FPI Unveils 16th Annual Trends Report: Sustainability and Innovation Take Center Stage in Foodservice Packaging

/in

In response to rising requests into the evolving foodservice packaging landscape, the Foodservice Packaging Insitute (FPI) has released its 16th annual “Trends Report” for 2024.  This comprehensive report, crafted from the insights of industry members and FPI staff, highlights the critical trends and emerging pressures facing the foodservice packaging industry.

“The trends we see in this year’s report reflect an industry at the crossroads of innovation and adaptation,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI.  “From the rapid push toward meeting ambitious 2025 packaging goals to navigating new regulations, the foodservice packaging industry is facing challenges head-on while seizing opportunities to redefine its future.”

According to the report, sustainability and the principles of sustainable packaging are no longer merely trends but have become essential components of business practice.  With increasing legislative mandates pushing for sustainable solutions, companies are hastening their transition to meet 2025 packaging goals, resulting in significant industry pressure.  This urgency drives innovation, as noted in the development of new materials and coatings that enhance recylability and performance.

Furthermore, the report highlights a shift towards “natural” colored resins and increased use of post-consumer recycled content, a move driven by both regulatory requirements and market demand.  The adoption of extended producer responsibility in laws in various U.S. states has added complexity, prompting greater focus on reusable items in dining settings.

The industry is also adapting to the competitive pressure from increased imports of both products and machinery, which have introduced cost and logistical advantages.  Concurrently, automation in manufacturing and service operations is alleviating some of these pressures by increasing production efficiency and addressing labor shortages.

Consumer sentiment, influenced by economic factors, is causing a shift in dining behaviors, emphasizing value and influencing profit margins across the supply chain. Despite these challenges, FPI sees opportunities for progress and innovation within the sector.

“For 16 years, our Trends Report has provided a reliable snapshot of where the foodservice packaging industry is heading,” Dempsey added. “This year’s insights reaffirm the resilience and forward-thinking nature of our industry as it embraces sustainability and innovation.”

This annual survey collects opinions from companies throughout the foodservice packaging supply chain, including raw material and machinery suppliers, packaging manufacturers, distributors and operators. The first section of the report compiles direct comments and insights by industry respondents. The second section provides high-level trends in the foodservice packaging industry based on FPI staff analysis of member submissions, as well as FPI’s general industry observations.

The 2024 Trends Report is available to FPI members. Non-members may view an executive summary on FPI’s website. Please contact Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org for more information.

 

Study Finds Key Strategies for Integrating Compostable Products in Residential Composting Programs

/in

As more communities take proactive steps to manage food waste, residential composting programs are gaining traction. Within these programs, integrating compostable foodservice packaging becomes an important consideration in enhancing waste diversion efforts. Compostable packaging streamlines how food scraps are managed, simplifying the diversion of organic waste to the composting stream. Certain composting initiatives strategically include compostable packaging into their operations to boost consumer involvement in these programs.

Recognizing the need to address this issue and maximize the efficiency of composting initiatives, the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) conducted a thorough study looking at prominent residential programs. The study provides insights and best practices for integrating compostable foodservice packaging into residential curbside composting programs.

The report unveils the results of an in-depth study of eight well-established residential composting programs in the U.S., all of which accept varying types of foodservice packaging as part of their acceptable materials list. The term “foodservice packaging” in this context refers to foodservice products (e.g., cups, plates, bowls, clamshell containers, boxes, bags, etc.) made of compostable plastics, fiber and/or other organic materials. The report, compiled through interviews and compilation of public-facing program information, encapsulates a range of best practices. It provides an invaluable guide for those looking to establish or enhance residential organics collection programs, ensuring effective management of both their food waste and foodservice packaging materials.

“Our aim was to create a valuable reference that delves into best practices for residential composting, especially with certified compostable packaging. Additionally, it offers essential insights on reducing contamination, optimizing communication strategies, and sharing success stories from leading composting programs,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI.

The residential composting programs were reviewed based on several criteria, including the effectiveness of education and community outreach efforts, infrastructure and operational logistics, and the presence of robust feedback mechanisms, all within the context of state and local policies related to food waste management and diversion goals.

The study’s findings highlighted the advantages of including compostable foodservice packaging in residential composting programs to increase the collection of food waste for composting. By accepting packaging, residents are no longer required to separate food remnants from their containers. This solution allows for the convenient and simplified disposal of both packaging and food scraps into compost collection bins, streamlining the process and reducing the likelihood of contamination.

