India generates approximately 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and accounts for 20% of global plastic waste. In an environment where sustainability has become a global focus, a move to reduce plastic waste is a current need of the hour. The Online Food Ordering industry is now slowly making a change through sustainable packaging mediums. With a growth of 9% CAGR, the online food ordering industry is a booming platform. Simultaneously, with growth, responsibilities arise. The food ordering platforms in India are opting for sustainable food delivery packaging in conjunction with eco-friendly moves.
What is sustainable packaging?
The word sustainable stands for products used in line with the environment without harming biodiversity, fostering long-term ecological balance. In sustainable packaging, the food containers are produced plastic-free, made from natural fibers that are easily biodegradable and do not harm the planet.
Most of the Online Food Ordering platforms have taken up the initiative of using biodegradable food containers. The food ordering platforms are pushing restaurant partners to promote biodegradable food packaging. According to market insights, sustainable food delivery packaging is likely to grow to hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the decade. Hence, a small change can produce a huge impact, not only on the minds of consumers but on the environment we live in.
As per traditional packaging, it is designed for durability, heat retention & spill prevention. It involves single-use plastic, styrofoam & non-recyclable materials.
Types of Sustainable Packaging Solutions
- Biodegradable Packaging
Materials like sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, and cornstarch are increasingly used as alternatives to plastic. These materials break down naturally and reduce long-term waste.
- Recyclable Packaging
Paper-based containers, cardboard boxes, and aluminum packaging can be recycled when disposed of correctly, helping to reduce landfill waste.
- Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging decomposes into organic matter and can enrich the soil. It is an excellent option for reducing environmental harm.
- Reusable Packaging
Some innovative platforms are introducing reusable containers that customers can return after use. This circular model significantly cuts down on single-use waste.
Benefits of Sustainable Packaging
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Reduced Waste
- Increased Brand Loyalty
Role of Food Delivery Platforms in Sustainable Packaging
Food delivery platforms encourage restaurants to use sustainable packaging, and some applications have integrated guidelines and offer incentives to restaurants that comply with the set rules. The sustainable food delivery packaging replaces single-use plastic containers that take years to decompose. The Online Food Ordering platforms play a pivotal role in driving sustainable packaging by setting up industry standards.
The Online Food Ordering platforms partner with eco-friendly packaging suppliers for biodegradable containers. They encourage restaurants to adopt green practices & eco-friendly deliveries.
Platforms like Gintaa Food Ordering App are working towards the promotion of sustainable food packaging across all its restaurant partners. Gintaa has exclusively partnered with its restaurant partners as a collaborative measure to push biodegradable containers to customers.
Gintaa’s Introduction to Eco-Friendly Packaging
Gintaa’s has come out with sustainable food delivery packaging that not only helps curb plastic waste but also educates the restaurant partner on sustainability. Gintaa believes in giving back to the environment. Gintaa has come out with solution-based mediums like bio-degradable containers made out of recycled paper. These containers are circulated among restaurant partners onboarded with Gintaa, in a move to make food delivery hygienic and bio-friendly.
Through eco-friendly packaging solutions, Gintaa is disseminating hygiene among its users. Reusable containers or paper-based containers used to deliver hot food are proven to be safer than single-use plastic containers. The plastic containers contain microplastic particles that are a serious health concern. For the past several years, high-end restaurant owners or small eateries have used plastic-based packaging, which has had an adverse effect on both human health and the environment.
The restaurants that are still dependent on plastic packaging, Gintaa is working to curb plastic practices and infuse eco-friendly packaging.
Conclusion
A change is never too late. Sustainable packaging is no longer an alternative. It is a choice that restaurant owners and food ordering platforms are practicing. This is not only reducing the burden of excessive packaging waste but also paving the way for a positive & hygienic food ecosystem. As the online food ordering industry continues to grow, adopting sustainable packaging is a significant move to align with the environment.
