Making the Case for FPI’s Spring 2024 Conference: May 1-3

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People sometimes ask us why they should attend one of our conferences. There are so many reasons – one of which is that this is the only North American conference event focused solely on foodservice packaging! If you are in the industry, you need to be here!

FPI staff are always hard at work, focusing on the hottest topics affecting our industry for our spring and fall conferences. Our spring conference is right around the corner. Why attend this one? We are sure you will want to join us in Destin, Florida for this one. It’s a great location with a great program!

We’ll be discussing environmental marketing claims and EPR/producer responsibility issues. We’ll hear about foodservice packaging trends in the UK and how that affects us here. Legislative and regulatory issues keeping you up at night? Come hear the latest updates! Our expert speakers will provide valuable insights and strategies to navigate these crucial areas.

Our best networking event at our spring conferences! Participate in our tournament and enjoy a day of friendly competition on the beautiful Links Course! This is a fantastic opportunity to network in a relaxed setting, while also showcasing your golf skills.

Are you a member of FPI’s recovery groups? The Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) and Paper Recovery Alliance/Plastics Recovery Group (PRA/PRG) will hold meetings at the conference. Want to learn more about FPI’s recovery groups? Click here!

We believe your presence will add immense value to our conference. Visit the conference website for more information including registration, program outline, and hotel reservation information.

Not a member of FPI? Reach out to us and find out about our potential member program!

If you’re thinking about it, don’t wait too long! The early-bird registration and discounted hotel rates end April 8!

We hope to see you in Destin!

#FPISpring2024

Navigating Change: Highlights from the 15th Annual Foodservice Packaging Trends Report

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The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) recently released its 15th annual Trends Report, offering a comprehensive look at the current state of the industry. Despite facing challenges such as stagnation of orders and slower purchasing throughout the supply chain, the report also highlights positive shifts and emerging trends that shape the foodservice packaging landscape in 2023.

International Shipping and Equipment Timelines:

One notable aspect revealed in the report is the positive impact of decreased international shipping costs. Natha Dempsey, president of FPI, noted that this reduction has facilitated smoother import and export experiences for industry players. Additionally, timelines for equipment procurement have eased, albeit with some delays for in-demand machinery. As market dynamics evolve post-COVID, there is a notable uptick in the purchase of foodservice packaging through e-commerce channels.

Changing Dynamics in Office Environments:

The report underscores the rebound in demand for operators catering to office environments, even though full-time in-office attendance remains significantly below 2019 levels. With a large portion of the workforce embracing flexible or hybrid work arrangements, dayparts have become more fluid, catering to consumers’ preferences for meals and snacks whenever and wherever they want them.

Post-Pandemic Shifts and Inflation:

Operators are adapting to post-pandemic shifts, particularly in response to inflation. Consumers, feeling the financial pinch, are seeking value for money, leading to a surge in nostalgic meal deals that harken back to better days. Despite the challenges posed by inflation, service fees have become a significant burden, prompting a shift away from delivery toward takeout. This shift is so pronounced that operators are increasingly opting for smaller format, smaller footprint locations with an emphasis on drive-thru, to-go, and delivery services.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Discussions:

Policy considerations remain a top concern for industry respondents, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) discussions taking center stage. Legislation, especially concerning EPR, emerged as the number one topic in the survey. As sustainability and environmental concerns continue to gain prominence, stakeholders are actively engaging in discussions to address the responsible management of packaging waste.

Conclusion:

For 15 years, the Trends Report has been a valuable resource for reflecting on the latest happenings in the foodservice packaging industry. The 2023 report not only highlights the challenges faced by the industry but also showcases the resilience and adaptability of the industry in navigating the evolving landscape. As the industry grapples with changes in consumer behavior, market dynamics, and regulatory considerations, staying informed and agile remains crucial for sustained success.

FPI members can access the complete 2023 Trends Report, while non-members can view an executive summary on FPI’s website. For further information, interested parties can contact Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org.