The study also reveals how programs can take a systemic approach to their operations’ design and implementation to improve organic waste recovery and minimize contamination. Starting with small-scale initiatives, such as a pilot program or a streamlined list of acceptable materials, communities are able to refine processes gradually, building experience and resources over time.

There were several strategies employed by the programs that effectively reduced contamination in the residential composting stream. For instance, continuous monitoring of packaging’s impact within the waste stream is crucial for identifying improvement areas. Clear and consistent messaging about accepted materials, reinforced by broad stakeholder engagement, helps maintain program integrity and mitigates contamination risks. Proactive feedback techniques like lid-flips and waste characterization studies offer valuable insights into compost bin contents and prevalent contaminants. Furthermore, many programs have integrated certification requirements for compostable products and adopted monitoring technologies as key strategies to achieve a high-quality stream for composting.

The full report is available for download on FPI’s website at: FPI Composting Programs & Foodservice Packaging Case Studies.

Paper Cups Now Accepted in Mendocino and Lake Counties’ Recycling Programs

/in

C&S Waste Solutions, the provider of residential and commercial recycling services in Mendocino and Lake Counties, is excited to announce that hot and cold paper cups are now accepted as part of its recycling program. This expansion offers 76,500 households and all local businesses the opportunity to recycle their clean and empty paper cups, keeping them out of landfills and allowing them to be converted into new products.

This development was made possible through a partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI), marking FPI’s first community partnership in California. This update to the recycling program highlights C&S Waste Solutions’ ongoing efforts to broaden recycling options and contribute to more comprehensive waste reduction strategies.

Recent legislative actions in California have emphasized the need for improved waste management and higher recycling rates. By aligning with state laws and partnering with organizations like FPI, Mendocino and Lake Counties are not only enhancing their local waste management practices but also supporting statewide efforts to improve waste reduction and recycling.

“C&S Waste Solutions is proud to lead the way in sustainable practices by expanding our recycling services to include paper cups,” said Michelle Goodman, C&S Waste Solutions Outreach Manager. “This partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Institute represents a significant milestone for our community and for the state of California as we work together to meet the state’s recycling goals and beyond.”

Over the past seven years, cities across the U.S. have added paper cups to their residential recycling programs. C&S Waste Solutions is now proud to join this growing effort through its collaboration with FPI. Since 2017, FPI has been instrumental in expanding paper cup recycling through community education grants, working with local material recovery facilities and paper mills to integrate paper cups into curbside recycling.

“We are thrilled to support recycling efforts in the Mendocino and Lake County region and lay the groundwork for additional partnership opportunities in the state,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “Our partnership with C&S Waste Solutions is a significant step in our efforts to include much sought-after paper fiber in recycling programs across California.”

C&S Waste Solutions will launch an educational campaign to raise awareness about the inclusion of paper cups in recycling and to teach residents best practices. This includes emptying any liquid residue, tossing the lid in the trash, and recycling the clean and empty cup. Once collected, the paper cups are baled with other paper products at the company’s materials recovery facility in the city of Ukiah and sent to paper mills. The high-quality fiber is then used to produce new paper products, such as paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, and even new paper cups.

To learn more about C&S Waste Solutions’ recycling initiative and see a list of all acceptable recyclables, visit www.candswaste.com.

Henderson County Public Schools’ Composting Program for Food Scraps and Compostable Foodservice Packaging Enhanced

/in

In 2019, the Henderson County Solid Waste Division launched a pilot composting program across six elementary schools within the Henderson County Public School District, involving nearly 2,800 students. Students actively participated in sorting their lunch waste into designated trash and compost bins. The program aimed to reduce the amount of food scraps that would be destined for the landfill, and instead divert those nutrient-rich food scraps for composting. In addition to food scraps, the county’s school composting program includes items like compostable paper trays, containers and napkins. The inclusion of these compostable items in the program assists in capturing more food scraps into the compost collection containers and further reduces quantities of landfilled packaging material.

To support this effort, Henderson County Solid Waste and Henderson County Schools partnered with the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI), the trade association for the foodservice packaging industry in North America, plays an active role in the recovery of foodservice packaging items. Today, FPI and Henderson County Schools are excited to share the success of the initiative, highlighting the significant strides made in waste diversion within the school community.

