit from this. offering some limited edition edible packaging is great, because when you use it to promote, people will flock because it is limited in use. A promotional campaign that also focuses on sustainability might want to use this too.
There are also, of course, zero-waste products. Products without a single bit of waste left behind are popular. With such products, you will be able to reduce the waste of these products, and also make it useful for them. a company that offers products with no waste is great, and it can be a major game changer.
Customers Who Enjoy It
Most of the time, customers do like this type of packaging. It comes with the surprise and delight factors of this. Many customers feel excited when they have an edible piece of food that they can eat, package and all.
There is also less guilt that comes with this. Most of the time, people don’t want to throw out wrappers. They feel bad, and it can be a challenge. However, if you’re able to reduce waste, you will also in turn, reduce disposal guilt, a huge thing for companies of all kinds.
Again, it has its perks.
Will It Replace Styrofoam
Some may wonder if edible cushioning will replace Styrofoam.
Though it will not happen right away, it is always possible. Many companies are changing their tune with Styrofoam, and want to get past that. edible packaging may be the evolution that these companies have been waiting for, as a game-changer that will improve and drastically monitor the different nature in which your packaging works, and will in turn, reduce guilt associated with disposal.