Turning Takeout Into a Resource: How FPI’s Webinars Are Advancing Foodservice Packaging Recovery

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Improving the recovery of foodservice packaging is a core focus of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. To directly address long-standing challenges and opportunities across recycling and composting systems, FPI developed a series of webinars centered on the recovery of foodservice packaging items — from plastic containers and compostable takeout packaging to paper cups and pizza boxes.

Through research-driven discussions with material recovery facilities (MRFs), end markets, communities, composters and industry experts, the webinars are designed to clarify confusion, share real-world solutions and provide actionable pathways for increasing recovery rates across the country.

This work comes at a critical time. According to recent FPI data, millions of pounds of foodservice packaging are already being recovered each year through expanding recycling and composting programs, and the number of communities accepting these materials continues to grow. Yet confusion and inconsistent access remain barriers — challenges these webinars are working to overcome.

One of the most common sources of uncertainty surrounds paper-based takeout packaging. Questions about greasy pizza boxes, paper cups with protective coatings and food residue have fueled mixed messages for residents and, in many cases, led recyclable materials to end up in the trash. Recycling is a hyperlocal activity. Acceptance of foodservice packaging materials often depends on the capabilities of local MRFs, the equipment used to sort materials and the end markets available to process them.

To address this, FPI hosted a webinar focused on recycling pizza boxes, paper cups and other paper-based containers. Representatives from MRFs, paper mills and communities already recycling these items shared how modern systems are increasingly able to manage food residue and how an expanding number of mills now accept paper cups in mixed paper and polycoat/carton bales. Their experiences reinforced an encouraging trend highlighted by FPI data: more communities across the U.S. are adding paper-based foodservice packaging to their recycling programs as end markets continue to expand.

Plastic cups and containers are another key focus of FPI’s recovery efforts. Takeout packaging made from resins, such as PET and polypropylene, offers safety and convenience, but historically, not all container shapes have been recovered at the same rates. During FPI’s Plastic Cup & Container Recycling Update webinar, researchers and industry representatives shared findings from recent studies, along with insights from MRFs and plastics processors on how advances in sorting technology are improving capture rates for themorforms and other containers.

These improvements are already making a difference. FPI data shows growing recovery volumes for plastic foodservice packaging as more facilities upgrade equipment and align bale specifications with end market needs. In turn, recycled plastics are increasingly being transformed into new products — strengthening the circular economy for takeout containers.

FPI’s recovery work also extends into composting, particularly as communities look for ways to reduce food waste. Food waste makes up over 24% of U.S. municipal solid waste and is responsible for a significant portion of landfill methane emissions. Takeout containers often contribute to this issue when leftover food and packaging end up in the trash due to inconvenience or confusion about disposal.

Through a webinar on compostable takeout containers in residential curbside programs, FPI shared findings from eight communities successfully collecting food scraps alongside certified compostable packaging. Program operators and composters explained how allowing food scraps and compostable containers in the same bin increases participation, simplifies sorting for residents and supports higher diversion rates — helping keep both food waste and packaging out of landfills.

Another major barrier to recovery is simply access to recovery programs. Even when packaging is recyclable, it must be actively accepted by community programs and clearly communicated to residents. FPI tackled this challenge in its webinar on expanding community recycling access and participation, which outlined practical steps for adding items like molded fiber drink carriers, pizza boxesand plastic and paper cups and containers to recycling programs.

Communities that have already expanded acceptance shared how collaboration with MRFs and end markets, combined with consistent education efforts, led to measurable improvements in participation and recovery. To support this progress, FPI introduced updated resources, including a Resident Education Toolkit and a step-by-step checklist, designed to help communities expand materials lists and engage residents more effectively.

Together, these efforts are producing real results. Some of FPI’s recent impact data highlights include:

  • Millions of pounds of foodservice packaging recovered annually through recycling and composting programs.
  • A growing number of communities accepting foodservice packaging items.
  • Expanding end markets for recovered fiber and plastics supporting long-term recovery.

At the heart of this progress is education and collaboration across the recovery value chain. FPI’s webinar series brings together manufacturers, communities, MRFs, processors, composters and residents to share insights and align on solutions.

Improving recovery is not about one material or one program — it requires coordinated action. By developing targeted resources, sharing research-backed insights and providing practical tools, FPI is helping remove barriers and build systems that make recovery easier and more effective. As more communities adopt proven strategies and residents gain clearer guidance on recycling and composting foodservice packaging, recovery rates can continue to rise — keeping valuable materials in use, strengthening local programs and reducing waste sent to landfills.

Celebrate More, Stress Less: Why Foodservice Packaging Shines This Season

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The holiday season is finally here! A stretch filled with office luncheons, school celebrations, neighborhood potlucks and family gatherings that seem to appear on the calendar overnight. With so much planning — and so much cooking — it’s no wonder people are looking for ways to keep things simple, sanitary and stress-free.

Foodservice packaging is already a familiar part of daily life, whether it’s the morning coffee cup on the way to work or the take-out containers from a midweek dinner. In fact, half of consumers use single-use items at least once a week. That everyday convenience becomes even more valuable during the busy holiday season.

