Archive for category: FPI Blog

If you’ve been with FPI for a while, you may be familiar with the history of our consumer perceptions surveys. If not, allow us to provide some background. Back in 2019, we wanted to understand how consumers thought about their foodservice packaging. Despite our immersion in the foodservice packaging industry, we couldn’t be sure we knew exactly what consumers thought. So, we conducted our first consumer perception survey focusing on adults in the U.S. and Canada. Then, in 2021, while in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, we repeated the survey to see if opinions had changed.

Now, it’s 2025, we’re firmly past the pandemic, and a spotlight remains on foodservice packaging. What do consumers think about the cup holding their coffee on the way to work in the morning, the take-out containers, or the utensils they use at a catered office lunch? To get an inside look at those consumer views, we once again worked with a third party to conduct a survey where the majority of the questions remained the same with a few new questions added to address some proposed ideas within the industry.

As with previous surveys, some of the results validated things we knew while some of the results were surprising. It wasn’t surprising to see that more than 55% of adults in the U.S. and more than 60% of adults in Canada continue to use single-use packaging at least once a week, but it was a little surprising to see that these numbers represent a slight decrease from the 2021 survey for U.S. consumers and a slight increase for Canadian consumers.

Another unsurprising result was around different performance attributes of single-use foodservice packaging. When asked about seven different performance attributes, both the U.S. and Canadian respondents said that being leak- or spill-proof and stopping stains remain the most important performance attributes of single-use foodservice packaging, followed closely by protection from tampering. They also continue to agree on the most important benefits. The clean and sanitary nature of single-use foodservice packaging was seen as the most important benefit, with the convenience of being able to take food on the go coming in a close second. This is in line with 2021 and 2019.

In relatively unsurprising findings, following similar responses in the previous surveys, consumers continue to view the possibility of single-use foodservice packaging ending up as litter on land or in waterways as the most concerning issue. After surprising us with a decrease in concern from 2019 to 2021, that level of concern has remained steady from 2021 to 2025.

Getting a holistic view is always part of our goal, so we once again asked questions about reusables, along with single-use items. When respondents in the U.S. and Canada think about the benefits of reusables, they see the environmental attributes, along with the sturdy nature of reusables, as the top benefits. Just like in 2021, respondents in the U.S. and Canada disagree on the number one benefit, with sturdiness remaining as the most important benefit in the U.S. Continuing the trend of similar results to 2021 is the top concern regarding resusables — that they’re not clean and sanitary.

Are you surprised by any of these findings? Do you agree or disagree with some of the top perceptions? Want to learn more about current consumer perceptions of foodservice packaging?

Many of the survey findings can be found in the executive summary. The full survey, including additional opinions on consumer behavior, purchasing decisions and what matters most, is available to FPI members.

For the past five decades, Earth Day has been celebrated in the United States. This annual event brings awareness and attention to the environment, and how we protect it. Over the years, the event has gained popularity and it’s now recognized as a global event with more than 190 countries participating.

This Earth Day brings us the opportunity to not only reflect on the environmental challenges we face, but also on the innovations that help us meet those challenges head-on. One area that often finds itself in the spotlight is foodservice packaging. What some people don’t realize is that it plays a vital role in public health, safety and convenience. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits of foodservice packaging.

Protecting Public Health

Foodservice packaging is a safe and sanitary choice. Originally designed to reduce the spread of infectious diseases — thank you Health Kup — foodservice packaging provides a measure of protection from personal contact and ensures food remains safe from contamination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of hygienic, single-use packaging became more apparent than ever. Tamper-evident and sealed containers help safeguard both consumers and foodservice workers, reinforcing public health protections.

Convenience

Foodservice packaging is key to allowing consumers to enjoy food and beverages anywhere, and on the go. It can offer excellent insulation to keep food and beverages at the desired temperature, which not only makes people happy, but helps to protect from foodborne disease.

Innovation

The industry is actively investing in materials that reduce the environmental impact of foodservice packaging. Material choices are widening to include new alternatives to traditional packaging types. Containers made from plant-based materials, recyclable alternatives and certified compostable products for industrial composting are becoming increasingly common. More often, foodservice packaging is designed with circularity in mind, while still delivering the performance foodservice businesses need.

Recovery

The foodservice packaging industry is working hard to lessen the environmental impact of its products. FPI supports these efforts through our recovery groups. We’re focused on making sure that items are recycled or composted rather than being thrown away or ending up as litter. Stakeholders in the industry are coming together to invest in infrastructure and improve recycling and composting access. Clear labeling, consistent communication and educating consumers are also key in ensuring that packaging ends up in the right place.

