Plant-Based Packaging Materials
Plant-based packaging materials offer renewable alternatives for selected food packaging applications, using materials derived from sources such as sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, wheat, and rice.
These materials can be used across a range of foodservice packaging formats, including bowls, trays, containers, plates, and straws, depending on the material properties, product structure, and intended use.
Plant-Based Materials We Offer
We work with several plant-derived materials for food packaging, each suited to different product formats and performance requirements.
Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber
Made from the fibrous residue left after sugarcane processing. It is commonly used for molded food containers, bowls, trays, and plates.
Bamboo
A fast-growing renewable material used in selected foodservice packaging and disposable tableware applications.
Wheat
Plant-derived material that can be used in selected molded fiber and foodservice packaging applications.
Rice-Based Materials
Used in selected food-contact products such as rice-based straws, where plant-derived ingredients provide an alternative material option.
Agave Fiber
Derived from renewable agave plant fibers and used in selected foodservice products such as biodegradable drinking straws.
Avocado Pit-Based Materials
Materials made using avocado pits can be used in selected plant-based foodservice products, including drinking straws.
Why Choose Plant-Based Packaging Materials?
Plant-based materials can provide practical alternatives for foodservice packaging while increasing the use of renewable or agricultural-based resources.
Depending on the material and product structure, they can offer:
Renewable Material Sources
Derived from plant-based resources such as sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, or rice.
Use of Agricultural Residues
Materials such as sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw can make use of by-products from agricultural processing.
Suitable Foodservice Performance
Selected materials can provide the strength, rigidity, and food-contact performance required for disposable packaging.
Reduced Reliance on Conventional Plastics
Useful for packaging projects looking to increase plant-derived material content.
Multiple Product Formats
Suitable materials can be formed into containers, bowls, plates, trays, straws, and other foodservice products.
Material Performance Note: Material performance and end-of-life options vary by material and finished product structure, so the appropriate option should be selected according to the intended application.
Typical Applications of Plant-Based Packaging Materials
Plant-based materials can be used across a range of foodservice packaging formats, depending on the material properties, product structure, and intended use.
1. Molded Food Containers
Suitable plant fibers such as sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw can be formed into takeaway containers for meals, snacks, and other food applications.
2. Bowls & Plates
Plant-fiber materials can provide the rigidity and strength required for disposable bowls and plates used in foodservice and catering.
3. Food Trays
Molded plant fibers can be used for trays designed to hold prepared foods, bakery products, produce, and takeaway meals.
4. Straws
Rice-based materials and other plant-derived formulations can be used to produce disposable drinking straws as an alternative material option.
5. Other Foodservice Products
Depending on the material and manufacturing process, plant-based materials can also be used for selected lids, inserts, dividers, and other disposable foodservice items.
How to Choose the Right Plant-Based Material
The suitable material depends on the packaging format, food application, required performance, and sustainability goals.
Product Format
Molded fiber materials such as sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw are commonly suited to containers, bowls, plates, and trays, while rice-based materials may be more suitable for selected products such as straws.
Food & Temperature
Consider whether the packaging will be used for hot, cold, oily, moist, or dry foods.
Strength & Structure
Different materials and forming processes can provide different levels of rigidity, thickness, and handling performance.
Barrier Requirements
Some applications may require additional resistance to moisture, grease, or liquids depending on the material and product structure.
End-of-Life Requirements
If compostability, biodegradability, or other sustainability requirements are important, confirm the properties and applicable requirements of the finished product before ordering.
Sustainability & End-of-Life Considerations
Renewable Resources & By-Products
Plant-based packaging can increase the use of renewable resources and, in some cases, make use of agricultural by-products such as sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw.
End-of-Life Pathways
End-of-life options vary by material and finished product structure. Depending on the product, relevant considerations may include compostability, biodegradability, recyclability, and local waste-processing infrastructure.
If your project has specific sustainability or disposal requirements, let us know the destination market and required standards so the appropriate material and product structure can be confirmed. Jump to Contact Us
Recommended Plant-Based Packaging Products
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Tell us your product type, intended use, destination market, and material preferences. We can help you review suitable plant-based packaging options for your project.
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