The 2016 trends report from the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) reveals key industry shifts. The report's focus is on industry changes driven by the generational influence of Millennials. The report finds a correclation between Millennials and sustainable packaging preferences, convenience, and tamper-evidence packaging.
“Each year our trends report searches for common threads found throughout the entire foodservice packaging value chain. This year more than ever, it’s hard to deny the influence of the millennial generation on the foodservice packaging industry. As such a large, influential piece of the population, the opinions and ideals of Millennials are a defining factor. [They leave] an impression on the industry,” says Lynn Dyer, FPI’s President.
Millennials desire food that is increasingly convenient and less time-intensive. Responses this year showed an uptick in the grab-and-go sector. Ordering online, through mobile applications or via automated in-store ordering stations, has become increasingly popular, partially due to Millennials’ “text rather than talk” preference. Meal delivery programs are gaining traction too, requiring new, innovative foodservice packaging.
Changes in preparation and distribution of meals are driving other trends, such as an increased interest in tamper-evident packaging and food safety. Tamper-evident packaging offers a visible solution for foodservice operators and their customers concerned about the integrity of their foods and beverages.
This year’s report also highlights the fact that environmentally-friendly, sustainable, recyclable, and compostable packaging is moving beyond trendy. Each is now a regular part of doing business. It seems Millennials and sustainable packaging are a package deal. Light-weighting and mineral filler usage is gaining interest, which can help both the environmental and economic goals of companies and consumers alike.
Another key industry shift revealed in the survey is the common concerns addressed across multiple industry segments. Foodservice packaging sectors are communicating more with each other. This has resulted in them paying more attention to the similar links, challenges, and opportunities in the entire supply chain.
“The increasing communication and collaboration between the supply chain partners will result in the continued evolution of the foodservice packaging industry to better support the needs of foodservice operators and their customers—no matter who they are today and in the future,” Dyer says.
