Sustainable Packaging: Reshaping India’s Food Industry

Sustainable packaging is all about creating packaging that has minimal impact on the environment, showing a dedication to taking care of our planet. In the world of sustainable packaging research, the ultimate goal is to have packaging materials that are responsibly obtained, designed to work well and be safe from start to finish, meet market standards for cost and quality, are made using renewable energy, and can be easily recycled to be used again in the future.

The global market for sustainable packaging reached a value of US$ 274.15 billion in 2020 and is forecasted to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030. This growth surge is primarily driven by increasing consumer consciousness regarding sustainable packaging and the enforcement of stringent regulations aimed at reducing single-use plastics.

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Packaging technology is essential in today’s food industry, driven by technological progress, urbanization, and scientific breakthroughs. While there are many materials for food packaging, plastic stands out for its versatility. However, there are worries about using plastic because some chemicals from the packaging might seep into the food, posing health risks to consumers.

In addition to health considerations, plastic poses a significant environmental threat due to its challenging recyclability. This has sparked research into sustainable packaging and better ways to recycle plastic. It’s crucial to find solutions that balance the convenience of plastic with the need to protect both people’s health and the planet.

India’s sustainable food packaging scenario

The Indian food and beverage packaging industry is projected to reach US$ 86 billion in 2029 with an annual growth of 14.8%, according to Invest India. The industry includes items like containers, cups, tableware, straws, bags, wraps and boxes designed to safeguard or store food.

Among all the major industries in India, the food and beverage industry stands out as the primary adopter of sustainable packaging, with personal care and cosmetics following suit. Notably, the food packaging sector has witnessed substantial innovations in packaging and branding. The eco-friendly food packaging market is categorized by material selection, application, type, and technique.

In terms of materials, the market encompasses paper & paperboard, bioplastic, metal, glass, and other packaging materials. Application-wise, it spans bakery, confectionery, meat, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables, dairy, beverages, and convenience foods. The market’s segmentation based on techniques includes active packaging, moulded packaging, and multipurpose packaging.

Leading companies such as ITC, Dabur, DS Groups, Nestle, PepsiCo, and HUL have pledged to integrate sustainable packaging practices, such as employing biodegradable materials, recyclable paper-based packaging, and compostable plastics. However, there remains a pressing need for increased investment in sustainable packaging solutions, given India’s substantial generation of plastic waste and its adverse environmental repercussions.

In India, there are various types of sustainable packaging, some of these are:

• Biodegradable Plastics: These are composed of natural minerals which can readily decompose in the environment without leaving any detrimental residues. A diverse range of materials such as corn starch and sugarcane can be used to produce biodegradable plastics. These are frequently promoted as a sustainable alternative as they undergo degradation into natural materials when exposed to specific environmental conditions.
• Compostable Plastics: These are made from natural materials like starch or cellulose and are considered sustainable as they can disintegrate in a composting environment. Compostable plastics are engineered to degrade into organic compounds under precise environmental conditions, specifically in commercial composting facilities.
• Paper-based materials: Paperboard, corrugated cardboard and moulded pulp are composed of wood fibres extracted from trees and are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. It involves sequential stages of tree harvesting, wood fibre processing and paper manufacturing. Even as paper based materials are considered a sustainable option, it is imperative to guarantee that the wood fibres are procured from sustainably managed forests.
• Plant based materials: Bamboo, Banana leaves, wheat straw and bagasse are produced from sustainable agriculture sources which are processed for producing disposable products like utensils, cups and plates. These materials represent a sustainable alternative as they originate from renewable resources and can be composted once they reach the end of their lifespan.
• Metal and Glass: Owing to their exceptional durability and recyclability, metal and glass are deemed sustainable options. Although these materials are rarely used for food packaging due to their weight and susceptibility to damage.

