Food packaging, in both the retail and foodservice sectors, has undergone an unprecedented transformation in recent years.

At the top of the list of packaging developments and innovations, food packaging has not finished renewing itself. Here’s a look at the latest trends in sustainable, eco-responsible food packaging.

Food packaging: current situation and trends

The agri-food market is in the midst of major upheavals that have reshuffled the cards in the sector, driving it to reinvent itself. In the face of rapidly changing economic and social contexts, pro-environmental considerations have raised new fundamental questions for consumers. Eco-design, food processes, distribution chains and logistics – every stage is being called into question, under the watchful eye of CSR strategies.

In a few key figures, the agri-food market alone represents :

• France’s leading industrial sector. In terms of both sales and jobs created.
• More than 17,000 companies in the sector (in 2021).
• Sales of 198 billion euros.
• Nearly 460,000 employees nationwide.

According to a study by the Association nationale des industries alimentaires, the agri-food market is at the crossroads of regional development and dynamism, processing 70% of French agricultural production.

Finally, the agrifood sector is also one of the most profitable in France. It is a major contributor to France’s trade balance, with a trade surplus of over 6.1 billion euros.

Eco-responsible food packaging: three new trends to watch.

Today, more than three-quarters of consumers claim to be sensitive to the eco-responsibility of packaging. That’s why eco-friendly, reusable food packaging is so popular these days. Good for the conscience, good for the environment…

Here are the latest trends to follow:

• Recyclable food packaging
  made from biosourced, compostable and biodegradable materials.
  The aim: to promote the brand’s ecological approach. The ultimate aim: to guide consumers towards the right recycling channel, making sorting easier.

• Reusable food packaging.
  Gone are the days of single-use packaging, disposable after simple use, under the impetus of new packaging regulations dictated by the AGEC law.

• Food packaging with integrated QR code or NFC chip – also known as “connected packaging”. The aim: scan the code to obtain additional information about the brand, the product and the packaging’s life cycle.

Transformation des emballages alimentaires et nouvelles règlementations

Food packaging is obeying market trends, under the thumb of new regulations governing the new-generation packaging eco-system.

The dates are set, and the agri-food market will not cut them:
Between now and 2025, the AGEC law provides for the implementation of a large number of measures aimed at reducing unnecessary, single-use packaging, in favor of eco-designed, reusable and recyclable packaging.

The law focuses on five main areas:

• Move away from disposable plastic and promote sustainable packaging.
• Better inform consumers and guarantee traceability.
• Combating waste and promoting solidarity-based re-use.
• Act against programmed obsolescence.
• Promote better production.

Between eco-design of the product-packaging pair, constantly evolving CSR strategies and new recycling channels, all players in the production and distribution chain are questioning themselves, to facilitate the marketing of sustainable food packaging.

Sustainable food packaging at the heart of industry innovation

The meteoric evolution of the food market has not escaped the attention of the experts at ALL4PACK Emballage Paris. Food packaging was strongly represented at the ALL4PACK Innovations, with two winners in the “Design & Ergonomics” and “Sustainable & Responsible Solution” categories.

Exposant : GOGLIO

• Category Design & Ergonomics

Product name : Pillow UP
The smart 2-in-1 flat or upright packaging in a single gesture.

Description: The Pillow UP bag is the latest innovation from the Goglio Group’s Research & Development department. An innovative solution that combines practicality in terms of production and storage.

Exposant : LEYGATECH

-Sustainable & Responsible Solution Category

Product name : Thinox

Description: In partnership with Geneomat, Leygatech has developed Thinox, a sealing solution for reusable containers. This barrier polyethylene film is both 100% recyclable and sealable on stainless steel, glass, ceramics and porcelain. A product that meets the new reuse needs of the fast-food market, local authorities and supermarkets.

Whether you’re a player in the agri-food market or in one of the various packaging destination sectors: join us at the next ALL4PACK Emballages Paris 2024 trade show, by registering now!

In the meantime, check out the dates for 2023, and don’t hesitate to consult the replays of the conferences from the previous edition of ALL4PACK Emballages Paris.