Here’s why foodservice packaging continues to be a reliable, clean and convenient choice for all of your holiday celebrations.

Between end-of-year deadlines, social events, travel and celebrations, the holidays are one of the busiest times of the year. Foodservice packaging is built for these fast-paced moments.

Holiday revelers already rely on it to enjoy pre-packed snacks and meals practically anywhere — on the train, in the carpool line or between events. Compact and lightweight designs make it easy to carry, like transporting your favorite bakery’s pastries to a school party.

And, single-use foodservice packaging is clean! It’s manufactured, packed and shipped so it arrives clean and ready to use. That’s especially important during the holidays when large gatherings and shared meals increase the risk of foodborne illness. Smart hosts know that purchasing foods from a catering company that uses single-use packaging can reduce cross-contamination and help prevent the spread of germs.

Whether it’s an office gathering with boxed lunches or individually packaged holiday treats, foodservice packaging provides peace of mind at a time when many hosts want fewer variables and more certainty. Foods and beverages that come in foodservice packaging can reassure holiday hosts (and guests!) they won’t be cleaning up broken dishes and glassware.

Additionally, during a time when celebrations can create extra waste, foodservice packaging offers some environmentally sound advantages that can often go overlooked. Advantages like the reduced consumption of water and energy resources during a season known for its heavy household workloads, all because single-use packaging requires no washing. Just throw it away, or whenever possible, recycle or compost it!

From a full take-out ham or turkey meal to cookie platters ordered from your local grocery store, the holidays are full of foods that test the durability of serving and storage options. Today’s foodservice packaging is engineered to meet those needs, making it a dependable choice for transporting dishes.

Foodservice packaging also maintains food quality by keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold — an important part of keeping holiday noshers satisfied, but also a crucial factor in reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Whether you’re hosting a large holiday dinner or distributing treats at school, this reliability matters. Foodservice packaging delivers consistent performance that helps support millions of meals served every day. The holidays should be about enjoying time with friends, family and colleagues — not worrying about broken glassware, overflowing sinks or sanitation concerns — or cooking!

Happy holidays from FPI!

The Year of the Letter “C”

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This year might as well be brought to you by the letter “C”: confusion, consolidation, challenges, customization, convenience and cost.

While that might sound like an alphabet soup of industry buzzwords, these six “Cs” capture the current state of foodservice packaging. It’s a year marked by complexity, contradiction and near constant change — even more Cs.  This is what we learned from our most recent Trends Report.

Confusion reigns supreme when it comes to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The patchwork of state programs and unclear definitions has created headaches for packaging producers, distributors and operators alike. With each state taking its own approach, even seasoned sustainability experts are struggling to keep up.

EPR isn’t the only challenge though. Respondents continue to feel the squeeze from tariffs, inflation and the rising costs of doing business. Balancing affordability for consumers with increasing regulatory and material costs has never been more difficult — especially as some consumers choose to dine out less altogether.

Mergers and acquisitions have accelerated across the foodservice packaging ecosystem. We’re seeing consolidation among suppliers, manufacturers and distributors, as companies seek scale, efficiency and expanded capabilities.

Even within individual organizations, we’re witnessing internal consolidation — streamlining product lines, reducing SKUs and focusing on core offerings. While some players double down on simplicity, others are pursuing differentiation through unique, customized packaging that helps operators deliver memorable “experiences” for their customers.

Rising costs and economic uncertainty are reshaping purchasing decisions across the supply chain. Value-based buying has returned in full force, with operators weighing sustainability goals against bottom-line realities.

Tariffs and inflation have added complexity to every step of production. The silver lining? Many companies are turning back toward domestic manufacturing to avoid import penalties and reduce supply chain risk — a trend that could help strengthen the industry in the long run.

As the market shifts, one truth remains: consumers still crave convenience. Even as budgets tighten, today’s consumers expect quick, easy and high-quality food experiences. That’s driving expansion in convenience store foodservice and grocery story meal kits, where operators are finding new ways to combine speed with satisfaction.

Generational differences in purchasing are having a greater influence on the industry, with younger consumers prioritizing experiences and customization over traditional dining. On the flip side, older generations may focus more on consistency and value. For operators, that means rethinking packaging as part of the experience itself.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for packaging today. EPR-driven mandates are rewriting the rules of engagement and aspirational sustainability goals have revolved into legal requirements. Fail to meet the requirements and organizations might not be able to sell your product into their marketplace.

Still, within the confusion and complexity lies opportunity for growth and differentiation. The key is adaptability or in keeping with the theme, changeability — how well we are able to navigate these “Cs” while embracing new trends and delivering value, innovation and experience to an evolving consumer base.

This is the year of the letter “C.” And, it’s shaping up to be a challenging yet defining chapter for the foodservice packaging industry.

FPI members can access the complete 2025 Trends Report on FPI’s website, while non-members can view an executive summary. For further information, interested parties can contact Ashley Elzinga.