A Fresh Start: Foodservice Packaging Lessons for Back to School

/in

As summer wraps up and kids return to school, most people are thinking about school supplies and morning routines. Teachers are anxiously preparing for their students and developing lesson plans. They may not be thinking about foodservice packaging. But at FPI, we’re always thinking about it and how it can help in everyday applications as well as in schools.

 

Because of our passion for foodservice packaging education, we partnered with Young Minds Inspired and created an educational program for fourth through sixth graders. The goal is to educate our youth about foodservice packaging and assist teachers in meeting their curriculum objectives. The activities included in the free lesson plan explore the use of single-use foodservice packaging, encourage recycling/composting, and teach about sustainability.

We think this was a great opportunity for teachers to add a new, real-world element to their lessons, and an easy way for students to learn about the foodservice packaging products they’re probably using daily. If you can educate students on the what, why and how of foodservice packaging, we believe they’ll have a better understanding of why it’s a smart choice for sanitation, safety and environmental reasons.

The free downloadable program includes a one-page teacher’s instruction guide along with two activities for students that promote deeper-level thinking and discussion, and enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and English language arts classroom education — what are known as STEM and ELA programs.

The interactive activities include scenarios that help students understand:

  • How and why foodservice packaging was invented.
  • How foodservice packaging compares to reusable products in different circumstances.
  • The factors related to sanitation, safety, cost, convenience and the environment.
  • And more!

At FPI and within our industry, we are committed to reducing the impact of foodservice packaging products on the environment. By creating this educational program, we hope to provide a fun and dynamic opportunity for the next generation to learn about the foodservice packaging products they use every day.

You can check out the full educational program here and teachers can download and begin using the materials immediately.

Do you know an educator who could benefit from these materials? Please be sure to share this information with them!

Summer Fun and Foodservice Packaging: The Ultimate Duo

/in

With the summer sun shining and beach or pool days calling, there’s no better time to take advantage of the benefits of single-use foodservice packaging. Whether you’re packing a picnic, grabbing a quick bite at a local spot, or enjoying a takeout meal by the beach, foodservice packaging is not just convenient and safe — it’s essential.

In today’s fast-paced world, foodservice packaging has become a cornerstone of convenience with more than 50% of consumers using these items at least once a week. Summer gives us the chance to slow down and, amidst the fun and relaxation, the convenience and sanitary nature of foodservice packaging is even more of a benefit. You can enjoy your favorite meals and snacks anywhere, whether you’re on a beach towel or strolling through the park.

Outings for summer fun often involve mobility and spontaneity. Single-use packaging allows for easy transport and consumption of meals without the need for storing or returning dirty containers. The lightweight and compact nature ensures that food and beverages can be enjoyed anywhere during a day at the beach or on other summer adventures.

While you’re having fun in the sun, it’s important not only to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, but it’s also important to make sure your food stays protected. Foodservice packaging is designed to be sanitary because it’s manufactured, packed and shipped to arrive clean at foodservice establishments. It’s also intended to keep foods at their intended temperatures — hot foods hot and cold foods cold — providing a level of protection from foodborne illnesses, along with an enhanced outdoor dining experience. And, it might even keep the sand out of your meal!

Concerned about the environmental impact of foodservice packaging? Many single-use items are now designed to be recyclable or compostable and/or made from recycled content. What can be recycled or composted can vary by location but always make sure to check with your local municipality to see how you can recover your foodservice packaging. If it can’t be recycled, be sure it goes into a trash receptacle and is not littered.

So, next time you grab a drink on the beach or eat a takeout meal in the park, remember that single-use foodservice packaging is more than just practical. It’s a smart choice for convenience and safety, helping everyone enjoy the summer season to the fullest!

Checking in on Consumer Perceptions of Foodservice Packaging

/in

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.

Foodservice Packaging Industry Enters 2025 with Cautious Optimism

/in

Where do things stand and where are they headed?

After a few somewhat turbulent years, it looks like the foodservice packaging industry is finally catching its breath. According to the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, things are beginning to stabilize as we move into the new year. While challenges remain (because when don’t they?), the tone of the industry is shifting from survival mode to cautious optimism.

So, what’s really going on behind the numbers? Let’s dig in.

Volume is Up, But Profits Lag Behind

In 2024, over 45% of manufacturers and suppliers reported increased volume. That’s a good sign—it means more product is moving and demand is there. However, the boost in volume didn’t translate as strongly into profits. More than 80% of companies said their profits either worsened or stayed flat compared to 2023.

What’s going on here? Like many industries, foodservice packaging is feeling the squeeze from rising raw material costs, labor shortages, and—more recently—tariffs that weren’t even in effect when this survey was conducted in Q1 of 2025.

Still, the foundation looks stronger than it did a year ago.

Stabilization, Not Stagnation

“FPI’s annual State of the Industry Report, now in its 26th year, provides valuable insights into the issues shaping our industry’s future,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “The results indicate that the foodservice packaging industry is stabilizing and, despite ongoing challenges, we feel cautiously optimistic about 2025.”

And that optimism seems to be shared across the board. Just over 50% of survey respondents expect their volume to grow in 2025. Even more encouraging: nearly 90% anticipate their profits will either improve or hold steady.

Foodservice operators echoed this sentiment, reporting stable or increased sales heading into 2025.

Investing in the Future—Just a Bit More Carefully

Corporate expansion plans appear to be leveling off, but not disappearing. About 40% of North American manufacturers plan to expand this year—mostly within existing facilities. That’s down from 60% in 2024, but it still indicates forward momentum.

Additionally, about 75% of converters say they’ll be investing in new machinery in 2025. So while companies may be cautious, they’re not standing still.

Where the Growth Is Happening

When asked which market segments showed the most promise, respondents pointed to:

  • Fast casual restaurants
  • Convenience stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Chain quick-service restaurants

The common thread? Convenience and value. Consumers are looking for places that can meet multiple needs at once—without breaking the bank. These channels are responding with flexible packaging solutions that deliver both.

Old Challenges, New Year

Of course, not everything is rosy. Longstanding concerns like government regulation, rising material costs, and labor shortages are still very much on the radar. As Ms. Dempsey put it, “Convenience and value amid rising costs were noted as influences on growth opportunities… [but] traditional business issues remain at the forefront.”

So, what’s the takeaway? The foodservice packaging industry is moving forward—maybe not at full speed, but with a more confident stride than it’s had in recent years. It’s a moment of recalibration, not retreat.

This Earth Day, Don’t Discount the Foodservice Packaging!

/in

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.