Foodservice packaging trends shaped by economic challenges and opportunities, says FPI

A trade association representing the foodservice packaging industry in North America, Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) says in its latest Foodservice Packaging Trends Report that green issues remain important for foodservice packaging suppliers, and costs continue to be a strong driving force for material and packaging selections.

According to FPI, while the economic roller coaster ride goes on, the "green" packaging trend has continued as well. The association says that his year, the industry has seen a shift in emphasis on materials and "beginning of life" issues as compared to other years where "end of life" has been the primary focus.

FPI says that one trend affecting the industry includes widening dayparts for foodservice operators as consumers want to shift towards smaller meal options at various times throughout the day. Whether economically or nutritionally motivated, expanding dayparts are also affording opportunities to change up restaurant and menu, and thus packaging, offerings.

There is also a trend towards consolidation, says FPI. As said, both company and product consolidation was a strong theme seen throughout the industry in this year's trends survey. Mergers and acquisitions as well as business closures have added to companies, facilities and staff losses. Cost pressures have driven more consolidation, and the industry is being forced to do more with fewer resources. Even products are being lost to SKU reduction and the elimination of like product offerings.

"As these changes continue, the industry and its offerings may look a bit different, but we will emerge leaner, more efficient, and hopefully poised for growth as the economy improves," says FPI President Lynn M Dyer.