Advantages and Challenges

Sustainable packaging offers numerous environmental as well as health advantages. Apart from helping in mitigating waste production and minimizing the utilization of non-renewable resources, it also aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Advantages to the industry:

• A surge of 71% towards popularity of sustainable goods has been witnessed in the past five years as revealed by a research study by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
• By embracing sustainable packaging practices, businesses can reduce the risks linked with government regulations concerning packaging and supply chain operations.
• Due to increasing health concerns and the cost inefficiency of plastic reuse, the packaging industry has experienced a shift in preferences towards biodegradable products.
• Green packaging offers considerable potential for saving costs in the long run, although it poses the rewarding challenge of identifying the exact moment when these savings outweigh the initial investment.
• Using eco-friendly packaging materials like corn-starch-based PLA supports sustainability by utilizing crops like corn. Additionally, bamboo-based packaging offers significant environmental benefits as it is 100% biodegradable and compostable within 2-6 months.

Advantages to the environment

• Sustainable packaging decreases use of non-biodegradable or biologically damaging materials and substitute them with easily decomposable or reusable items.
• The recycled or reused materials can serve as a source of soil nutrients when composted.
• Sustainable packaging decreases the usage of toxic chemicals which is safe and healthy for consumers.
• They have more sustainable production process that requires lesser energy and water as compared to traditional methods.

Cutting-edge Innovations and technologies

The rapid advancement of industrialization has resulted in a significant increase in the utilization of plastic for food packaging purposes. Worldwide plastic production has soared to 380 million tonnes, marking a steep rise over recent decades, with packaging applications accounting for 40% of this production.

As demands grow, so does the urgency for innovation. Consequently, India is experiencing a surge in the development of sustainable packaging technologies and innovations. Numerous companies are actively pursuing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics, striving to introduce pioneering solutions:

Edible Packaging: Edible packaging is a form of sustainable packaging which is typically made from plant based materials which can be eaten or biodegraded. Edible packaging can be used to hold or encapsulate food items. Some of the best examples of edible packaging is cones and bowls to hold ice cream, edible straws, edible coffee cups, spoons, cupcake wrappers etc.

Smart Packaging: Smart packaging technologies enhance effective communication regarding alterations in the contents of food within the package, as well as to indicate potential issues in the package’s environment that affect food quality. These technologies can monitor factors such as time, temperature, sensors, freshness indicators, integrity, pH levels, and volatile substances associated with food spoilage or microbial growth, thereby swiftly assessing food quality.

Biodegradable Packaging: This approach entails utilizing materials that naturally and rapidly decompose in the environment, such as corn-starch, bamboo, and paper-based materials. Such packaging technology aids in diminishing plastic waste in the environment, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Nanotechnology in Packaging: The utilization of nanotechnology in synthesizing nanoparticles has garnered significant attention in the realm of food packaging. These nanoparticles play a pivotal role in enhancing packaging, enabling active and intelligent functionalities that contribute to maintaining food quality and traceability throughout the supply chain.

Plant-based Packaging: Plant-based packaging is crafted from renewable materials sourced from plants, utilizing resources such as wheat straw, sugarcane, and cornstarch to produce biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions. This innovative technology aims to lessen dependence on non-renewable resources while also mitigating the environmental footprint associated with food packaging.

Recycling fishing nets: In tackling ocean plastic pollution, companies gather and transform discarded fishing nets into pellets, which are subsequently repurposed into bottles through recycling. This method not only provides a remedy for an environmental issue but also establishes a fresh market for abandoned fishing nets.

Seaweed-based packaging: Packaging derived from seaweed presents an eco-friendly option, sourced from a sustainable resource, and boasting biodegradability and compostability. This makes it an appealing solution for diverse industries seeking environmentally responsible packaging alternatives.

3D-Printed packaging: Utilizing 3D printing for packaging allows for customized production based on demand, thereby minimizing waste and enhancing efficiency. This method utilizes sustainable materials and precise measurements, leading to reduced material waste throughout the manufacturing process.

Packaging made from cow manure: Utilizing cow manure for packaging represents a unique innovation, converting a plentiful waste product into a sustainable packaging material.

Agro-processing industry waste: Field and process residues, along with organic waste from food processing, offer diverse cellulose, hemicelluloses, proteins, and lipids. They serve as raw materials for creating biodegradable, sustainable packaging.

While significant strides have been made in adopting sustainable alternatives in food packaging in India, there are still challenges to overcome. These include scalability, cost-effectiveness, and consumer acceptance. However, with continued innovation, collaboration among stakeholders, and increased awareness, India is poised to embrace a more sustainable approach to food packaging, contributing to the country’s environmental conservation efforts and promoting a healthier planet for future generations.