Sustainability goals set forth by governing bodies in the food and beverage industry.

China’s National Sword policy has increased media attention around the world with businesses and governing bodies in Australia setting goals towards sustainability.

Innova market insights commented, “an alliance between food and packaging suppliers and waste management agencies is paramount to packaging design in the food and beverage industry in 2019.”

Paper-based and hybrid plastic alternatives are on the rise and amid this dynamic too with paper-based packaging on new food rising 40 percent since 2014.

Innova Market Insights have identified five packaging trends to better the sustainability of food and beverage companies; recycle by design, e-commerce ready, natures appeal, more convenient convenience and pack to the future.

“In order to boost recycling rates and achieve some of the ambitious circular economy goals set forth by various governments, collaboration between businesses and the recycling agencies is vital. Clearer labelling, standardized packaging and increasing the recycled content of products could all help in encouraging higher levels of recycling,” says Innova Marketing Insights.

“With more and more consumers shopping online, the landscape for online retail is rapidly changing. Developing packages that provide product protection and tamper evidence along the supply chain, while reducing the environmental impact of shipping materials in the e-commerce supply chain will prove vital.”

“Anti-plastic sentiment and the rising demand for designed-in recyclability have fuelled a resurgence in paper and paperboard packaging. Paper is not only naturally renewable, recyclable and compostable, but can also add value via its “naturalness” in an increasingly eco-conscious society.”

“Consumer convenience continues to be one of the most important attributes to consider while designing the optimal packaging for a product. Innovations within this area focus on facilitating on-the-go consumption and ease-of-use.”

“With increasing consumer demand for transparency along the supply chain, IoT technologies such as QR codes and blockchain have come to the forefront. There has been a rise in the use of near field communication and augmented reality as tools for increasing brand loyalty through consumer engagement.”