For those who savour fresh, locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods, winter farmers’ markets can prove to be one of the highlights of the season.
As the temperature drops and you prepare to showcase your seasonal offerings, now is the time to consider your packaging options. In fact, with the government recently banning food vendors from using single-use plastic, it’s absolutely essential you’re ready and prepared for these new changes.
Eco-friendly packaging helps ensure you’re just that, providing a sustainable choice that not only benefits local businesses but also has a positive impact on the environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of sustainable packaging in winter farmers’ markets and explain why it beats traditional single-use plastic hands down.
Environmental Impact
By prioritising eco-friendly packaging you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Eco-friendly options like compostable bags or containers break down naturally, leaving no lasting harm to the environment.
On the contrary, single-use plastic packaging is notorious for its contribution to pollution and litter. Very often, this litter finds its way into ecosystems such as woodland or rivers, and even the best case scenario means it’ll end up in a landfill where it’ll sit for a couple of hundred years.
So if you’re heading to the farmers’ markets this winter, sustainable, eco-friendly packaging for your products will help reduce your impact on the environment.
Cost-Efficiency
Contrary to the misconception that sustainable packaging is more expensive, it often proves to be cost-effective in the long run. Although the initial investment might be slightly higher, the reduced waste disposal costs and potential savings on materials should help balance the equation.
Moreover, with consumers increasingly appreciating and supporting businesses that make greener choices, this can translate to increased sales from those who share your ecological outlook.
Enhanced Brand Image
If you want to boost your image and be viewed as a vendor who cares about the environment, eco-friendly packaging is the way to go!
What’s more, you can even customise your packaging to boost your brand image. By showcasing your commitment to sustainability, branded food packaging sets you apart from competition, giving you a competitive advantage
Maintains Ethos
One of the biggest attractions of winter farmers’ markets is the showcasing of the best local produce. From hearty root vegetables and delicious locally-sourced meats, to handcrafted gifts and homemade delicacies, these markets have an abundance of local talent on display.
By ensuring that the support for local businesses extends to sustainable practices, eco-friendly packaging aligns perfectly with the values of many of the customers who frequent these winter farmers’ markets who tend to value quality and sustainability.
Aesthetic Appeal
Eco-friendly packaging doesn’t need to be plain or uninspiring. In fact, it can be designed to be as festive and attractive as you like!
As pointed out already, you can use your package to show off your brand with custom food packaging. Or if you’d prefer the stripped back look that ties in perfectly with the rustic farmers’ market ambience, you could stick to plain packaging.
Resilience In Challenging Conditions
Unless you’re lucky, winter could bring with it some less than ideal weather conditions. This makes sturdy and water-resistant packaging essential.
Many eco-friendly packaging materials such as corrugated cardboard and biodegradable plastics offer durability and weather resistance, making them the ideal choice.
Abide By Law
Last but by no means least, avoiding single-use plastics is now the law after the government introduced a ban on the use of plastic packaging for food businesses.
The ban will include online and over-the-counter sale and it covers items from new and existing stock. Furthermore, the rules incorporate all types of single-use plastic including biodegradable, compostable and recycled.
For anyone still using single-use plastic, Trading Standards departments will have the authority to fine and prosecute. So assuming you’d rather avoid hefty fines and a stain on your business’ reputation, it’s best to abide by the rules and stick to biodegradable packaging.
So those are the main reasons why anyone selling their produce at a winter farmers’ market this year should stick to biodegradable packaging. As well as protecting the planet, boosting your reputation with eco-conscious customers and showing off your commitment to sustainability, you’ll also be abiding by the new rules put in place by the government.
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