Excellence on Display: The 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards Winners Announced

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In a highly anticipated event, the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and QSR Magazine have unveiled the distinguished winners of the 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards. This year, the competition witnessed the active participation of leading names from the foodservice packaging industry. Winners emerged in various categories, with a special Judges Choice award also making its debut.

FPI congratulates all the winners and extends our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year’s competition. The award-winning packages were recognized for their innovative design, sustainable material usage, convenience, and overall effectiveness in connecting brands with consumers.  These packages exemplify the pivotal role of design in influencing customer purchasing decisions and enhancing product performance in foodservice packaging.

Here are the first-place winners across the categories:

New Menu Launch: Jack in the Box’s Super Snacking Box by Huhtamaki
Jack in the Box took the crown in the New Menu Launch category with its Super Snacking Box, expertly manufactured by Huhtamaki. This innovative creation showcases the perfect blend of culinary delight and smart packaging design.

Innovation in Convenience: Genpak’s ProView Close-Off Containers
Genpak secured the top spot in the Innovation in Convenience category with their ProView Close-Off containers. These containers redefine convenience in food packaging, setting a new standard in ease of use and accessibility.

Innovation in Manufacturing: Eco-Products’ Digital Print Capability and Vegware Paper Cutlery
Eco-Products shone in the Innovation in Manufacturing category with their groundbreaking digital print capability and Vegware Paper Cutlery. Their forward-thinking approach to manufacturing is a testament to their commitment to sustainable practices.

The “Wow” Factor: KFC’s Fill Up Box by Westrock CP
KFC wowed the judges with their Fill Up Box, expertly manufactured by Westrock CP. This packaging not only delivers on functionality but also leaves a lasting impression with its unique and attention-grabbing design.

Excellence in Brand Delivery: Popeyes’ Next-Generation Packaging by Huhtamaki
Popeyes clinched the Excellence in Brand Delivery award with their next-generation packaging, also crafted by Huhtamaki. This packaging exemplifies a seamless blend of brand identity and consumer experience.

In a new addition to this year’s competition, a special Judges Choice award was presented to Inline Plastics for their Safe-T-Chef launch kit. The kit’s consistent use of the brand color palette and the Safe-T-Chef logo were lauded for effectively reinforcing the product brand and building visual recognition.

For nearly two decades, FPI and QSR have joined forces to recognize innovation and creativity in the foodservice packaging industry. This year’s entries reflected the evolving trends in both the packaging and restaurant sectors.

The award recipients were celebrated during FPI’s fall conference and featured prominently in the November issue of QSR Magazine. To explore the full list of winners, visit QSR’s website. For a visual tour of the winning packages, head over to FPI’s photo gallery.

The 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards have not only celebrated the best in packaging innovation but also set a new benchmark for excellence in the industry. These winners have showcased the transformative power of design in delivering brands to consumers while elevating product performance in foodservice packaging. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the deserving winners!

Current Trends and the Future of Foodservice Packaging: FPI’s Fall 2023 Conference

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The world of foodservice packaging is evolving, driven by advancements in technology, shifts in consumer behavior, and a growing focus on sustainability. If you’re passionate about staying ahead of the curve and shaping the future of this dynamic industry, look no further than our Fall 2023 Conference. This event features a lineup of expert speakers and thought-provoking discussions on current trends.

  • The State of the Foodservice Packaging Industry: FPI will provide an overview of current issues affecting the industry, including legislative and regulatory activity.
    Convenience Store Trends for Foodservice Packaging: Convenience stores have become an integral part of the foodservice ecosystem, offering quick, on-the-go options for busy consumers. What is the latest in this market segment?
  • Catering Trends for Foodservice Packaging: The catering sector is experiencing a growing demand for premium, customizable packaging solutions. Learn about the latest trends in catering packaging that elevate the dining experience.
  • Delivery Trends for Foodservice Packaging: In an era where delivery services have become a cornerstone of the food industry, the right packaging can make all the difference. Learn about the packaging solutions that are optimizing the delivery experience, ensuring that food arrives fresh, hot, and in perfect condition.
  • Consumer Panel: Insights on Packaging from the People Who Matter Most: Who better to offer opinions on foodservice packaging than the consumers themselves? Our panel of local consumers will share their thoughts, preferences, and concerns, providing invaluable feedback that can shape the future of packaging design and functionality.

