Takeout food has become increasingly popular in recent years as more delivery services have emerged to meet growing customer demand. As a food brand, optimizing your delivery model and packaging is key to success. While quality food is paramount, the packaging plays a big role in customer satisfaction and brand perception. Using sustainable, eco-friendly packaging can help boost your brand image while reducing costs and environmental impact.
One sustainable packaging option that is gaining popularity for takeout food is the eco friendly clamshell packaging. Clamshell containers are two joined pieces that fully enclose the food item. Compared to conventional plastic packaging, clamshell containers have several benefits when it comes to sustainability:
They are biodegradable and compostable
Many eco friendly clamshell packaging is made from renewable, plant-based materials like sugarcane or Switchgrass fiber rather than petroleum-based plastics. This makes them fully biodegradable and compostable. When customers dispose of the containers after finishing their meal, they will break down naturally and return nutrients to the soil rather than polluting the environment as plastic does.
They provide strong protection for food
Despite being made from renewable materials, clamshell containers are very durable and protective. The tight-sealing design fully encloses food to prevent spills or leaks during transit. This keeps food fresh and hot until it reaches the customer. The secure packaging ensures no messes occur from transportation or handling.
Customizable designs boost your brand
Clamshell containers allow for customized designs and branding via digital printing. You can add your brand logo, colors, graphics or other information directly to the container surface. This helps promote brand recognition and associate your food with quality eco-friendly packaging when customers see the takeout container.
Reusable and recyclable after use
While clamshell containers are designed for single-use food packaging, some alternatives allow for recycling or multiple uses after the initial purpose. Customers may reuse them to store leftovers or other food items. Brands can also collect used containers to recycle the materials for new packaging production.
Lower costs compared to plastic
While initial investment may be higher, lifecycle costs of biodegradable clamshell packaging are lower than plastic. They avoid expensive waste disposal and potential fines for non-compliant packaging. Recyclable options can cut expenses long-term. Brands also enjoy good PR and customer loyalty from choosing sustainable packaging.
Eco-certification and credentials
Leading suppliers offer clamshell containers that are certified compostable by programs like Compostable Products Alliance or BPI. This provides assurance they will safely break down in commercial composting. Brands can promote containers as certified eco-packaging solutions.
Examples of Eco-Friendly Clamshell Container Benefits
Container Type | Material | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Sugarcane Clamshells | Sugarcane fibers | Fully compostable, plant-based fibers, customized designs |
Switchgrass Clamshells | Switchgrass fibers | Compostable, recyclable, strong protection, reusable |
Recycled PET Clamshells | Recycled PET plastic | Recyle code #1 PET plastic, protects food, can be recycled multiple times |
By choosing eco-friendly clamshell containers for your takeout food packaging needs, brands enjoy strong marketing advantages through improved sustainability credentials. Clamshells protect food quality while reducing the environmental impact of single-use packaging. Their versatile designs and total enclosure of food makes them a leading eco-packaging solution for takeout brands.