A new study has revealed that 220 million tonnes of plastic waste is projected to be generated in 2024, reflecting a steady increase of nearly 10% (7.11%) since 2021. Alarmingly, over one-third of this waste, amounting to 68.6 million tonnes, will be mismanaged and end up polluting natural environments. This equates to a global average of 28kg of plastic waste per person.

The United States is the leading producer of plastic waste, significantly impacting its rivers, coastlines, landscapes, and communities. However, the majority of Americans (85%) consider plastic waste pollution a serious and concerning problem that requires immediate political action to address. Additionally, 39% of people have expressed a greater likelihood of choosing products made without microplastics, highlighting a growing consumer preference for environmentally friendly options.

Plant-based packaging, made from renewable resources like byproducts of harvested crops, is a truly sustainable solution to the environmental challenges associated with conventional plastics. This eco-friendly alternative reduces dependence on finite resources and significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

As awareness of the need for sustainable practices grows, both companies and consumers are increasingly turning to plant-based packaging. This shift is driving the rapid adoption of plant-based materials, promising a greener future for packaging solutions.

Types of Plant-Based Packaging

1. Bioplastics

Bioplastics are derived from natural sources such as corn, sugarcane or seaweed. They can be used in a variety of applications and are often designed to biodegrade under certain conditions.

2. Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a natural polymer made from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane, designed to replace commonly used petroleum-based plastics such as polyethene terephthalate (PET). In the packaging industry, PLA is frequently utilised for plastic films and food containers. It is compostable and has similar properties to conventional plastics.

3. Bagasse

Bagasse is the fibrous byproduct of sugarcane processing. It can be moulded into sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials suitable for food containers and tableware.

4. Seaweed

Seaweed can be harvested with minimal environmental impact and can be used to create plastic-like packaging products such as thin films and coatings. Seaweed packaging is often edible, allowing it to be consumed by humans after use or repurposed as animal feed..

5. Solinatra

Solinatra is a 100% natural and plant-based material derived from the byproducts of harvested crops to be transformed into bioresin. Solinatra can easily integrate into existing production lines and can be moulded into various disposable items to create a sustainable way of life.

3 Key Advantages of Plant-Based Packaging

1. Environmental Advantages

Reduction in carbon footprint: Plant-based materials generally produce fewer greenhouse gases during production compared to fossil fuels used to make plastics.

Biodegradability: Many plant-based packaging options, like Solinatra, are designed to decompose naturally, minimising waste in landfills and oceans.

Sustainability: These materials are sourced from renewable resources, making them a truly sustainable alternative compared to finite fossil fuels.

 

2. Economic Advantages

Market Demand: As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainable packaging, driving market growth. Especially with rigid plastics, which are the most used packaging material globally, accounting for approximately one-third (31%) of all packaging materials used in 2019, they are expected to reach 1,459K million pack units from 2023 to 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6%, according to GlobalData. By integrating recycled plastics into their packaging, this strategic shift not only addresses ecological concerns but also caters to an increasingly eco-conscious market, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and innovation in packaging solutions.

Regulatory Compliance: In response to growing consumer concern and governmental pressure to reduce plastic use in packaging, many manufacturers have set ambitious plastic reduction targets. These initiatives can benefit from plant-based materials that can be moulded into various shapes, like conventional plastics. So businesses can reinvent their packaging to align with regulations without having to make major machinery adjustments for the adoption of plant-based materials.

 

3. Health Benefits

Reduced Toxicity: Solinatra plant-based materials do not contain forever chemicals (PFAS), microplastics, or any harmful pollutant like those usually found in some plastics, making them safer for food and beverage packaging.

 

The Future of Plant-Based Packaging

North America leads the plant-based packaging market, with coordinated efforts and programmes fostering the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. A significant initiative in this region is the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), a collaborative organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability within the packaging industry. The SPC provides extensive recommendations for sustainable packaging, emphasising plant-based materials and compostable options. They offer crucial tools and support to businesses aiming to implement sustainable practices, including plant-based packaging solutions. 

The food and beverage sector is pivotal in the plant-based packaging market. The global market for plant-based packaging in the food and beverage sector is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth is driven by rising consumer awareness of environmental issues, stringent regulations on single-use plastics, and a growing preference for sustainable packaging solutions.

Solinatra is the truly sustainable plant-based packaging

Solinatra helps businesses achieve true sustainability with its unique properties and innovative approach. Each Solinatra pellet is a combination of truly sustainable properties: compostability and biodegradability, renewable resources, emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and zero microplastics, which enable manufacturers to meet diverse packaging needs while maintaining sustainability. Solinatra maintains the performance standards expected from traditional plastics. It offers the durability and versatility qualities required for various disposable applications, from food industry to medical.