Plant-based food packaging products…They may be a greener option, but how does their quality stack up against their petroleum-based counterparts? Read on to learn the ins and out of environmentally friendly food packaging.
As it happens—you can have the best of both worlds! Doing a small bit for the planet when substituting food packaging does not mean you have to sacrifice quality. At Green Choice, quality is top priority. We have all had paper straws go soggy midway through an iced coffee, and no one wants products that don’t uphold their purpose.
What materials are used in our plant-based food packaging?
- Sugar Cane
- Corn Starch
- Kraft Paper
- Birchwood
We are always exploring new and exciting materials to develop sustainable food packaging options for our clients. We believe that eco-friendly food packaging is the future of takeaway. Different products have different certifications — so we can assist you in making the right choice. If you have further questions about the material make-up of any products, and would like further information from our team, contact us and we can help with any questions about our plant-based food packaging range.
Are plant-based food packaging products food-safe?
We take pride in the food-safety certifications of our products. Plant-based products are held to rigorous food safety testing standards — just like their plastic counterparts. All of our suppliers have strict quality control processes in place including random testing and batch testing. Green Choice products are FDA approved, and our warehouses are HACCP approved for storage and distribution of food packaging products. In the wake of COVID-19, we know our hospitality clients are taking matters of hygiene and food safety more seriously than ever. Food safety is imperative to the success of not only Green Choice, but of all the businesses who utilise our products.
How do we know they do breakdown or compost?
The biodegradable food packaging market makes some bold claims, but at Green Choice, we substantiate them – our products are certified commercially compostable. Products that breakdown naturally cause a lot less harm than petroleum alternatives that can sit in landfills and waste centres for decades without showing signs of decomposition. We know that shifting to plant-based food packaging can come with hesitations around whether or not the eco-friendly options are up to par with the plastic alternatives. Rest assured, our Green Choice range rises to that challenge, and is significantly kinder to the planet. Do get in touch if you have any questions around Green Choice food packaging quality standards and certifications.
Where can we compost Green Choice products?
We always advise our clients to check in with their local council to understand the composting facilities available in their local area. All our products are certified for commercial composting. Currently, New Zealand only has 12 commercial composting facilities that are capable of composting plant-based products. You can find more information on our website here. We encourage you to reach out to your local representatives to let it be known that you would like to see commercial composting facilities available in your area. It is important to keep in mind that even whilst your local council may not be capable of composting eco-friendly food packaging, there are several independent collection services that may be able to help.
FSC - Forest Stewardship Council - what does this certification mean?
We are proud to ensure that our paper-based products are manufactured in the most sustainable way. The FSC promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. For manufacturers to obtain their certification, they are assessed rigorously for sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and respect in production. All paper-based products from the Green Choice range are made with FSC certified raw materials.
Is the quality and durability on par with the plastic range?
Yes! Our environmentally friendly food packaging and plant-based cutlery options hold up against the most lavish of lunches and dinners. Testing for durability and strength certifies the Green Choice range as market leaders in the eco-friendly food packaging market.
We encourage you to reach out if plant-based food packaging is on your radar. If you email us we can organise samples to be sent out — to cater to your specific needs. Browse our full product range here to discover an environmentally friendly alternative for your business. Give us a call 0800 864 725.