“The pilot composting program diverted 38.27 tons in 2021-2022 and 47.64 tons in 2022-2023. However, some non-compostable items were mistakenly included, while compostable items like fiber trays and napkins were discarded,” explained Robert Rolfe, Henderson County Public Schools Director of Child Nutrition. “Partnering with FPI has helped us reinforce handling protocols for organics and packaging, streamlining an effective program for students and staff.”

To assist the schools in engaging their facilities staff, teachers, and students to adopt new habits, FPI provided Henderson County Schools a communications grant that was used to provide crucial support throughout various stages of the program. Initially, the grant facilitated the creation of training materials for cafeteria and custodian staff. Back-of-house training and over-bin signage were implemented to ensure that those integral to the program understood the importance of proper waste sorting.

As the program evolved, FPI’s communications grant expanded its support to engage students and teachers directly. This included the development of a Teacher Training Guide, over-bin signs in the cafeteria with kid-friendly messaging, and vibrant stickers for kids designed to inspire active participation in waste diversion. The stickers featured a “Super Sorter” superhero theme to inject an element of fun into the educational process. Some schools also plan to introduce creative elements, such as compost pledge walls and colorful trackers, showcasing the school’s progress towards their contamination reduction goal.

“We were excited to partner with Henderson County Solid Waste and Henderson County Public Schools in FPI’s first school composting partnership to boost their composting program,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “The school district’s success demonstrates that a well-designed composting program for food scraps and packaging can offer a significant opportunity to reduce materials going to landfills while educating students about the importance of waste diversion.”

Through these communication interventions, both students and staff have the knowledge to accurately sort their waste. FPI worked with Henderson County to conduct a waste audit prior to the partnership launch and a second audit this spring to characterize the types and quantities of different materials now being captured in the separate streams. This information will yield insights into additional approaches that might further underpin program performance. Analysis of the results from the second audit is currently underway.

Henderson County Public Schools is committed to perpetuating the success of the county’s composting program pilot, placing a continued emphasis on integrating compostable foodservice packaging items into their waste diversion efforts. Henderson County Solid Waste funds the program and oversees the collection and management of the school district’s food waste, including its transport to a county-run compost facility. To learn more about Henderson County’s sustainability initiatives, please visit: HCRecycles.org.

Foodservice Packaging Industry Shows Signs of Optimism Amidst Challenges, Reveals Latest Survey

/in

In the 2024 State of the Industry Report released by the Foodservice Packaging Institute, industry findings demonstrate a market rebounding from recent economic insecurity and cautious optimism, despite the ongoing challenges posed by inflation and economic uncertainties. The annual survey, which assesses the perspectives of manufacturers, suppliers and operators, uncovered that only 34% of respondents experienced growth in volume, with more than 50% seeing a decline.

However, in a turn toward optimism, nearly 60% of the industry stakeholders anticipate expansion in volume, and a promising 77% expect profits to either grow or hold steady in 2024. This positive outlook is further supported by foodservice operators, who reported increased sales and a hopeful stance for the coming year.

“Despite the challenges of the past few years, it’s encouraging to see a wave of optimism coursing through the foodservice packaging industry,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “Our members are not just navigating through uncertainty; they are finding pathways to growth and expansion, showcasing the resilience and adaptability at the core of this industry.”

The 25th State of the Industry Report also highlighted a shift toward stabilization within the market, with nearly 40% of North American manufacturers moving forward with corporate expansion plans, a slight increase from the previous year. Expansion efforts are primarily focused on enlarging current facilities, with less than 40% considering new plants or mergers and acquisitions.

Findings identify chain quick-service and fast-casual restaurants as primary areas for market expansion, attributed to consumer preferences for convenience. This trend extends to grocery and convenience stores, which are increasingly offering more foodservice options.

Despite optimism, the industry faces ongoing challenges, including government legislation, lack of qualified labor, and concerns about the public perception of packaging as “waste.” The survey identifies these, alongside recovery/end-of-life options for packaging and margin compression, as critical areas needing attention.

“As we look to the future, it’s clear that our industry’s capacity for innovation will play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges,” Dempsey said. “Collaboration and continued dialogue among all stakeholders will be key to navigating the road ahead, ensuring sustainability efforts and fostering growth.”

FPI members and contributing participants 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.

