The food and beverage industry faces a unique challenge in reducing plastic waste, but innovation and commitment to sustainability are paving the way for change. From biodegradable packaging and reusable systems to plastic-free shipping and supply chains, brands have more opportunities than ever to minimize their environmental impact while gaining a competitive edge. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable options, and regulatory pressures are making plastic reduction a smart financial move. Discover how businesses are embracing plastic-free solutions and how rePurpose Global can help your brand take meaningful action—both immediately and for the long term.
It is somewhat intuitive that the food and beverage industry utilizes a significant amount of single use plastic. Afterall, your takeout can’t arrive in someone else’s containers. In the plastic industry, single-use plastics account for a 50% proportion of total plastics production, a major contributing factor in the 450 million tons of plastic that ends up as waste every year. Despite the necessity of sanitary precautions, the food and beverage industry faces increasing urgency to join the environmental movement, especially where plastic waste is concerned. Whether it be your favorite snack brand, the wine you pick for a Friday night, or even a meal delivery kit there are a vast variety of brands creating sustainable food and beverage options.
While reducing plastic might seem particularly challenging in the food and beverage industry, there still remain a plethora of ways to reduce your brand’s footprint. Furthermore, increasing packaging regulations, mean food and beverage brands may have more immediate financial incentives to gain from moving away from plastic.
Removing plastic from F&B operations poses a particular challenge when it comes to anything that humans put in their bodies. While regulations, consumer demands, and our environmental crises continue to demand a shift away from plastic, the headwinds faced by food and beverage producers, suppliers, and retailers, mean many companies in this sector will be some of the last to eliminate plastic from their operations. However, by funding plastic recovery projects (like rePurpose Global’s Impact Projects) your brand can still take action for the environment. Funding plastic recovery offers an immediate solution so your company can begin combating the plastic waste crisis while you work towards implementing long-term plastic-free solutions into your operations.
Companies partner with rePurpose Global to remove plastic waste from the environment in several ways:
Going plastic-free and operating more sustainably in the food and beverage industry offers both reputational and financial benefits that can significantly impact a brand’s success. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, with studies showing that eco-conscious shoppers are willing to pay a premium for products with environmentally friendly packaging. A shocking 95% of US consumers would pay more for a product that funds Verified Plastic Recovery. By taking an active environmental stance, companies can attract this growing market segment, fostering brand loyalty and positive public perception. Additionally, businesses that commit to sustainability often gain a competitive edge, securing partnerships with retailers and restaurants that favor eco-friendly suppliers.
On the financial side, regulatory pressures around single-use plastics are increasing, meaning proactive brands can avoid potential fines, adapt ahead of industry mandates, and benefit from tax incentives for sustainable practices. Furthermore, innovative packaging solutions—such as compostable materials and reusable systems—can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics, which are subject to price volatility. Ultimately, investing in sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a strategic move that enhances brand value, mitigates risk, and boosts profitability in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
The plastic crisis is not going anywhere, unless brands from every industry and sector take action today. The need for continued investment and innovation is critical, especially in the industries that rely on plastic most. The more we convince ourselves that a plastic-free future is not possible within the food and beverage industry, the harder that necessary future is to envision and attain. Thankfully, as consumer demand for eco-friendly options continues to grow, there are more and more examples of brands leading the way to sustainability in food and bev:
Businesses, consumers, and policymakers have a critical role in scaling environmental solutions. These brands provide actionable examples of ways you can implement sustainability in your business today and later down the road. More suppliers are creating sustainable options than ever before and partners like rePurpose are available to work alongside you to create a positive impact on our planet through your organization. Our teams work with our partners to create long-term operational solutions to reduce their footprints, ease environmental compliance requirements, and create an immediate impact through plastic recovery. Talk to us to start your sustainability journey today.