Restaurants and Grocery Stores Leading the Way with Biodegradable Packaging

Did you know the food industry generates tons of plastic waste yearly, much of which pollutes our oceans and landfills? To tackle this issue, restaurants and grocery stores are adopting biodegradable packaging to reduce discard and provide sustainable solutions for meal containers. This change isn’t just a passing trend. 

These businesses protect the environment, meet consumer demand for greener choices, and set an example for other industries.

Food Industry Waste in Canada

Recent data reveals the extent of plastic waste in Canada, between 2012 and 2020, more than 15 billion plastic bottles and up to 14 billion non-biodegradable market bags littered the Canadian environment. This startling figure comes from a new dataset compiled by Statistics Canada to support the federal government’s “zero-plastic waste agenda.” 

In 2020 alone, Canada produced or imported 7.1 million tonnes of non-biodegradable resources, a 28% increase from 2012. Almost one-third of this was used for packaging, while another fifth was used in construction. They also found their way into vehicles and electronics, accounting for one-seventh and one-tenth, respectively.

The environmental impact is severe. Nearly five million were discarded in 2020, mostly headed for landfills. Although about one-sixth of it was diverted for recycling, the amount successfully recycled remains unclear. 

Restaurants – Major Contributors to Waste

Restos and market stores are major contributors to synthetic waste because they use a lot of single-use waste. Items like take-out containers, synthetic bags, and wrappers create a lot of litter.  

Examples of Initiatives:

• Restaurants. Many restaurants have switched to organic take-out boxes, cutlery, and straws. These alternatives reduce discard and give customers a more sustainable option when ordering meal to go. Some restaurants also use plant-based enclosures like PLA (polylactic acid), which is compostable and much better for the environment.
• Market Stores. They adopt compostable produce bags and green enclosures in places like the deli and bakery sections. For example, some shops now use paper or reusable and organic containers for deli meats and baked goods.

Canadian Businesses and Sustainable Initiatives

The circular economy keeps resources at their highest value, reusing and recycling them to avoid rubbish. To promote this, you must buy durable products designed for reuse, refurbishment, or dismantling and support companies with take-back programs.

A great example of the circular economy is Reuse Ottawa, a reusable packaging program led by the Circular Innovation Council. This program involves Canada’s top retailers and is supported by the City of Ottawa, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and a network of service providers. 

It allows consumers to borrow reusable boxes for specific food items at participating convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, and eateries. It is the first large-scale program of its kind in Canada.

Industry Samples

Tim Hortons

This popular Canadian coffee chain works to become more eco-friendly. Known for its coffee and donuts, the company also promotes earth-friendly practices. 

• It encourages coffee suppliers to grow beans in the shade. Helps protect wildlife habitats and improve the beans' taste. 
• Hortons also supports farming methods that reduce pesticide use and improve soil health.

Loblaw Companies Limited

Canada's largest food and pharmacy retailer takes action to reduce non-biodegradable discard. 

• At the end of the first quarter of 2023, the company stopped using single-use shopping bags in its shopping outlets, pharmacies, and PC Express service. 
• This effort is part of a 15-year journey that began with a program to charge for synthetic bags, reducing their use by 70%.  

Commonly Used Materials for Renewable Containers

Compostable packaging is becoming more popular as businesses seek sustainable alternatives. Depending on how they're used, different resources have different benefits and drawbacks.

Materials like PLA and bagasse are used in deli and bakery sections in shops for items such as salad containers, trays, and clamshells. Restos uses organic take-out jars, cutlery, plates, and straws made from plant-based materials.

How Compostable Packs Stand Up to Non-Biodegradable Materials

Green packaging is commonly misunderstood, with people thinking it’s less durable than synthetic packs. However, PLA and bagasse are strong enough for edibles and other products. They break down over time in composting environments.

For example:

Under the right conditions, PLA-based containers can decompose in a few months, and bagasse and paper products decompose even faster. Despite being compostable, these can still keep food fresh and safe.

According to an overview of biodegradable packaging in the food industry, organic containers are just as functional as traditional plastic in the short term without sacrificing performance. The 2024 study “Edible packaging to prolong postharvest shelf-life of fruits and vegetables: A review” concludes that green packages can be used in meal packing to improve shelf life, especially in packs with modified atmospheres, active systems, and edibles for high-quality edibles. 

However, before using reusable components, it is important to know how food components interact with biopolymers during processing and storage. Future research should focus on using nanotechnology and sensors to communicate information to consumers.  

Best Practices for Using Nature-Based Containers

To make sure its proper operation, best practices in production, storage, and use must be followed.

1. Production and Storage. Avoid contaminating organic materials with chemicals or pollutants during production. Contamination can reduce their ability to break down properly. Store them in cool, dry places. Avoid heat, moisture, or light that could damage the material and weaken its structure.
2. For Restos and Market Stores. Staff should understand how to use and handle it correctly. Training helps reduce waste and ensures it’s used properly. Use clear labels to guide customers on how to dispose of it, such as composting or recycling. This helps customers make better choices and avoid waste.

 

 

Switch to Biodegradable Package Today

Sustainable packaging helps Canada tackle the growing problem of non-biodegradable waste. Restaurants and marketplaces are factors in this change because they use a lot of packaging needs.

Patek has the right solutions as more people ask for sustainable products. Our efforts support Canada's broader sustainability goals.

Switching to custom packaging is an important step for the future of food services and retail. As your food packaging supplier Canada, Patek helps reduce your carbon footprint by relying more on recycled plastic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can eco-friendly alternatives support hot food items, or does it work best for cold only?

Recyclable packaging can handle both hot and cold food, depending on the packaging material. Bagasse is great for hot meals, PLA works best for cold, while Paper and Cardboard can be used for both with a coating. Polypropylene (PP) is also heat-resistant and suitable for hot meals.

What eco friendly packaging solutions are commonly used in marketplaces for fresh produce?

Supermarket stores use compostable bags made from sustainable materials, like plant starch or PLA, paper wraps, sugarcane fibre boxes, and plant-based films. These compostable materials replace plastic packaging and provide eco-friendly fruit, vegetable, and herb options.  

How do restos and markets guarantee the biodegradability of their food package in various climates and locations?

Restos and markets choose certified raw materials that meet standards like ASTM D6400. They work with suppliers who follow composting guidelines and consider local waste systems to make sure compatibility with recycling or composting programs. Some use materials that break down at different rates, depending on climate factors.