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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Efforts Enable Over 7 Million Additional Households to Recycle Cups and Take-out Containers

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The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) encourages the responsible use of all foodservice packaging (FSP) and serves as the voice of the industry representng manufacturers and their raw material and machinery suppliers. Through its efforts in collaboratve programs, research, grants and advocacy, the organizaton has spearheaded the advancement of recycling take-out containers, such as plastc cups and containers, paper cups, paper bags, pizza boxes and aluminum trays.

“Eating out or on-the-go is a regular part of the American culture. Ensuring take-out containers are manufactured responsibly and recovered effectvely are priorites to FPI members,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “That is why we have invested in sustainable, long-term efforts dedicated to quantifying, communicating and improving the recycling of foodservice packaging.”

Community Partnership Program

FPI’s Community Partnership program has helped expand foodservice packaging recycling opportunites to over 7 million additonal households since its incepton in 2017. The program facilitates engagement between communities, haulers, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and end markets. The goal is to add a suite of foodservice packaging to curbside recycling and/or composting programs.

Partners can include individual communities, multiple communities in a metro or regional area, state agencies, haulers and MRFs. To date, over 24 partners have participated in more than 20 regional areas impacting over 500 individual communities, including:

  • Athens-Clarke County, GA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Brunswick County, NC
  • Catawba County, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Chicago, IL
  • Clark County, IN
  • Dallas, TX
  • Dekalb County, GA
  • Denver, CO
  • Detroit, MI
  • East Lansing, MI
  • Kent County, MI
  • Lansing, MI
  • Louisville, KY
  • Madison, WI
  • Memphis, TN
  • Millennium Recycling, SD
  • New Hanover County, NC
  • St. Lucie County, FL
  • Tulsa, OK
  • Washington, D.C.

“Working with a partner like FPI, we were able to improve the recovery of paper cups and cartons in the communities serviced by Pelliteri Waste Systems,” said David Pelliteri, vice president at Pelliteri. “FPI’s grant and support helped us secure end markets and conduct educational outreach to improve recycling of these materials and keep them out of the landfill.”

The Community Partnership program provides communication grants to help educate residents on how they can recycle items, like cups and take-out containers. Some partners receive equipment grants to help with the sortation of recycled materials. FPI also offers a Resident Education Kit that recycling program coordinators can use in their communications to residents. The kit includes downloadable high-resolution images, customizable flyer templates and best practices available for free to any community.

“Adding materials to the accepted recycling list is no easy feat,” said Kanika Greenlee, Program Management Officer for the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works Office of Solid Waste Services. “Collaborating with FPI empowered Atlanta to add take-out containers, such as paper cups, to our recycling program. This was achieved through engagement with the material recovery facility and regional end markets to ensure a path for collected materials to be made into new products. Additionally, the FPI team supported efforts to educate the nearly 100,000 households we serve to recycle right.”

Industry Advocacy

In addition to the Community Partnership program, FPI is actively working with multiple recycling stakeholders to advance the discussion and acceptance around FSP recovery and to advocate for the inclusion of foodservice items in appropriate recovery streams.

  • End market outreach and testing led to a joint mill statement on paper cup acceptance with end markets representing well over 75% of the U.S. and Canadian mixed paper market.
  • FPI has sponsored research including bale audits, material flow studies, residue research, resident messaging and more.
  • FPI and its paper mill members have developed and proposed a recovered bale specification for post-consumer polycoated paper cups and food and beverage cartons. This grade would formalize a type of polycoated paper bale which is currently being traded as a mill spec bale.

“We are proud of the efforts our team, members, industry collaborators and community partners have made to increase recovery of foodservice packaging,” said Dempsey. “Their dedication and passion to ensure we continue to make responsible and sustainable choices enables FPI to continue to make an impact in communities, economics and the environment.”

More information on FPI’s recovery efforts, studies and education resources can be found at www.RecycleFSP.org.

New Equipment Increases Foam Polystyrene Recycling in Metro Albuquerque

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ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler, a polystyrene foam recycling service in central New Mexico,
received a $38,800 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) to
fund the purchase and installation of a foam densifier.

Densifiers are used to compact #6 foam products, such as cups, plates, clamshells, egg cartons and block
packaging foam, into foam blocks or ingots. The facility sells the foam ingots to end markets in
California, New Jersey and Canada to be manufactured into picture frames, light switch covers, crown
molding and electronic cases.

ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler services a population of almost 1 million people in metro
Albuquerque through a drop‐off location, community events and commercial pick‐up service.
“We are looking to not only lead in recycling polystyrene foam materials in New Mexico, but also serve
as educators on recycling these materials,” said Tom Spadafora of ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam
Recycler. “Repurposing foam materials and keeping it out of landfills is our top priority.”

Residents and businesses in the metro Albuquerque area will see the service promoted via local
municipality partnerships, social media, local publications, neighborhood associations, and other local
and regional engagements.

“ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler is extending polystyrene foam recycling to a significant
residential population and commercial sector in the metro Albuquerque area,” said Natha Dempsey,
president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Supporting programs that provide access to additional
foam recycling and divert the material from landfills and into new products is at the heart of the Foam
Recycling Coalition.”

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.

The Foam Recycler is the 32nd grant recipient to receive FRC funding since 2015. Over 12 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.