Paper Cup Recycling Hits New Milestone in the U.S. With Increased Cup Acceptance at Over 40 Paper Mills

/in

Today, the NextGen Consortium, an industry collaboration managed by the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, joined the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) in announcing a major milestone in paper cup recycling in the U.S. Multiple paper mills, from Georgia to Wisconsin, have announced that they will now accept single-use polyethylene (PE)-coated paper cups in bales of mixed paper or polycoat cartons and aseptic packaging. This brings the total number of North American mills accepting paper cups to more than 40, marking significant progress as demand for recycled fiber content grows in the U.S., amidst increasing sustainability commitments and policy tailwinds. The new mills to accept cups include Newman and Company, Inc., Philadelphia, PA; PaperWorks Industries, Wabash, IN; Resolute Forest Products, Menominee Mill, MI; Greif Mill Group in Austell, GA and Milwaukee, WI, among others listed in FPI’s end market map.

Every year, an estimated 250 billion cups are used globally—the majority of which end up in landfills after a single-use. Historically, paper cups had been deemed ‘unrecyclable’ because of their plastic lining, resulting in low recovery rates and valuable materials ending up in landfill. In recent years, as mills compete for diminishing supplies of newspapers and office paper in the recycling system, there has been growing interest in opportunities to recover material categories that contain high-quality fiber, such as paper cups. Many mills––especially new and retrofitted builds––have undertaken repulpability studies to determine whether they can successfully recover the valuable fiber from coated paper packaging, such as fiber cups, for use in recycled fiber products. Positive outcomes of the studies have led to higher acceptance of fiber cups at mills. According to FPI, the dozens of paper mills that now accept paper cups in mixed paper bales represent more than 75 percent of U.S. mixed paper processing demand.

By accepting recovered paper materials, including cups, and reprocessing them into new products, mills play a pivotal role in advancing the larger paper cup recovery process. As more mills effectively recover fiber from paper cups, cup recycling is incentivized further upstream in materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and communities looking to improve their waste diversion efforts. While only 11 percent of communities in the U.S. officially accept cups in their residential recycling programs today, the increasing number of mills that accept cups signals a greater opportunity to grow cup recycling efforts.

“Alongside advancing reuse and material innovation, strengthening paper cup recovery and recycling is critical to keeping cups from going to waste in landfills,” said Kate Daly, Managing Director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. “Paper mills play a critical role in strengthening end markets for cups. By pulling materials through the system, mills accepting cups can drive increased cup processing in recycling facilities and cup collection in communities. We are thrilled to see cup recovery reach this important milestone in the United States, moving us closer to a waste-free future.”

For several years, the NextGen Consortium and Foodservice Packaging Institute have collaborated to strengthen existing materials recovery and recycling infrastructure to recapture more paper cups. Both organizations have released critical reports and research to guide paper cup recovery and recycling, such as NextGen’s report Closing the Loop on Cups and FPI’s White Paper on the The State of Paper Cup Recycling. While the challenges are significant, collaboration among various stakeholders involved in paper cup recovery can help address its scale and complexity.

“We are thrilled to work with a growing set of mills in their efforts to recover poly-coated paper cups,” says Natha Dempsey, President of FPI. “Reliable and responsible end markets for cups catalyze new opportunities for community partnerships, especially in regions that previously didn’t have the capability to recycle them.”

“The mix of recovered paper we receive has changed dramatically over the last several years, now including much more plastic that we have to separate in the repulping process. Paper cups contain good fiber and are no more difficult to recycle than many of the other prominent packaging categories we see today. We look forward to the value it will bring to our outputs at our mills in Austell, GA and Milwaukee, WI,” said Jeff Hilkert, VP Paperboard Sales of Greif Mill Group.”

In addition to working with the mills that are now accepting cups, the NextGen Consortium and FPI continue to work with several other interested mills to run studies that can help determine the viability of paper cups in their system. Furthermore, they are also working with groups up and down the value chain––including brands, MRFs and communities––to ensure more cups can be recycled, especially where viable and robust end markets exist. This collaborative work is a key step forward in increasing the supply of recycled content to meet growing demand, and reducing the amount of valuable materials being sent to landfill.

About the NextGen Consortium
The NextGen Consortium is a multi-year consortium that addresses single-use food packaging waste by advancing the design, commercialization and recovery of food packaging alternatives. The NextGen Consortium is managed by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. Starbucks and McDonald’s are the founding partners of the Consortium, with The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo as sector lead partners. JDE Peet’s, Wendy’s and Yum! Brands are supporting partners. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is the environmental advisory partner. Learn more at www.nextgenconsortium.com.