Foodservice packaging has been a staple in our lives for over a century, and still serves an important purpose today. While Earth Day messages may make you think twice about using it, remember all of its benefits and why you shouldn’t overlook its value.

Imagine a world where your morning coffee cup, last night’s takeaway containers or pizza box doesn’t end up as waste but instead finds a new life through recycling or composting. For many communities across the U.S., this vision is becoming a reality through the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Community Partnership Program. This ongoing initiative is focused on expanding curbside recycling access for foodservice packaging products, like paper and plastic cups, containers, pizza boxes and paper bags.

Whether you’re an eco-conscious resident or a municipal leader striving to improve your community’s sustainability, this program is a valuable tool in the effort to curb waste and increase recycling.

More communities are recognizing the value of recovering foodservice packaging. However, the acceptance of these materials varies depending on local resources, recycling facilities and community engagement. This means communities must carefully evaluate their ability to add these materials to curbside programs.

For instance, in a city of about 250,000 people, roughly 3,000 tons of foodservice packaging, such as cups, containers, and boxes, are generated each year. The majority—about 75%—is fiber-based (e.g., pizza boxes and paper bags). If the city set an initial annual recovery rate of just 10%, that would equate to 300 tons of recyclable material, with approximately 230 tons being paper and 70 tons being plastic. This initial goal is both realistic and impactful.

Achieving these results requires the right infrastructure, partnerships and education — a trifecta the FPI Community Partnership Program is uniquely designed to support.

The program’s goal is to assist communities in integrating foodservice packaging into their curbside recycling or composting systems. By partnering with vetted municipalities, the program creates models of success that can inspire and guide other regions as they adopt similar practices. The ultimate goal? To make it the norm to see foodservice packaging collected in curbside recycling programs across the nation.

Since its inception, the program’s impact has been striking. Recycling access for foodservice packaging has grown from 547,000 households in 2017 to nearly 7 million households in 2023. This surge represents not just increased access but a rising shift in community mindset about the value of recovering these materials.

Communities partnering with FPI enjoy resources and support to make their recycling programs successful. Here’s how FPI sets communities up for success when adding foodservice packaging recovery programs:

Stakeholder outreach and alignment. FPI collaborates with essential stakeholders, including materials recovery facilities (MRFs), haulers, end markets, composters, and community leaders. This ensures that all pieces of the recycling ecosystem are aligned and equipped to handle food service packaging.

Data collection and analysis. Before and after the program launches, FPI helps communities collect data on the composition of the recycling stream and other program parameters. This allows municipalities to track progress, measure success, and identify areas for improvement.

 Communication and education support. Education is critical to any recycling effort, and FPI doesn’t leave this to chance. The program includes a strong communications component to educate residents about which materials can — and can’t — be recycled or composted. This clarity reduces contamination in recycling streams and improves overall program outcomes.

Grant funding opportunities. Selected communities participating in the program may qualify for grant funding, which can be used to refresh and expand resident education initiatives. This funding ensures community members are well-informed about new recycling additions, driving higher participation and success rates.

Seventeen communities—including major cities like Atlanta, Detroit, Tulsa, Chicago and Washington, D.C. — have received funding from this program. These cities serve as models for what’s possible when foodservice packaging is integrated into recycling systems.

One example is Atlanta, where collaboration between FPI, local leaders and MRF operators resulted in expanded recycling capabilities. Now, 10 municipalities, including 350,000 area residents, can recycle paper cups through their community curbside recycling program. Initiatives like these demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of the program, paving the way for more cities to follow suit.

For municipal leaders, the first step is exploring the feasibility of adding foodservice packaging to your curbside program. Partnering with FPI provides access to the technical expertise, funding support and educational resources needed to ensure a smooth rollout and continued success.

For eco-conscious residents, your role is equally important. Stay informed about what can be recycled in your community, participate in recycling efforts and advocate for programs like the Community Partnership Program. Your voice can influence local leaders to explore the adoption of more sustainable practices.

Cities across the nation are already increasing their recovery options. Could yours be next? We know that together, we can turn small changes — like recycling your morning coffee cup—into a big impact.

 Interested in bringing foodservice packaging recycling to your community? Learn more about FPI’s Community Partnership Program and how to get started.

The need for speed. No, we’re not talking about Top Gun.

If 2023 was marked by a noticeable slowdown, 2024 has been about the need for speed. The pressures weighing on the foodservice packaging industry are seen in several ways when examining this year’s trends.

These pressures highlight the need to progress. And faster. This is all evident in FPI’s 2024 Trends Report.

