The expectations for sustainable businesses are ever evolving, and the standards are quite high today. Sustainability has become an all-encompassing initiative that requires foodservice providers to rethink almost every aspect of their operations.
According to a 2023 McKinsey survey, 83% of C-suite leaders and investment professionals think that environmental, social and governance programs will contribute more shareholder value in five years than today. However, simply pledging to be more eco-friendly isn’t enough.
There is only so much a foodservice provider can do to improve sustainability outcomes by themselves. Effective sustainability efforts require the right partnerships and suppliers to help businesses meet, and sometimes surpass, sustainability goals.
The truth is that approximately 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions from most companies originate from their value chain, and only about 20% of emissions arise from their core business operations. Partners and suppliers matter in the sustainability equation, and to effectively reduce environmental impact and achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes, businesses need to thoroughly examine then engage their entire value chain — from sourcing raw materials to distribution and beyond.
The good news is that examining operations and making changes doesn’t need to involve a total overhaul. In fact, choosing the right packaging supplier can go a long way toward meeting lofty sustainability goals and ensuring improvements are embedded across the entire life cycle of the foodservice offering.
Here are three ways to elevate your commitment to sustainability through your food packaging decisions.
1. Prioritize Transparency
It is more important than ever to collaborate with suppliers dedicated to helping you reach your goals, share progress on sustainability and identify areas for improvement. This will allow companies to make informed decisions about which packaging suppliers can best support their sustainability objectives.
Some sustainably minded suppliers leverage life cycle assessment tools to help operators evaluate the environmental impact of their packaging choices. This data-driven approach enables businesses to make informed decisions that support their sustainability goals.
A life cycle assessment can provide detailed insights into greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel usage and water usage associated with different packaging options, ultimately aiding in informed decision-making.
It is essential to work with a consultative supplier with concrete, measurable experience in the sustainable packaging sector. They can offer deep expertise, help navigate your sustainability needs and implement workable solutions tailored to your objectives.
2. Choose suppliers that offer diverse, customizable solutions
Determining the best packaging choice for your business, customers and/or community isn’t a clear-cut decision. It’s a nuanced process influenced by various external factors.
It’s not solely about product performance; other considerations include disposal and recycling options, cost, functionality, regulatory compliance in the regions where the packaging will be utilized, and more.
Before choosing a packaging provider/supplier, businesses and customers should think about their packaging strategy holistically. Which supplier offers the most diverse selection of sustainable options that can be tailored based on the foodservice provider’s needs, recyclable/compostable facilities, community and customer base?
A fit-for-use analysis can examine the food’s perishability, processing, freezing, liquidity and level of preparation, among other factors. These elements will influence the choice of package material, style and functionalities. The right supplier will help ensure the right packaging meets your unique needs.
3. Consider today, focus on tomorrow
To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, businesses across all industrial sectors need to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Transformation does not happen overnight, and it cannot be done alone. It will take continued partnership and innovation from the waste management sector, manufacturing sector, policymakers and others to achieve this effort.
When thinking about sustainable packaging options, the suppliers you choose should want to make a lasting difference for the environment and society today — while remaining committed to improving in the future. How will they help you immediately boost your sustainability efforts while also ensuring long-term improvements in the future?
Choosing suppliers who prioritize transparency in their customer partnerships can build trust and yield insightful information. Suppliers with a range of packaging options and capabilities to continuously innovate will help you make objective packaging decisions that are environmentally responsible today while setting concrete plans for continuous improvement.
By aligning with such partners, your business can help build a more sustainable future while meeting the consumer demands and regulatory requirements of today.
Rebecca Locker is the sustainability director for Sabert, a Sayreville, N.J.-based food packaging company.
