Edible Packaging and How it’s Contributing to Zero Waste

More and more companies are offering edible packaging for their products. From seaweed papers to even starch bars encasing various foods, it’s definitely a new solution, one that contributes to zero waste. There are tons of different materials, including seaweed, apple skins, and the like, and a lot of people are turning to this for their consumption needs. Here, we’re going to explore edible packaging, and how it builds onto the zero waste future you wish to have. 

Can Edible Packaging Create Zero Waste? 

Yes, it can. Most of the time the wrappers and containers that house the items you eat end up polluting your ocean. Some of the most common ones are wrappers, cutlery, and straws. That’s why edible packaging has started to offer a unique bit of hype. 

Plastic is cheap, versatile, and light, but the thing is, it does destroy our ecosystem. Edible wrappers are something people don’t want to eat, because the idea of chasing your burger with the wrapper is not completely palatable. 

That’s why context matters, and in the correct context, yes edible packaging may deter you from plastic. Resources that are renewable, and even if it’s not something a person would want to eat, it can be hyper degradable, so it will disappear faster than single-use plastics too. 

Already Present In Nature 

Did you know that there are already edible packaging options to consider. Grapes and apples are two common ones, as their skins will protect the fruits from the environment and microbes.

There are also edible packaging options that have been around for a while. Sausage that’s made from cellulose and collagen, and even ice cream cones too. Some places in Asia also use bowls and plates that are made directly from banana leaves that they feed to cows.

Bioplastics like cornstarch and sugarcane do offer more eco friendly and renewable alternatives. Some people might not like this, but even if they don’t, they’re easy to compost and push away. 

However, plastic such as polystyrene and polyethylene do offer the convenience of a better shelf life that’s extended. They prevent germs, keep your potatoes fresh, and also protect various fruits and veggies that get shipped, and even will quintuple the shelf life of certain vegetables. 

These days., people have to look at different processes and wrappings that they can use. Seaweed has become one of the most popular, because it offers unique ions such as calcium.   Some restaurants are even using sachets that are made from different bioplastics and seaweed too. 

Problems with Edible Packaging 

So while yes, edible packaging is quite popular, and contributes to no waste, it’s not for everyone.   Rice candy is a good example of edible packaging, because people like to put the candy and paper in their mouths.

But that rice paper does have plastic or a wax paper over this, which does show the problem with edible packaging. 

You need to protect this from contaminants and germs, all of which may make having these items worthless.

There is also the concern of eating these items, especially if they throw them away. you can make these easier for one to swallow (both literally and theoretically) by offering packaging that’s high in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and the like, adding an extra level of pleasure that can be added to this.

Right now, it’s a type of packaging that is still being explored, but hopefully with time, we’re able to slowly accept the different aspects of edible packaging that are here, and also swallow them no matter what they might be.

The Hidden Costs of Bad Packaging in Customer Returns

Returns are never fun. While they might happen because you have the wrong size, sometimes they happen because of the packaging being poor, resulting in destruction of the object. Though it might seem like nothing, over time, this inadequate product damage causes return spiks, generating a whole other problem for your packaging. 

The Financial Impact 

Refunds are a big one. When you have to get the customer to return it, you often have to offer a refund, which again will cause problems with your financial outlook.

Then, there’s the shipping costs from this. if you have to ship out another, you need to pay for it, and that adds up over time. 

Finally, negative reviews. That’s never fun. Bad reviews create more damage over time, and from there, it results in poor business. Customers will choose others rather than your business if you are constantly bombarded with negative reviews. 

Tips for Packaging Audits 

If you’re worried about poor packaging and returns, the best way to fix it is to prevent it.    you need to test your current packaging for certain conditions, which of course include dropping, handling, and other such factors. If you know it’s going to an area with extreme or different weather, test it for that as well. Remember, with packaging audits, you’re looking to make sure that this item will stay strong and put together, without any issues with returns. 

Consider a Return-Friendly Design 

If you are worried about returns, or if you know that they might happen, consider saving some money on a return-friendly design. 

A resealable mailer is one example. Ti will be sealed up again, and then sent back. including the return label or making it accessible also adds to the return-friendliness of such an item. 

Adding a return label inside, if you know that there’s  going to be trouble, should be considered. Though it might seem a little excessive, you never know, and while it might cost a little bit early on, it will save you money. Some companies are able to shoulder free returns, building better customer repute. The last thing you want is to not offer such returns, because then customers are going to be upset. 

Finally, you have to look at the packaging. A reinforced container is one example of this.   with such a container, you will be able to create a stronger, more pronounced sort of packaging, helping to shoulder many of the hidden costs of this sort of thing. making this even more fortified means that your packaging will help to expand the abilities in which your customers are able to return these items. 

It's a Customer Loyalty Anglee too! 

If you’re worried about returns, then you should look at the packaging you put forth.

A better form of packaging offers less frustrations and problems for those who purchase these items. With less frustrations and returns on both you and the customer’s pat, it results in happier customers.

Happy customers will come back, so by giving this another chance, you will build and put forth repeat buyers, offering them something magical and exciting, especially when building better customer returns. Again, poor packaging causes problems, but when you’ve got good packaging and less worries for returns, then you will have a happier, more reliable customer that will offer more business in the future. They also tell their friends too, especially when you’re looking to build a better business, and that customer reputation grows, offering you more ways to expand, and grow your business as a result as well.