How can you make food packaging more easily recyclable?

1 Material selection

The first step to make food packaging more easily recyclable is to choose materials that are compatible with the existing recycling systems and have a low carbon footprint. Ideally, you should avoid using mixed or composite materials, such as plastic laminates, metal foils, or paper coatings, that are difficult to separate and process. Instead, opt for single-material or mono-material packaging, such as cardboard, paper, or plastic, that can be easily sorted and recycled. You should also consider using recycled or biodegradable materials, such as recycled paper, cardboard, or bioplastics, that can reduce the amount of virgin material and energy required for production.

3 Shape and size optimization

The third step to make food packaging more easily recyclable is to optimize the shape and size of the packaging to reduce the amount of material and space used. This can help lower the transportation costs and emissions, as well as the storage and disposal costs. For example, you can design packaging that has a compact and efficient shape, such as a cube or a cylinder, that can fit more units in a given volume. You can also design packaging that has a flexible and adaptable shape, such as a pouch or a bag, that can conform to the shape of the product and minimize the empty space.

4 Color and printing considerations

The fourth step to make food packaging more easily recyclable is to consider the color and printing of the packaging and how they affect the recycling process. Some colors and inks can contaminate the recycled materials and reduce their quality and value. For example, dark colors, such as black or brown, can make it harder for optical scanners to identify and sort the materials. Similarly, metallic or fluorescent inks, or inks that contain heavy metals or solvents, can interfere with the recycling process and pose health and environmental risks. Therefore, you should use light and natural colors, such as white or green, that can be easily detected and sorted. You should also use eco-friendly inks, such as water-based or vegetable-based inks, that are biodegradable and non-toxic.

5 Consumer education and engagement

The fifth step to make food packaging more easily recyclable is to educate and engage the consumers on how to properly dispose of the packaging and why it matters. You can use the packaging as a communication tool to inform and inspire the consumers to take action and participate in the recycling system. For example, you can use clear and simple symbols, such as the recycling logo or the Mobius loop, to indicate that the packaging is recyclable and what type of material it is made of. You can also use text or graphics, such as facts, tips, or stories, to convey the benefits and impacts of recycling and how the consumers can make a difference.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?