Foodservice Packaging Institute Reveals Results of Sanitation Study

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The Foodservice Packaging Institute commissioned an independent study to compare the sanitary quality of single-use foodservice packaging and reusable options. The results of the 2022 sanitation study show higher aerobic plate count microbial levels in reusable to-go foodservice items than in reusable dine-in and single-use items. Over 85% of the reusable to-go foodservice items tested had higher than acceptable microbial levels.

“The goal of this research was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the hygienic condition of foodservice serviceware items, particularly the reusable takeout and delivery containers, single-use items and dine-in reusable foodservice items,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Our previous survey conducted in 2012 confirmed that disposable foodservice items were the most hygienic. However, considering the advancements in technology and shifting models by which consumers receive their foodservice (aka delivery), we felt that it was important to examine the sanitation of foodservice in the delivery and takeout space.”

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.

New Equipment Improves Foam Polystyrene Recycling for North Carolina City

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The city of High Point, North Carolina, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) that enables the city’s 117,000 residents to recycle materials such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam.

The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier at the High Point Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Densifiers are used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. The city sells the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls and roofs.

Residents of High Point, as well as the neighboring communities of Jamestown and Archdale, can take their polystyrene foam to drop-off locations that house drop-off trailers. The locations include Ingleside Compost Facility, High Point Public Library and High Point MRF.

“Residents have already shown a positive response to recycling polystyrene foam,” said Rebecca Coplin, beautification supervisor for the city of High Point. “The two trailers collecting foam with the Tiny House Community Development are replaced once per week, 10-20 drop-offs per week are received at the MRF, and an influx of foam from the High Point Furniture Market is seen twice per year. As we get the word out, we expect an increase in residential drop-off activity that will benefit the recycling of foam and other materials.”

High Point’s public information office will inform residents about the addition of foam polystyrene recycling via communications, including posters, printed materials and the city’s website and social media. The MRF offers tours, information booths and educational programming that will include messaging on recycling polystyrene foam.

“The Foam Recycling Coalition aims to support communities like High Point as they work to increase recycling for residents by adding more materials to the recycling program,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “We applaud High Point for taking action to divert valuable materials from the landfill that can be made into new products.”

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.

High Point is the 31st 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.

Foodservice Packaging Competition Now Accepting Nominations for Bi-Annual Awards

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Nominations are now being accepted for the bi-annual Foodservice Packaging Awards competition to honor excellence and innovation in foodservice packaging. The Foodservice Packaging Institute and QSR magazine kick off their 12th competition with multiple award categories to serve the industry.

Awards will be given in five categories. The top winners from each category will be eligible to win the coveted award of “2023 Foodservice Package of the Year.” The categories are:

  • Excellence in Brand Delivery: For excellence in the use of graphics or graphic design elements on packaging to promote brand recognition.
  • Excellence in New Menu Launch: For excellence in packaging that supports the launch of a new menu item.
  • Innovation in Convenience: For innovative features that make packaging easier to use and/or more convenient for the consumer and/or foodservice workers.
  • Innovation in Manufacturing: For raw material, machinery and/or converting innovations that enhance packaging.
  • The “Wow” Factor: For packaging with that extra “wow” effect when consumers or foodservice operators use or see this item.

“Year after year we’ve been impressed with the creativity and initiative shown in each submission and look forward to seeing how the nominations embody the spirit of this competition,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “We don’t expect this year to be any different and we’re excited to see the packaging innovations emerging during economic uncertainty and increased focus on sustainability.”

A panel of industry experts will judge the entries. FPI will honor the winners during the association’s Fall Conference, October 26–27 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. QSR will feature the results in its November 2023 issue.

Foodservice packaging manufacturers, their suppliers, foodservice operators, distributors, public relations firms and others are encouraged to enter the free competition by nominating themselves or others. For more information and to submit entries, please visit QSR’s website.

Cook County Expands Foam Recycling Access to Lower-income and Designated Environmental Justice Communities

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South Suburban College in partnership with Cook County Government, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) that enables the Illinois county’s residents to recycle materials, such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam, at its local drop-off center.

The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier at the newly opened Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) Center in South Holland on the South Suburban College campus. Densifiers are used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. Cook County sells the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into architectural moldings and picture frames, as well as thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls and roofs.

The CHaRM Center is centrally located near 53 communities with over 268,000 households in Cook County that have the lowest recycling and diversion rates, including 37 municipalities below the median income and 33 municipalities that are designated Environmental Justice areas.

“Cook County is proud to partner with South Suburban College to establish a permanent recycling facility for all Cook County residents,” said Anthony Tindall, solid waste coordinator for Cook County. “The County is grateful to the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition for this funding to further recycling efforts across the region. Expanding the types of foam polystyrene collected at the CHaRM Center to include food products will help keep even more waste out of landfills and ultimately create a healthier environment for all residents.”

The County will inform residents about the addition of foam polystyrene recycling via communications including mailers, flyers, community events, social media and on its website.

“Cook County serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration and proactive efforts. It shows the strong partnership between the Foam Recycling Coalition and communities, working together to empower residents in their efforts to minimize landfill waste, boost recycling, lower carbon emissions, and foster a local circular economy,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Cook County is a great example of the impact that collective action can have on creating a sustainable future.”

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.

Cook County is the 30th grant recipient to receive this 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.