About the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners

The Center for the Circular Economy is the innovation arm of Closed Loop Partners, a firm at the forefront of building the circular economy. The Center executes research and analytics, unites organizations to tackle complex material challenges and implements systemic change that advances the circular economy. The Center for the Circular Economy’s expertise spans circularity across the full lifecycle of materials, connecting upstream innovation to downstream recovery infrastructure and end markets. Learn more about the Center for the Circular Economy at closedlooppartners.com/the-center/

About the Foodservice Packaging Institute

Founded in 1933, the Foodservice Packaging Institute is the trade association for the foodservice packaging industry in North America. FPI promotes the value and benefits of foodservice packaging and plays an active role in advancing the recovery of FSP to support the circular economy. The association serves as the industry’s leading authority to educate and influence stakeholders. Members include raw material and machinery suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and purchasers of foodservice packaging. For more information, visit www.FPI.org.

New Foam Recycling Capabilities Bring Jobs and Environmental Benefits to Detroit and Tri-County Area

/in

Goodwill’s Green Works, a non-profit industrial recycler and subsidiary of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC). The grant enables approximately 1 million residents in Detroit and neighboring communities in Wayne, Washtenaw and Oakland counties to recycle materials such as foam polystyrene (PS) cups, plates, bowls, take-out containers, egg cartons and block packaging foam.

The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier, used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. Green Works will sell the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls and roofs, as well as picture frames and crown molding.

Residents can take their polystyrene foam to receptacles located at Goodwill’s thrift stores and donation centers in Canton, Commerce Township, Dearborn, Livonia, Woodhaven and Ypsilanti. Thanks to a partnership with Dart Container and Recycle Here!, Detroit residents can recycle polystyrene foam at the Lincoln Street Recycle Here! drop-off location. The collected foam will be transported to Green Works’ 94,000 square foot facility in Detroit where it will be densified into foam ingots.

Green Works is also adding responsible appliance disposal (RAD) practices to repair, resell or reuse old appliances, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. The appliance program along with the polystyrene foam recycling will provide second-chance employment to individuals looking to redirect their lives in a more productive and meaningful way.

“Goodwill’s Green Works is dedicated to our mission of creating pathways to independence through personal development and the power of work, while making a positive impact on our community and the planet,” said Caleb Rutledge, president and CEO of Goodwill’s Green Works. “Adding PS foam recycling and appliance repair to our sustainability workflow will divert materials from landfills, reduce the disparate impact that pollution and climate change have on low-income and minority populations, and add 14 full-time jobs.”

“Goodwill’s Green Works is expanding recycling access to a large population of Southeast Michigan, and we are proud to be a part of that effort,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Goodwill Green Works’ positive impact can be seen through environmental benefits, but also through efforts to improve local communities and help individuals looking for a second chance.”

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick-fil-A; CKF Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne-A-Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC; Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

Goodwill’s Green Works is the 34th grant recipient to receive FRC funding since 2015. Over 11 million additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a grant.

Post-Pandemic Trends and Recession Uncertainty Impact Foodservice Packaging Industry

/in

The 15th annual Trends Report from the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) reveals the industry experienced a noticeable slowdown with the stagnation of orders and slower purchasing up and down the supply chain.

“Despite the uncertainty, the 2023 Trends Report did show bright spots. Respondents reported international shipping costs have gone down allowing for easier import and export experiences,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI.  “Another positive finding is that timelines for equipment have eased, although they can remain lengthy for in-demand machinery. And, as marketplace shifts continue post-COVID, respondents reported increased purchasing of foodservice packaging through e-commerce.”

Demand for operators that cater or service office environments has rebounded but reports show that full-time in-office attendance is still far below 2019 levels. With so much of the workforce in a flexible or hybrid state, dayparts have also become fluid, serving consumers meals or snacks when and where they want them.

Operators are reporting post-pandemic shifts in several areas, particularly with inflation. “Consumers have been hit hard in the wallet, leading them to look for the best bang for their buck.” said Dempsey.  “This has led to a rise in meal deals with a nostalgic twist — taking consumers back to better days, even if the price tag reflects current conditions.”

As inflation continues to impact consumers, service fees become a larger burden, leading to a shift away from delivery toward takeout. The survey also shows there’s been such a shift to takeout that operators are moving to smaller format, smaller footprint locations with an emphasis on drive-thru, to-go and delivery.