As usual, our conferences are known for great networking: connect with industry leaders, experts, and fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for foodservice packaging. Forge valuable relationships that could lead to exciting collaborations and opportunities.

Don’t miss out on this experience! Register today and be a part of the conversation that will define the future of foodservice packaging! For more information, please click here and we hope to see you in Pittsburgh!

Keeping It Sanitary

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Foodservice packaging items, like paper and plastic cups, plates and bowls, were invented over 100 years ago to provide a more sanitary alternative to their reusable counterparts and help protect public health. Over the years, FPI has commissioned independent studies with third-party laboratories to compare the sanitary quality of single-use foodservice packaging and reusable options. The last study was conducted in 2012 in Sacramento County, California. Since 2012, reuse models for takeout and delivery have emerged and gained interest as sustainability measures and reporting, along with the impact of disposable items on the environment and potential cost-savings of reducing use of disposable items, became more highly scrutinized.

The objective of the new study was to conduct a survey of reusable takeout and delivery items, single-use items and dine-in reusable foodservice items to determine the sanitary quality of these items in foodservice establishments in North America.

Three types of foodservice items were tested: reusable dine-in, reusable to-go durables and single-use items. Sanitation levels were tested by conducting three microbiological analyses on each item. Along with aerobic plate count microbial levels, the study also compared levels of Coliform and Staphylococcus bacteria. The results show that there were no differences observed in Coliform counts and there were no significant differences between reusable dine-in and disposable items; findings which contrasted with the 2012 study. Staphylococcus was only found in very low levels across all types of foodservice items, which remains consistent with the 2012 study.

Overall, reusable to-go durable foodservice items had higher aerobic plate count microbiological levels than reusable dine-in and single-use items. Previous studies in other parts of the country have shown confirming results where reusable items had higher microbiological counts than single-use items. Variances could be attributed to any number of factors, including handling by foodservice employees or changes in dishwashing technology.

FPI members received complete survey results. A complimentary executive summary of the report is available at FPI.org/resource. For more information, contact FPI’s Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org.

All Signs Point to… Uncertainty

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If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know that each year we publish our State of the Industry Report. This year was no different. After 24 years of producing this report, we tend to have a good sense of what the results will show. But, with continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased economic uncertainty, the industry is left without a clear grasp of what will happen in 2023. The 24th State of the Industry Report doesn’t reflect a unified outlook, but it does provide valuable insight of the current foodservice packaging industry.

We get this snapshot every year during the first quarter by sending out the State of the Industry survey to FPI members as well as non-members within the industry. This gives us the viewpoint of folks we don’t always hear from, and it provides non-member participants a chance to view the report. Most importantly, it tells us what the industry thinks when looking back at 2022 and ahead to 2023.

Only 60% of foodservice packaging manufacturers and suppliers experienced growth in volume, compared to 80% in the previous survey. In a large jump from 2021, 70% reported profit growth in 2022. But, in a show of continued uncertainty, only 50% of the industry expect volume expansion and 39% expect profit growth this year. Foodservice operators who responded saw increased sales, and were overwhelmingly optimistic that this trend would continue in 2023.

Sending another signal that the outlook for 2023 is uncertain, 37% of the North American manufacturers reported another year of planned corporate expansion primarily through expansion of current facilities, compared with 50% in 2022. In a continued decline from previous years, 60% of North American converter respondents plan to purchase machinery in 2023.

One thing that is certain is respondents’ view on the fast casual segment and grocery stores — they’re seen as the greatest areas for market expansion. This is due in part to continued use of take-out post-pandemic, along with inflation. Convenience stores and chain quick-service restaurants are also noted as opportunities for market expansion because of increased foodservice solutions and the ability to eat foods on-the-go.

Despite the uncertainty, there is room for optimism. People are going to continue to want their food on-the-go and our industry will continue to provide ways that make it easiest for that to happen.