Sustainability and the principles of sustainable packaging aren’t new, and haven’t been a “trend” in over a decade. But, this year there’s a growing sense of urgency around packaging sustainability and the justification or rationalization of choices made in this space has become a trend. No longer a “nice to have” or a “good for the environment”  option, sustainable packaging has become a required, if not regulated, part of doing business.

Companies that set 2025 packaging goals are now feeling the pressure and re-evaluating plans. It’s not a simple process to transition entire systems with numerous stakeholders and considerations. It’s complex and time-consuming, demanding careful planning and realistic timelines — not schedules accelerated by new legislation with increased pressure.

The pressure’s not all bad, particularly in the drive toward innovation. New, innovative materials and products help sustainability goals look new and fresh. Some notable changes include new coatings for fiber items that can be reheated in the container later and shifting away from color additives in favor of “natural” colored resin to help with end-of-life recyclability. Due to customer commitments and regulatory requirements, responses also show that the use of post-consumer recycled content continues to grow. We don’t expect this trend to slow down any time soon.

Legislative and regulatory changes are drawing attention toward packaging materials. As extended producer responsibility laws are implemented in several U.S. states, both foodservice operators and packaging manufacturers are contending with confusing — and often conflicting — approaches and targets. It may not be widespread but we are seeing a greater focus on reusable items for dining at restaurants, event venues and school foodservice programs which may be tied to regulatory pressures and customer demand.

Adding to the pressure is the increased complexity of packaging choices and their potential consequences. Packaging has to perform at an acceptable price point in a down market so what attributes become most important? Do companies switch portfolios from paper to plastics, plastics to paper, look at compostability, recyclability? All of the above?

New this year is the number of mentions related to increased imports. It’s clear this is a topic on the minds of much of the U.S. and Canadian marketplace — from finished goods across multiple substrates to a rise in imported machinery. A rise in imports has increased pressure on the industry to compete with imported products and equipment and the rise in imported machinery has led to anecdotes of lower costs and shorter lead times for domestic equipment.

Responses also show the continued trend of mergers, acquisitions and consolidation leading to tighter competition in the industry. More pressure.

On the flip side, automation in manufacturing has helped increase production and offset labor costs. Foodservice operators have embraced automation to combat labor shortages and work within smaller stores that only serve via drive-thru and delivery. This automation has even expanded into vending machines at airports and train stations.

Showing signs of policy and recovery aligning, respondents reported that sustainable options are still in demand from operators — even when economic factors are increasing prices. Reusable packaging is a focus for some and operator respondents are now “taking a second look” at the end-of-life pathway for packaging products, knowing that recycling and composting each have their own challenges and opportunities.

It’s clear the foodservice packaging industry will continue to face pressure but we view these challenges as opportunities to drive progress — and fast.

Now in its 16th year, our Trends Report is a snapshot into what the industry is seeing. Each year we collect opinions from companies throughout the foodservice packaging supply chain, including raw material and machinery suppliers, packaging manufacturers, distributors and operators. We take those insights and direct comments and compile them into a lengthy report. Our analysis is based on those submissions, as well as our own general industry observations.

Guess who’s back? That’s right, our good friends Fake Freddy and Truthful Teddy! Created by the FPI team in early 2019, they are the faces of an ongoing social media campaign designed to separate fact from fiction.

To refresh your memory, single-use foodservice packaging was getting a lot of media attention and not all of it was completely accurate. FPI developed a “Myths vs Facts” resource to combat all the wrong information floating around. This morphed into Freddy and Teddy, who were created to help set the record straight on all things single-use foodservice packaging.

Fake Freddy is a know-it-all who takes the things he hears at face value and does his best to spread the word — even if his information isn’t accurate.

Freddy’s buddy, Truthful Teddy, is more even-keeled and always on the lookout for the truth. He does his research to make sure he’s not spreading false information!

While these buds have been on a hiatus, they’re ready to come back and talk more about foodservice packaging. Starting in September, you can keep an eye out for their comeback on FPI’s Facebook and Instagram pages where they’ll be sharing, and correcting, some of the most widely known myths about foodservice packaging.

Freddy and Teddy will revisit everything from foodservice packaging’s impact on litter and marine debris, to the materials used in foodservice packaging. They’ll also look at how we dispose of foodservice packaging — what can be recycled or composted and how.

Armed with new and updated resources, along with plenty of “misinformation” to correct, it’s our hope that Freddy and Teddy can share useful information in a fun and engaging way, whether you’re in the foodservice packaging industry or you’re just a general consumer who likes knowing about the products used in everyday life.

We want this to be comprehensive. So if you’ve heard any pieces of misinformation and would like Freddy and Teddy to set the record straight, please send it over. Come follow along as Fake Freddy and Truthful Teddy set the record straight on foodservice packaging and don’t forget to like, share and/or comment!