Consumer-portion packaging may seem a simple concept, but it’s more complex than most people may think.
Such packaging needs to deliver a vast range of different taste-elevating products to consumers. This includes sauces, condiments, preserves, milk, honey, seasoning, dressings, spreads, and other complementary foods.
Given the range of such foods – their various shelf-lives, consistencies and quantities – packaging must be adapted to different needs.
But regardless of type, all packaging must ensure its contents remain safe, fresh, tasty, and high-quality – with little fuss and little mess.
Regulation should serve innovation
A blanket 2030 ban on many current consumer-portion single-use plastic packaging formats under the EU PPWR would present a range of challenges for industry innovation, for consumers, for the environment, and for businesses.
Stifling innovation
Such a ban risks curtailing innovation, removing incentives for companies to develop new (PPWR-compliant) solutions.
Packaging suppliers are pursuing innovative packaging solutions, but many are unlikely to be commercially available by 2030. More time gives them an incentive to complete the job and further develop PPWR-compliant options.
This innovation in packaging may have wider applications both inside and outside the food sector, and also may be suitable for takeaway.
Reducing the quality of consumers’ experience, increasing their costs
Modern consumers want access to a wide range of sauces, condiments and complementary products to elevate their foods. They appreciate consumer-portion packaging as a guarantee of freshness, quality, and variety – and also a way to protect them from allergic reactions and improve hygiene.
Consumers value the convenience of single-portion packaging, avoiding extra time and complexity while reducing waste and needless over-serving that can result from self- and staff service.
As shown by a recently published independent report for CPIC, new packaging equipment and processes can increase business costs that ultimately are passed along in the form of higher prices to consumers at a time when many are already cash-strapped and dining out less frequently.
Questionable benefit to the environment
A blanket ban on many current consumer-portion formats without viable and scalable alternatives does little to improve environmental sustainability.
Without durable packaging, products will have a shorter shelf life – meaning potentially more food waste as packets are thrown away. Shorter shelf life also may mean more frequent product deliveries to food establishments, thereby increasing transport emissions.
Consumer-portion packaging delivers the right amount of taste-elevating products in a convenient way. And by reducing the need for frequent cleaning for sanitary purposes, such packaging avoids extra emissions from increased energy use, and added water use.
Potential harm to the industry, especially small or independent outlets
The hospitality industry – including hotels, restaurants, cafés, and canteens – have faced significant challenges in recent years, from the cost-of-living crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A ban on many current consumer-portion formats may require costly new processes and equipment or the need to use larger formats – even for lesser-used products – potentially reducing consumer choice and adding to product waste.
Within the packaging sector, smaller companies may struggle to invest in research to find PPWR-compliant options – reducing competition, choice, and innovation within the sector.