We’d like to thank the organizations that participated in this year’s survey. If you haven’t participated before, but are eligible (raw material or machinery supplier, converter, foodservice operator or foodservice distributor), please think about participating next year. We realize it’s a time commitment on your end, but the survey is meaningful because of your responses. If you’d like more information or would like to be on our list for next year, let us know.

Talkin’ About Many Generations

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The foodservice packaging industry is convening in Santa Fe May 3-5 for our spring conference.  What will we be talking about?

Our conference highlights are:

  • John Maketa returns to present a demographic update. John last spoke to us in 2018 and we can’t wait to hear what he has to say now!  John combines insights related to the power of shifting demography with his professional experience leading high performing organizations. He also adds some relatable psychology around human behavior to create instant, lightbulb moments and inspire meaningful action.
  • Following that, our theme with demographics will continue with a presentation from Thom Pastor, representing the Association for Healthcare Foodservice. We are looking forward to hearing about trends in this segment of the industry.  What does the future hold?
  • Megan Lynberg of Datassential join us to continue our theme with sustainability trends among students and Gen Z. Megan has devoted her career to helping food and beverage companies make smarter, data-driven decisions without adding to their already full plates.  Her insight into this segment of the industry is one we are excited about!
  • We will also be updating members on legislative and regulatory issues that are affecting the industry. This critical session is not to be missed.

And of course, our spring conference features the always-popular golf tournament at Towa Golf Club.  Not a golfer?  No worries as the Santa Fe area is rich with many fascinating places to visit.

Our closing event at the Legal Tender Saloon will take us all back the old west.  More great networking and maybe even a little game of poker!

Can’t make this one?  Don’t worry as we’ll have another great one coming up this fall:  October 26-27 at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  We are already working on the program and will have updates available soon.

Want to see what companies are attending, as well as other details?  Check out our website:  https://fpi.org/conferences/spring-2023-conference-may-3-5/

We hope to see you in Santa Fe!

FRC Grants — Increasing Foam Polystyrene Recycling Throughout North America

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Our members are used to the many acronyms we use here at FPI. But, there’s one in particular that we hope more community members become aware of — FRC. The Foam Recycling Coalition was launched in 2014 under the FPI umbrella to support increased recycling of foodservice packaging made from foam polystyrene. This means ensuring that items like cups, egg cartons, foodservice containers and packaging materials are diverted from landfills and recycled into new products.

Providing education and technical resources on foam recycling was a good start. Yet, we also wanted to offer funding assistance to programs that are ready to start or strengthen their post-consumer foam recycling. We do this by awarding FRC grants throughout the U.S. and Canada with the 2023 program open through April 25, 2023.

Since 2015, the FRC has given over $1.2M in grant funding. More than 30 communities, facility operators, non-profits and solid waste authorities have received grants of up to $50,000 from FRC. This means more than 10 million more residents can recycle foam polystyrene than when we launched our first grant program.

While millions of residents seems like a large number of people who have access to foam polystyrene recycling, how can we tell the impact of our grants? Well, thanks to our previous grant recipients, we can tell exactly how much of an impact we’re having. If we look at the data from 2018 through 2022 it shows:

  • Total weight of foam recycled per year increased from 655,180 pounds to 1.4 million pounds.
  • Landfill space saved per year increased from 140 trailer loads to 302 trailer loads, assuming one trailer load holds roughly 3,816 cubic feet of foam.
  • Total market value of foam recycled per year more than doubled from $78,621 to $169,014.

To be eligible for an FRC grant, entities must engage in operating a material recovery facility, manage residential curbside recycling programs, or manage a drop-off or convenience site recycling program.

Previous awardees have used FRC funding to purchase equipment, including collection bins and foam densifiers, that help in the efficient collection and on-site material preparation prior to shipping. We don’t require a cash match, but additional costs by the grantee may be incurred for related items, such as site preparation, electrical infrastructure, freight, etc.

The grant program is made possible through contributions to FRC. Be sure to visit the FRC website to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a grant.