Eco Packaging is Infiltrating the Asian Food and Beverage Landscape

A wave of new-age packaging suppliers are set to exhibit at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2024. Driven by a confluence of factors: environmentally conscious consumers, stricter regulations, and a burgeoning market opportunity, it is clear that the adoption of eco-friendly packaging is becoming a prevalent choice for the foodservice industry.

Consumers are increasingly vocal about their environmental concerns, particularly food waste and pollution. This shift in consciousness is bringing about tightening regulations on packaging safety, labelling, and sustainability; factors that are pushing the industry to find innovative solutions that prioritise both environmental responsibility and consumer safety. The e-commerce boom and rapid rise of food delivery services during the pandemic has compounded this need. Secure, tamper-evident packaging with a minimal environmental footprint is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Why Eco-Friendly Packaging Matters

Eco-friendly packaging solutions are gaining significant traction for several compelling reasons. They are inherently sustainable, made from repurposed resources and boasting a lower environmental footprint. Beyond their eco-friendly nature, these innovative materials are biodegradable and compostable, unlike traditional plastics. This translates to a significant reduction in landfill waste and contributes to a healthier planet. Eco-friendly packaging minimises the environmental impact of the entire packaging process, further reducing carbon footprint.

At THAIFEX - Anuga Asia, an exhibitor, VANDAPAC BIO, offers High-Grade Compostable Plastic Packaging, which is compostable plastic packaging. Made from the highest-grade biodegradable materials, this plastic wrap is sturdy, user-friendly, and world-friendly. It is 100% food grade and certified by the BPI Institution, complying with ASTM 6400 testing standards for compostability.

But the benefits of eco-packaging extend beyond environmental responsibility into competitive edge. Positive brand recognition comes with showcasing a commitment to a greener future through the use of eco-friendly materials. Adopting sustainable practices makes your business future-proof because proactive companies are better positioned to navigate upcoming regulations that favour eco-friendly materials, ensuring your long-term success.

It can also demonstrate that you are investing in a sustainable future.

At THAIFEX - Anuga Asia, exhibitor Green Starch Joint Stock Company sells Fuma Rice Drinking Straws to reduce plastic waste. Each sale of these straws contributes to the overall development of Sa Dec Rice Flour Traditional Village, a flour-making Vietnamese village in the Mekong Delta, that is home to nearly 350 families and 2,000 workers.

Asian consumers are particularly receptive to sustainable packaging. Research shows a strong willingness to pay a premium for eco-friendly options, with preferences varying across countries. This presents a unique opportunity to tailor your packaging strategy to resonate with regional preferences, whether it’s focusing on fresh produce packaging in China or beverage solutions in Indonesia.

Sustainable packaging doesn’t have to compromise on safety. A variety of sustainable packaging solutions prioritise tamper-evident features and contaminant-resistant materials to ensure the highest safety standards are met, protecting your products and your consumers.

At THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2024, some more of the vendors that cater to this eco-friendly packaging trend include:

• M Wrap offers a heavy-duty, clear plastic food wrap made from special food-grade bio-based polymers. Manufactured with advanced Japanese technology, this hygienic cling film complies with strict Japanese food wrapping standards and boasts FDA approval for global appeal.
• Beebox Printing offers food-grade paper packaging that’s certified for safety by the paper manufacturer itself. This ensures complete peace of mind for you and your customers. Focusing on both online and offline distribution channels, Beebox aims to cater to the needs of the new generation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Thai Style Packaging: for those seeking packaging with a unique flair, Thai Style Packaging offers a charming option. Their packaging features Thai porcelain prints on various packaging materials, including paper bowls, bakery boxes, wrapping paper, and paper bags, adding value to your food products, with a touch of cultural.

“Sustainability extends beyond the packaging itself. THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2024 connects you with suppliers committed to sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. This ensures that every step of the process, from sourcing raw materials to production, aligns with your environmental goals,” says Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director & Vice President APAC at Koelnmesse. “By partnering with responsible suppliers, you can be confident that your brand is contributing to a positive impact on the planet.”

Attend THAIFEX - Anuga Asia, 28 May–1 June 2024 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand. Visit https://thaifex-anuga.com/ to learn more.