The headlines today are all about saving our environment for future generations. As our awareness about environmental issues grows, consumers and governmental regulators demand that food businesses adapt to these challenges and find more sustainable practices and solutions. If you want to retain and generate new customers, add positive changes to your business plan. So, how can food businesses limit their environmental impact?
Source Local Ingredients
Farm to table is a commonly used term that encourages folks to buy local ingredients and do business with local providers. Local sourcing reduces the need for expensive shipping while reducing harmful carbon emissions. It also supports local farmers, small businesses, and economies so everyone can enjoy fresher, more flavorful products.
Recycle, Reuse, Renew
Quality food is always in demand. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that one-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted. Food businesses can update their policies by improving inventory forecasting, using high-quality recyclable food packaging, and encouraging customers to take leftover food home. A perfect example is our automatic food tray sealing machine, which uses less plastic and seals and preserves food longer. Additionally, many companies can recycle and implement innovative uses for by-products, like turning spent grain from brewing beer into bread or farm animal feed.
Use Sustainable Packaging And Consider MAP
As customers learn more about eco-conscious practices, sustainable packaging demand increases. They want to do business with companies who care as much about the environment as they do. They are looking for businesses that are actively making and marketing their improvements. They research brands before buying and support ones based on the businesses’ attention to the environment.
For example, prepackaged food is growing in popularity. Busy families are looking for easy, convenient ways to prepare meals. The goal is to reduce spoilage by using innovative packaging. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a type of tray-sealing process that removes oxygen from the interior of the packaging and replaces it with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which keeps prepared food fresher and longer.
Optimize Energy Use
Restaurants and food producers need energy for cooking, heating, and refrigeration. Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones is an investment that will pay off in the future. Purchase energy from sustainable sources, reduce fossil fuel use, and install solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heaters that create clean energy. Lower utility bills and reduced negative environmental impact will be rewarded by expanding your market and satisfying concerned consumers.
Focus on Water Use
Water conservation is a hot topic as we hear more about global warming. Food businesses can take easy steps like fixing leaks and installing low-flow faucets and dishwashers to reduce water use. Additionally, focus on turning off water faucets when taking care of other tasks and using less water.
Educate Customers and Team Members
Training and continually educating your team members about new ways to help the environment gets everyone on the same page. When you make it a priority, so will your team. Similarly, educating customers and adding how your efforts are making a difference can enhance the business’s brand and encourage more environmentally aware consumers to support your business.
RTG We Have Sustainable Options For Your Business
If you are looking for faster production times that offer sustainable and environmentally friendly features, RTG is your source for eco-friendly packaging. We carry premium ILPRA machines to provide high-quality equipment that will take your packaging and processes to the next level.
We also carry Lei™ Trays for food products and eco-friendly cosmetic packaging for SOLLAS. Explore how our sustainable options can help you limit your environmental impact, and reach out to RTG for assistance every step of the way!