Why Sustainable Packaging Matters

Did you know the average Brit creates 76kg of plastic waste each year? Only about a quarter of this plastic is recycled in the UK, meaning that almost four million tonnes of plastic waste can go to landfill every year.

With traditional plastic packaging contributing significantly to environmental pollution, businesses and consumers are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to help minimise their carbon footprint. At Magnum Packaging, we help businesses find sustainable packaging that doesn’t impact the customer experience and helps you tap into the demand for environmentally conscious products.

Are you ready to learn more about how you can make the future greener?

What is Sustainable Food Packaging?

Sustainable food packaging can be defined as any packaging designed to reduce its environmental footprint. There are three main types of eco-friendly food packaging on the market currently:

Biodegradable Food Packaging

Biodegradable food packaging breaks down naturally and is often made from organic materials. They decompose through the action of living organisms, don’t cause harm to the environment and are suitable for reducing long-term waste in landfill sites.

Compostable Food Packaging

Compostable food packaging requires specific conditions to degrade properly, including the correct temperature and humidity. They reduce to non-toxic components and can provide nutrients to the soil when composted.

Recyclable Food Packaging

Recyclable food packaging is often made from collected materials or substances repurposed into new products, conserving energy, reducing waste, and lowering environmental impact.

What Key Materials are Used in Sustainable Food Packaging?

Biodegradable	Compostable	Recyclable
Paper Bamboo Cardboard Bagasse	Bagasse Cardboard Kraft paper Cornstarch	Paper Glass Kraft paper Cardboard

Why Switch to Sustainable Packaging?

Reduction of carbon emissions
Sustainable packaging can help combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduction of waste
Sustainable packaging can reduce the amount of plastic and waste that ends up in landfill sites and oceans.

Protects wildlife
Implementing sustainable packaging can help protect wildlife and reduce their exposure to pollution and harm.

Conservation of resources
The manufacturing process for creating sustainable packaging will help conserve resources.

Catering to eco-conscious customers
There has been significant growth in the number of consumers who are becoming eco-savvy and seeking businesses with eco-friendly packaging.

Improves your brand image
Showing a commitment to sustainability brings many business benefits. Consumers actively search for businesses that understand their impact on the environment.

Higher customer retention
Tapping into this market and prioritising sustainability will help retain customers interested in helping the environment.

Avoid potential fines
Many governments are banning single-use plastics. Environmentally friendly packaging ensures compliance and helps you avoid potential fines.

Common Sustainable Materials Explained

Kraft Paper

What is Kraft Paper?

Kraft paper is a strong, thick brown paper made from chemical pulp, used for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging. Often brown, but can be bleached or dyed. Made from at least 80% sulphate wood pulp.

What can Kraft Paper be used for?

Packaging (store bags, takeaway bags, coffee shops, flour, sugar, veg, dried fruit)
Stationery (wedding invites, business stationery)

Benefits:

Strength: Tear-resistant, perfect for food packaging
Eco-friendly: Recyclable and reduces plastic waste
Rustic appeal: Ideal for stand-out branding

Bagasse

What is Bagasse?

A fibrous material left after extracting juice from sugarcane, high in cellulose. It’s considered an eco-friendly, renewable resource for food packaging.

What can Bagasse be used for?

Biodegradable takeaway containers
Bowls, plates, clamshell boxes, food container lids

Benefits:

Lower cost: Abundant, drought/pest resistant crop
Biodegradable & Compostable: Decomposes in months
Heat-resistant: Up to 120°C, microwave-safe
Sturdy: Good eating experience

Comparison Chart

Material	Eco-friendliness	Durability	Cost Effectiveness
Kraft paper	High	Moderate	Affordable
Bagasse	High	High	Moderate
Plastic	Low	High	Low

How to Choose the Right Sustainable Packaging for Your Business

The type of food you sell: Does it need to stay warm/enclosed? Is it hot or cold? Pick packaging that meets the needs of your product and your customer.
End-of-life disposal: Choose between eco-friendly/biodegradable or reusable options, depending on your business model.
Branding and customisation: Consider whether your packaging needs your logo or custom print—great for brand awareness and marketing.

What Plastics are Banned from Sale in the UK?

In October 2023, the UK banned many single-use plastics. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs lists these as banned or restricted:

Banned Items

Drinks stirrers
Balloon sticks
Cutlery
Food & drink containers (expanded/extruded polystyrene)

Restricted Items

Plates, bowls & trays
Straws
Cotton buds

Exemptions

Supplied to another business
If deemed as packaging, pre-filled or filled at point of sale (e.g. ready meals, salads, etc.)

Eco-friendly Packaging FAQs

What is the most environmentally friendly food packaging?

Bagasse and bamboo break down naturally to become composted organic waste. For minimum impact, choose bagasse or bamboo.

What is an eco-friendly packaging alternative to plastic?

Paper: Waxed paper, kraft paper, and paperboard boxes for a range of uses
Compostable/Biodegradable: PLA (cornstarch-based clear containers, cups, lids), Bagasse (plates, bowls, clamshells)

Can I recycle kraft or bagasse packaging?

Kraft paper bags are recyclable and biodegradable. Bagasse must be taken to a commercial composting facility—never place in normal recycling.

Is sustainable packaging more expensive?

Sustainable packaging can be more expensive due to: lack of materials, inflation, and research/development costs. The initial outlay can be offset by customer loyalty, satisfaction, and compliance with regulations.

Why is sustainable packaging more expensive than traditional packaging?

Lack of materials increases costs for retailers and consumers
Inflationary pressures on production
Research and development of new, planet-friendly methods

Bag the Plastic and Go Green with Magnum Packaging

If you are searching for eco-friendly food packaging options for your business, you are in the right place. At Magnum Packaging, we have a wide range of eco-friendly food packaging, including kraft paper bags, bagasse options, and many more to suit your business needs.

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All our polythene and plastic products meet the Plastic Packaging Tax guidelines and contain at least 30% recycled plastic.

Magnum Packaging Registered office Magnum House, Macklin Avenue, Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate, Billingham, Stockton on Tees, TS23 4BY, England, Registered in GB Company Registration Number 01764041 VAT no. 329369428