Policy continues to be top-of-mind for the respondents with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) discussions being most prevalent. Legislation, specifically EPR, was the number one topic brought up in the survey.

For 15 years, the Trends Report has provided FPI’s reflection on the latest industry happenings. This annual survey collects opinions from companies throughout the foodservice packaging supply chain, including raw material and machinery suppliers, packaging manufacturers, distributors and operators.

The first section of the report compiles direct comments and insights by industry respondents. The second section provides high-level trends in the foodservice packaging industry based on FPI staff analysis of member submissions, as well as FPI’s general industry observations.

The 2023 Trends Report is available to FPI members. Non-members may view an executive summary on FPI’s website. Please contact Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org for more information.

Celebrating Innovation: Winners of the 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards Revealed

/in

The Foodservice Packaging Institute and QSR Magazine have selected the winners of the highly competitive 2023 Foodservice Packaging Awards. This year saw participation from familiar names in the foodservice packaging and restaurant industries. After rigorous evaluation, first-place winners across all categories and a special Judges Choice have been awarded.

“We congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition. The winners’ products are being honored in categories that feature innovative design, thoughtful material usage, convenience or overall effectiveness in delivering brands to consumers,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “These award-winning packages illustrate the power of design in influencing customer purchasing decisions while also increasing product performance in foodservice packaging.”

The first-place winners are:

  • New Menu Launch: Jack in the Box with its Super Snacking Box manufactured by Huhtamaki.
  • Innovation in Convenience: Genpak for its ProView Close-Off containers.
  • Innovation in Manufacturing: Eco-Products for its digital print capability and Vegware Paper Cutlery.
  • The “Wow” Factor: KFC for its Fill Up Box manufactured by Westrock CP.
  • Excellence in Brand Delivery: Popeyes for its next-generation packaging manufactured by Huhtamaki.

New to the competition this year, a special Judges Choice award was presented to Inline Plastics for its Safe-T-Chef launch kit. The kit was chosen due to the consistent use of the brand color palette and the Safe-T-Chef logo, which worked effectively to reinforce the product brand and build visual recognition.

For nearly two decades, FPI and QSR have partnered in these bi-annual awards to recognize innovation and creativity in the foodservice packaging industry. Many of this year’s entries reflected growing trends in both the packaging and restaurant industries.

Award recipients were recognized during FPI’s fall conference and featured in the November issue of QSR magazine. A full listing of award winners may be found on QSR’s website. Product images of all winners can be downloaded from FPI’s photo gallery.

New Foam Recycling Capabilities Further Reduce Landfill Reliance for Over 50 Ohio Communities

/in

The Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District (SWMD), serving over 121,000 households in Geauga and Trumbull counties in Ohio, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC). The grant enables nearly 300,000 residents in both counties to recycle materials such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam.

Aided by Representative Diane Grendell, Ohio House District 76, additional funding was provided by the State of Ohio to support the program’s creation and initial implementation.
The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier, used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. The district sells the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls and roofs, as well as picture frames and crown molding.

Residents of the 56 communities making up Geauga and Trumbull counties can take their polystyrene foam to both the Trumbull County facility, as well as the new facility in Geauga County, where it will be processed through the foam densifier. The district is evaluating the option to expand foam collection to its existing Trumbull County facility and transport the materials to the Geauga facility for processing.

“The new Geauga collection facility is the culmination of over five years of planning and efforts from residents, community officials and county government,” said Jennifer Jones, director for Geauga-Trumbull SWMD. “Over 6,800 residents have already taken advantage of our recycling services there, and adding foam recycling will only enhance our ability to meet the needs of Geauga and Trumbull County residents. Foam recycling has been highly requested and will be a great addition to the year-round offering at both of our collection facilities.”
Geauga-Trumbull SWMD will inform residents about the addition of foam polystyrene recycling via communications, including a website, social media, press releases and local media coverage, along with a group email to preregistered attendees of collection events, signage at the community drop-off sites, flyers and short videos.

“It is encouraging to see the passion of Geauga-Trumbull residents and the efforts of the solid waste management district to find ways to improve and increase recycling in their communities,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “We are proud to support the diversion of foam polystyrene, a valuable material, from the landfill.”

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick-fil-A; CKF Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne-A-Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC; Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

Geauga-Trumbull SWMD is the 33rd grant recipient to receive FRC funding since 2015. Over 10 million additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a grant.