Eco-friendly wraps and coatings help keep produce fresh for longer
Trend - As more food retailers prioritize sustainability, coatings made from eco-friendly materials are being used to individually wrap and protect produce. On top of being eco-friendly, these coatings and wraps prevent spoilage and bruising to extend the produce's lifespan.
Insight - While most industries are putting more effort into environmental protection, products in this space can be less efficient or durable. Sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, but they don't want their sustainability efforts to inconvenience their lifestyles. As the market for eco-friendly products expands, brands that are able to prioritize sustainable practices while equally balancing the product's efficacy will stand out most.
Insight - While most industries are putting more effort into environmental protection, products in this space can be less efficient or durable. Sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, but they don't want their sustainability efforts to inconvenience their lifestyles. As the market for eco-friendly products expands, brands that are able to prioritize sustainable practices while equally balancing the product's efficacy will stand out most.
Workshop Question - How could your brand expand its sustainability goals while still prioritizing its products' longevity and/or efficacy?
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Coatings - As more retailers prioritize sustainability, coatings made from eco-friendly materials are being used to individually wrap and protect produce. Brands that prioritize sustainable practices while balancing the product's efficacy will stand out most.
2. Plant-based Coatings - Plant-based coatings made from peels, seeds, and pulp of fruits and vegetables are being used to increase shelf life of produce. Brands can use this technology to provide healthy and safe ways to increase shelf life.
3. Barrier Coatings - Barrier coatings are being used to protect food packaging from transferring oils, grease, water and water vapor from food to the exterior packaging. Businesses can use barrier coatings on sandwich wedge boxes, pizza boxes, fast food packaging, fresh vegetables and general supermarket packaging.
Industry Implications
1. Food Manufacturing - The food manufacturing industry can use eco-friendly and plant-based coatings to extend the shelf life of their products, and reduce food waste.
2. Packaging - The packaging industry can provide alternative solutions to conventional packaging such as barrier coatings that can prevent moisture or odours from transferring.
3. Sustainability - There is a growing need for businesses to prioritize sustainable practices and develop products that are both effective and environmentally-friendly, especially in the food industry where there is a major problem of food waste.
