The 2015 Trends Report from the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) highlighted industry opinions that focused predominately on environmentally friendly packaging and customization techniques to differentiate products. The annual trend report looks for common themes found throughout the entire foodservice packaging value chain: from raw material suppliers, packaging manufacturers, distributors and operators.
Lynn Dyer, FPI president: “When it comes to foodservice packaging and the materials used to manufacture them, interest in ‘sustainable’, ‘green’ or ‘environmentally-friendly’ options continue to be popular. What’s notable this year is the overwhelming number of mentions related to compostable packaging.”
Major material trends include:
Packaging: Environmentally friendly or sustainable packaging remains a long-term overall trend. Specifically, compostable packaging was mentioned. Other trends include the shift to a more natural look through the use of ‘Kraft’ paper over bleached paper to promote the belief that ‘brown is the new green.’ On the other hand, another trend of note includes an increase in graphics and color as operators recognize the opportunity to promote their brand on packaging.
Raw materials: ‘Green’ packaging is apparent in raw materials, as different resins and papers are trending based on both the real and perceived environmental advantages of those materials.