Sustainable packaging solutions for food businesses

Sustainable packaging isn’t just about doing the right thing - it’s a smart business move. Reducing excess packaging lowers costs. Choosing the right materials helps you meet regulations, and showing customers you care about the environment builds trust and loyalty.

Why it matters

Packaging is one of the biggest contributors to waste in the food industry, and customers are paying attention.

As sustainability becomes more important to Australians, food businesses that make thoughtful choices stand out.

Sustainable packaging is also becoming a regulatory issue. States across Australia are phasing out single-use plastics, and more changes are on the way. Making the shift now can help you stay compliant and ahead of the curve.

Whether it’s certified compostables, recyclable foil, or reusables down the track, sustainable choices pay off in more ways than one.

Where to start with sustainable packaging

1. Reduce unnecessary packaging

Reducing packaging not only cuts down on waste - it can also lower your costs and make packing more efficient. Small changes can make a difference:

• Avoid double-wrapping or over-packaging meals

• Use the right container size for each portion

• Choose packaging that serves multiple purposes (e.g. label + seal)

• Limit inserts or printed extras unless essential

2. Understand what ‘recyclable’ and ‘biodegradable’ really mean

These labels can be confusing, and they don’t always mean what people think.

Recyclable

'Recyclable' packaging often isn’t recycled in practice due to food contamination or mixed materials, and unfortunately, usually ends up in landfill.

Clean foil containers are an exception. They’re widely accepted and infinitely recyclable. Just remind customers to rinse before recycling.

Biodegradable

'Biodegradable' sounds good, but some biodegradable plastics just break down into microplastics, worsening the problem.

Look for products certified by the Australasian Bioplastics Association. Their labels clearly distinguish between home and commercially compostable packaging.

3. Switch to compostable packaging

Compostable packaging breaks down into natural materials, often within 12 weeks. That’s a win for the planet and for your customers.

Why it works

• Designed to decompose with food waste (unlike recycling)

• Certified home-compostable options are available now

• Many councils accept compostable packaging in green bins

Tip: Look for certification from the Australasian Bioplastics Association and check your local council’s FOGO (food organics and garden organics) policy.

Suppliers to explore

Prepac, Natureline, Caspak, EkoPac, Biopak, Vegware

See if you qualify for packaging discounts through our Packaging Partnerships.

Thinking about reusables?

Once you’ve tackled compostables or recyclables, reusables can take your sustainability efforts to the next level.

There are two main ways to introduce reusables:

• Delivery bags or boxes – Encourage customers to leave them out for collection on their next delivery day.

• Meal containers – Glass, stainless steel (even microwave-safe), ceramic, or coconut husk trays. Many businesses find customers are happy to return them.

This approach works particularly well for businesses delivering 30–100+ meals per week. Start small by trialing with a handful of regulars and refine your system from there.

Want to explore this further? Get in touch with our team to learn how other Cooks are making it work.